What is the tradition hogueras?

What is the tradition hogueras?

Named “Hogueras” (bonfires), this tradition originated long before Christmas itself. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. It is characterized by people jumping over fires as a symbolic protection against illness.

Where is Los hogueras celebrated?

Las Hogueras de San Juan (the Bonfires of Saint John) is a festival that occurs each year in late June, and it’s one of the most important events in Alicante.

What happens in Spain on the night of June 23rd?

Many events take place on the evening of June 23. People in Catalonia celebrate Saint John the Baptist Day by: Lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks on the evening of June 23. Fire runs or correfocs, where people dress as devils and carry pitchforks with fireworks attched to them.

Do Spanish people celebrate bonfire night?

In Spain you can enjoy Bonfire Night in a warmer setting. The festival of San Juan in June is celebrated with fire, water, medicinal herbs and plenty to eat and drink.

Why do people celebrate Las hogueras de San Juan?

The Festival of San Juan dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is celebrated all over Spain but especially in coastal regions where many people head for the beach, build bonfires and party throughout the night.

What do you do at Las hogueras de San Juan?

It is a night full of fire, music, food and water, where people are united at the beach and sit around bonfires to commemorate the night. The origins of the event go back to many centuries ago, when men ruled their lives over the Sun, which during a period lost its strength and so the days became shorter.

Why is La Noche de San Juan celebrated?

Every June 23d, Puerto Ricans celebrate la Noche de San Juan – an eve of a feast for Saint John, the Baptist’s birth. Unlike other festivities around the world, in Puerto Rico, this celebration -which occurs two days before the summer solstice- marks a holiday spent at the beach.

What happens hogueras de San Juan?

Who celebrates Las hogueras de San Juan?

Credit: Fernando Pastor / CC BY 2.0. Las Hogueras de San Juan (The Bonfires of Saint John) is a celebration of the coming of summer that takes around June 24. The Bonfires of Saint John has rejoiced throughout many cities and towns in Spain, but the largest and most important one takes place in Alicante.

What practices do they do to celebrate the night of San Juan?

Noche de San Juan It is tradition for all Puerto Ricans to spread along the coast of Puerto Rico to follow a ritual on the night of June 23rd to 24th at midnight. This consists on turning their backs to the sea and entering the water three times walking backwards to ward off evil spirits from their bodies and souls.

What happens during the San Juan festival?

It is a celebration that is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drink, food, and friends. It is a memorable, almost surreal scene and one that needs to be experienced. The summer solstice remains a magical night in much of the northern hemisphere.

Why do Puerto Ricans celebrate Noche de San Juan?

What are the Hogueras and why are they celebrated?

Despite its obvious pagan root, the Hogueras have long been linked to the feast day of saint John, which is celebrated on June 24. That is precisely the day when Las Hogueras come to an end.

Why do people jump over fires in Malaga?

On the beaches of Malaga it’s common to see people jumping over fires which, according to legend, cleanses the body and soul. Jumping in the sea at midnight is supposed to be a way to wash away evil spirits and to gain eternal beauty.

Why do we jump over the bonfire?

It is an autochthonous Alicantine tradition to jump over the bonfire, although in recent years the size of the fires have made this far harder, and also unreasonably dangerous!. Despite its obvious pagan root, the Hogueras have long been linked to the feast day of saint John, which is celebrated on June 24.

Why do people jump in the sea at midnight?

Jumping in the sea at midnight is supposed to be a way to wash away evil spirits and to gain eternal beauty. This clearly doen’t work in many cases, just take a look at the faces of some of the revellers early the next morning!