Midsummer Night in Galicia: magic, traditions and fire

With just over a week to go until the most magical night of the year, at Simply Galicia we are preparing to comply with all the traditions and rituals surrounding San Juan. The night of June 23, is a meeting around the fire between pagan and Christian traditions, where the Galician beaches are filled with bonfires, the spells are intertwined with the aroma of queimada and the waves of the sea speak alone. In today's post, we tell you about some of the traditions of the Night of San Xoán!

The Bonfires

The most characteristic element of the night of San Juan in Galicia are the bonfires, known as "cacharelas" or "lumeiradas". Lighting bonfires is a tradition that symbolizes purification and the removal of evil spirits. According to popular belief, jumping over the fire nine times, or three in some places, ensures protection and good luck throughout the year. The preparation of the bonfires is a community event, where neighbors and friends gather to pile up wood and other combustible materials, creating structures that will burn at nightfall.

In addition, the cacharelas are not only used to jump over, but also to burn old and negative objects, symbolizing the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.

The Herbs of San Juan

Another deeply rooted custom is the gathering of the "herbas de San Xoán". During the eve of San Juan, seven different types of herbs are collected, including fern, rosemary, lemon verbena, hypericum, mallow, fennel or fiuncho. These herbs are left in water, collected from seven sources, during the night so that, at dawn, people wash their faces with this water, seeking to obtain magical and protective properties that ward off evil and attract good fortune.

Water Rites

Water also plays a fundamental role in this magical night. The beaches and rivers of Galicia are filled with people seeking purification and renewal of energy. It is believed that bathing in the sea or in a river during the night of San Juan brings health and fortune. In addition, some people collect water from the sea to use throughout the year for healing purposes or to bless the home.

And, of course, in Galicia the gastronomic tradition could not be missing. In addition to eating sardines, the queimada ritual is also common. Prepared in an earthenware pot, it mixes orujo, sugar, citrus and coffee beans. But the most spectacular thing is the conxuro da queimada, a magical ritual that is recited while the drink burns. Why? To protect against the evil eye and evil spirits.