The feast of Saint John (San Juan) is one of the oldest in the calendar year. It coincides with the summer solstice and the shortest night of the year and it is strongly connected with fire and magic. In Spain, fires are lit all over, especially in coastal areas where the triumph of light over darkness is celebrated by feasting, singing and dancing. On many beaches in Spain it is prohibited to lit fires, however, on this night they make an exception and huge bonfires are lit and everyone goes down to the beach for the fiesta. There is the tradition for jumping three times over the bonfire and it is also customary to bathe in the sea on this night as the waters are said to be beneficial for skin complaints and/or burnt feet! It is great time for partying and many beaches like La Malvarrosa in Valencia have DJ's and party well into the night.
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