At the end of June, Spain freezes in anticipation of the shortest night of the year. And no wonder! Indeed, it is from 23 to 24 June that the country celebrates San Juan (St. John's Night). For the Spaniards this is a favorite event of the summer season. It is interesting that the holiday is similar in many respects to the holiday of Ivan Kupala that we are accustomed to, but it has its own national peculiarities.
San Juan has its roots in ancient pagan times, the summer night symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. That is why the symbols of the holiday itself are fire and sun, purifying the world of evil spirits, and water is a symbol of life, development and prosperity.
Spanish holiday is impossible to imagine without dancing, bright and incendiary. On holiday everyone from small to large perform a dance of joy and wealth, tourists willingly join these dances. After jumping through the bonfires comes the turn of the water. It is not customary to let wreaths in the water, the Spaniards themselves dive into the sea! Water these days is already warm, moreover, it is on this day it is customary to open the bathing season. To arrange swimmers before San Juan is considered a sin.
Thousands of lights explode in the sky of salutes, turning the night into a bright and iridescent spectacle. It is these days in Barcelona, a festival of fireworks. Before the holiday, huge figures of cardboard and wood are erected on the streets, which are then solemnly burned.
The holiday is also possible without traditional treats. In the Night of San Juan it is customary to drink wine and cold kava - the Spanish analog of champagne. And it's all gorgeous baking. Indispensable attribute of the feast is a cake called Coca de San Juan. The one who has invited him invites happiness to his home. Different pies are given to different drinks - sweet with fruits and candied fruits and salted with tuna and sausages