The Christian Feast of Saint John the Baptist is traditionally observed on June 24. The date commemorates the Nativity of John the Baptist, who Christian tradition identifies as the prophet and forerunner of Jesus.
June 24 is positioned about six months before Christmas Day, reflecting the Gospel of Luke’s statement that John was born roughly six months before Jesus. This connection helped make Saint John’s feast a major summer observance in Europe and elsewhere.
Many midsummer customs became attached to the feast, including bonfires, processions, water rituals, music, and communal meals. In several countries, people celebrate on the evening of June 23, Saint John’s Eve, even though the feast day itself is June 24.
The date is sometimes confused with the June solstice, which usually falls on June 20, 21, or 22. The feast is linked culturally with midsummer but does not always occur on the astronomical solstice.