Different plans for San Juan, the most magical night of the year
The night of 23 June is the shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, and is a magical holiday associated with the beginning of summer.
The night of St. John is actually the Christian adaptation of the pagan pagan festival celebrating the summer solstice. Originally, bonfires were lit during the night to give strength to the sun and encourage it to prolong its light. Christianity took up this festival and also linked it to the birth of Saint John the Baptist.
There are many traditions surrounding this festivity and many rites are performed depending on the superstition and the place where it takes place. Some of the best known are the burning of objects to leave behind the bad and attract the good; jumping over bonfires up to seven times to get good luck during the year; bathing in the sea at night to purify the body or making wishes to the stars.
The night of San Juan in Extremadura
In Extremadura this night is celebrated in many different and unique ways and we tell you about some of them.
In various towns in Extremadura, the burning of dolls takes place, which is known by different names in the region. In Olivenza, it is known as the "Muñecas de San Juan", in Alconchel as "Los Mastros" and in Villanueva del Fresno as "Juanitos". These dolls are normally made in human size and are stuffed with straw. In some of these villages, such as Olivenza, a competition is held to select the winning doll of the festivities, which is burnt at the end of the night on a bonfire.
A different kind of Midsummer's Eve
As Saint John's Eve is a very special night full of magic and as Extremadura and Alentejo have one of the best night skies due to the low light pollution, we propose you to experience this festivity in a unique way by doing a night-time activity of astrotourismlearning about the sky so that you don't miss any stars to make your wish on the night of 23 June.
If you are interested in finding out more about astro-tourism experiences, do not hesitate to contact us or purchase it through our experience vouchers that will allow you to enjoy it at any time of the year and even give it as a gift to that special person.
