Tonight is my Saint Day, "San Juan". A popular festivity all over Spain, particularly in Galicia. It is a festival celebrating the arrival of summer and the longest day of the year, the summer solstice.
Bonfires are lit all over Galicia at 12 pm on 24th July in order to frighten away the bad spirits and purify the soul. It is a tradition to jump over the bonfire 9 times for good luck and protection. During the night aromatic plants are picked and are soaked in water during the night, in the morning the water is used for washing the body, therapeutic and cleansing properties are attributed to this herbal/aromatic water.
In this magical night, the tradition is to eat barbecued sardines, maize bread and local red wine. This festival is celebrated throughout Galicia, especially in A Coruña where many bonfires are lit all over the beach of Riazor.
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