Canary Islands' San Juan Night: Ancient Rituals and Modern Beliefs

Canary Islands' San Juan Night: Ancient Rituals and Modern Beliefs The night of San Juan, celebrated on June 23rd, holds special significance in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa. This year, many islanders participated in age-old traditions, some of which were recently highlighted in a short video. The video focuses on two key rituals: burning written fears and desires in a bonfire and infusing water with seven herbs under the moonlight for a purifying wash the following morning. "We write down what we want to leave behind, or what we dream of achieving," explains a local resident featured in the video, describing the bonfire ritual. "Then we throw it into the fire and trust." The second ritual, involving herbs like rosemary and lavender, is believed to bring renewal and spiritual cleansing. The video showcases the preparation of this herbal infusion, emphasizing the importance of performing the ritual under the full moon. The video concludes by promoting a book, "Harimaguadas," which delves deeper into these and other traditional practices of the Canary Islands. The rituals highlight the enduring connection between the islanders and their ancestral traditions, blending ancient beliefs with modern celebrations. The popularity of these practices underscores the importance of preserving and understanding cultural heritage.