The Midsummer Eve

Festive heritage of Catalonia

Night is coming when we welcome the summer with old traditions

A Midsummer night filled with bonfires.

For some time many cultures celebrate the summer solstice in a very special way. In Catalonia the night of 23 to 24 June is the Night of Fire, or the Night of the Witches, as everyone knows, the Night of San Joan.

It seems that the origin of the pagan festival could come from the oldest civilizations. Furthermore, according to the interpretation of Christianity, is the commemoration of the birth of St. John, who was 12 at night.

In what everyone agrees is the star of the night's fire. In almost all the events from the world of the shortest night of the year appears as a purifying element. Usually accompanied by magical rituals. In the case of Catalonia, the festival does not miss the sound of firecrackers and the traditional cake of San Joan.

          

In Menorca during these dates, the principal actor is the horse and the rider, dresses white and black, enter the principal square, where is absolutely full of people, and the horse and the riders "dancing" with the typical music. It's an amazing party!

The principal drink is a mixt of lemonade and Menorca Gin, called "Pomada". It's a little bit sweet, but it taste good!

All the summer, you can enjoy with different parties in some villages of Menorca, but the most popular is in Ciutadella and it's held the 22nd- to 24th of June.