The Summer Solstice in Spain is celebrated on the beach, where else? At midnight on 23rd June, family and friends, young and old all head for their local beach with some wood for a bonfire, food and drink, a blanket to sit on and a pen and paper to write down their 3 wishes.
It’s common to see people jumping over fires which, according to legend, cleanse the body and the soul. Jumping in the sea at midnight is supposed to be a way to wash away evil spirits. It is ritual that rules San Juan. After midnight, for example, people wash their faces and feet three times in order to be granted three wishes to ensure a happy twelve months thereafter.
Whether you want to partake in the rituals or just have a great party it is far more fun than when we celebrated “Midsommar” in Sweden and normally we were huddled together to keep warm outdoors before heading in to thaw out with a large whiskey in front of a fire. (It was warm sometimes!)
If you are here on holiday head down to Garrucha, this is what you can expect.
