The night of San Juan, (23rd June) is a festival to welcome summer and takes place on the shortest night, when light triumphs over darkness, and is celebrated from June 20th til June 24th.

There is a magical feel in the air during San Juan, you will find yourself surrounded by bonfires, music, dancing, a party atmosphere for all.

Sun, Fire and Water are the essential features to this night.  Legend says, if a fire burns on this night, it can cure diseases of the skin, if you jump over the fire three times, your body and soul will be purified and cleansed.

Traditionally, dolls (muñecos) are burnt on the fire after Midnight.  In olden days, they represented Judas Iscariot but nowdays the religious meaning has disappeared, the dolls are burnt just for fun and good luck for the coming seasons.

Many beaches, for one night only, allow camping and bonfires.  As night falls hundreds of bonfires dot the coastline, the flames reflecting in the water. Many people carry out the ritual of a purifying swim to cleanse themselves and wash away their sins.

Legend says that to wash or bathe after midnight can wash away sin, and cleanse the soul. If you wash your face and feet three times, you will ward off evil spirits for the next twelve months, this is said to symbolise the baptisim of San Juan.

Another tradition, is for women to prepare a mix of perfumed water, made from seven plants including the herbs thyme, rosemary and laurel.  To bathe or wash your face in this perfumed water is said to purify yourself for the next year.

Single women used to make small wreaths from herbs, mostly made from thyme and float them along the river and make a wish for the perfect partner.

The festivals of San Juan are of Pagan origin and consist of rituals and customs from pre christian celebrations.

People from the local villages dedicate their spare time preparing the bonfires, decorating the streets and many of the children contribute to making the dolls (muñecos) for the bonfires.