News

The Shortest Night

MarConfort Hotels-22/06/2011

Once again, night of San Juan marks Summer's arrival. Ancient rites to ward off evil spirits shall be performed. Eat, drink, think about the future and clear, with fire and water, the concerns of a year. And enjoy. In Alicante, Balearic, Canary Islands and Costa del Sol, in all destinations in the chain, Marconfort Hotels & Apartments encourages its guests to learn more about one of the most magical night of the world.

In Benidorm, celebration coincides with Alicante festivities. "Fallas" are fired at 24th night, one per district. Cities stain fun all week, with parades, waking, wreaths, bullfights, mascletás, musical performances. Party is on the street, where people can eat and dance in "barracas" and "Racós."

Also in Sant Joan de Labritja (Ibiza) festivities are now held on. For islanders, tonight is full of superstitions. Many practice ancient rituals or small charms. One tradition is to bathe naked on the beach, as an act of purification, and exit the water back to shore as a symbol of leaving evil behind. Others write three wishes on paper and burn it at the stake. Others skip the bonfire three, seven or ten times, according to the ritual.

In Torremolinos, celebrations are tinged with Andalusian passion and devotion. Those who organized the Brotherhood of Sailors from 'La Virgen del Carmen' and those taking place in San Juan and Cantarranas districtss are best known. Saint's procession takes place on June 24 after a mess with the Coro Rociero de San Juan.

Lanzarote has its own deep-rooted customs, one of which is to crown the pile with a doll, the "Facundo". Ritual includes a barbecue with steaks and sardines, as well as "pineapples" fire roasted (corn cobs). Long time ago, in the Canary island existed the habit of not bathing in the sea until tonight.

Photo: eg-global.es