People around the world have been celebrating the shortest night of the year for a long time in history – and locals of Valencia are not an exception. Every year on the night from June 23 to June 24 people gather together and celebrate San Juan over a bonfire on the beach along Valencia. This is the only night in the year when it´s allowed to have a bonfire on the beach on some designated areas, as during the rest of year it´s strongly forbidden.
For Latvian expats from all around Spain this year´s celebration was special – Valencia was chosen to host an event organised by the Association of Latvians in Spain and the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to celebrate the most important Latvian festivity – Jāņi or “Līgo!”. Also, “Moving to Valencia” had a role at the event and we are delighted that we could fulfil the trust that the Embassy of Latvia showed to us.
Although Spanish and Latvian traditions are different, they share the most important element of the night of San Juan – getting together around a bonfire and celebrating the longest day and shortest night of the year up until dawn.
We would like to share a bit of Latvian expat experience during this special night on the beach of Puzol (20km south from Valencia) – and give a short insight of how we can keep our traditions live and enrich the environment we live in.
For Latvians, midsummer celebration wouldn´t be possible without a beer, a caraway cheese and black bread. Well, there is another similarity with Valencians – the night of San Juan in Valencia is also known for a high consumption of beer.
From left: Andrejs Kovaļovs and H.E. Ms Argita Daudze, the First Secretary and the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia in the Kingdom of Spain, Linda Svilane and Janis Melderis, Moving to Valencia co-founders.
The songs, the flowers, the running around naked are all signs of the pagan roots which Latvians are proud of.
According to the tradition Latvian women make flower garlands for themselves and if there is any Janis (in Spanish – Juan) around – a crown from oak leaves is made for him too.
Special moments of being together are celebrated trough folk songs and ancient rituals.
Latvians believe that Jāņi night is the only time of the year when one can find the fern flower. No one ever has, but this is considered an excuse for couples to sneak away to some quieter spot.
One of the hallmarks of Jāņi is leaping over the bonfire. Valencians instead choose to jump over seven waves in the sea while making wishes come true.
*Photo credit: Ernando Gamarra
Thank you for a lovely insight! It is a prove that home is where we are and it is possible to keep the best traditions at the beach of Valencia. Unfortunately I wasn´t able to celebrate Janis this year, but these article made me promise myself to make sure to have this festivity the next year..