What is the name of the Christian feast that celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist on June 24?

The Christian feast that celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist on June 24 is the Nativity of John the Baptist.

The feast commemorates John’s birth as described in the Gospel of Luke. John is traditionally understood as the precursor who prepares the way for Jesus. Christian tradition places his nativity six months before Christmas, linking it to the Annunciation on March 25 and the birth of Jesus on December 25.

Unlike most saints’ feast days, which commonly mark a saint’s death, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary have major feast days celebrating their births. The observance is kept in several Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches, although liturgical calendars can transfer the feast when it conflicts with another major celebration.

The date also connects the feast with midsummer customs across Europe. Saint John’s Eve, on June 23, is associated with bonfires and seasonal celebrations. Easter, Christmas and the Assumption commemorate different events and are not names for this feast.