The summer solstice party of San Juan- the longest day, the shortest night is when the Spanish celebrate to the early hours of the morning on the beach.
The 3 symbols of this deeply pagan event are herbs, water & fire -all purifying elements that make up San Juan's heady symbolism of fertility, vitality & astral gods. Certainly was working on all the millions of people of all ages who flocked to the beaches!
San Juan is about changes - shifting sands. Its about night to day; its about fire to water. Fire purifies and water recuperates, refreshes & rejuvenates.
Bonfires large and small are lit all along the Andalucian coast for miles to celebrate into the early hours of the morning. Its common to see people jumping over the fires, which legend has it, cleanse the body and soul. Certainly people were jumping over the smaller fires - cant image health & safety allowing that in UK!!
Jumping in the sea at midnight is also supposed to wash away evil spirits but not many did that this year. Certainly some went in for a dip but due to a huge influx of Portugese man of war, not many wanted to wash away evil spirits and possibly get worse spirits as a result.
An amazing night, one to be remembered and certainly put in the diary for next year.
The DJs were playing the Spanish top single all the time aptly called
All Night, All Day, All Night, All Day, fiesta - What the f..... What the f....' quite catchy actually!!
