Saturday 23rd of June is San Juan Night
(Info from Foreign Residents dept.)
Certain festivals seem to summarise life in Spain, with its love of having a good time in the company of friends and loved ones. The night of San Juan is definitely one of these events. It is a magical night that welcomes the summer season . The celebration is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drinks, food and friends. Legends, tradition and magical rituals are connected by a common elements: fire and water. There is also burning of rag man”Juas”, which originally symbolized Judas Iscariot. Pagan and Religious tradition meet in this awesome celebration.
It is also a night full of superstition. If you want to be lucky for the next 12 months you may want to:
- jump over bonfire
- burn something old and personal to leave behind bad spirits from the past and start a new phase.
- Swim in the sea after midnight to purify soul and body.
Don’t stay indoors at San Juan, go to the centre of Arroyo to see “Juas” or to a beach and have “moraga” with friends.