After more than 20 years, posts here will now only be occasional ( |
| Hoguera de San Juan Saint John bonfire in Fuenlabrada (Madrid, Spain). Photo: Ayuntamiento de Fuenlabrada | Some rights reserved |
This year, once more, the Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John), normally held on the Noche de San Juan (Saint John's Eve), the night of 23 June - are prohibited in almost the whole island of Tenerife, to avoid the massive crowds that would otherwise form. But what is this tradition all about?
Jumping over the bonfire symbolizes renewing energy after letting go of negativity that prevents progress. Some prefer to take less risk and jump over the waves on the shore. Another part of these rituals is burning a note, on which you write down the things you want to let go of and leave behind.
After jumping or dancing around the fire (or jumping the waves), submerge yourself in the sea, if it's nearby, or, failing that, your feet in a container of water and salt. It means rebirth. This ritual should end with a prayer for humanity, with a wish for peace in the world, as well as an individual request for the rest of human beings, with the idea of sharing the benefit that, according to these remote beliefs, is you will receive with these magical rites.
