Which saint’s feast day gives its name to the Spanish midsummer celebration of San Juan?

Saint John the Baptist’s feast day gives its name to the Spanish midsummer celebration of San Juan.

San Juan refers to Saint John, the Spanish form of John. Celebrations usually take place on the night of June 23, the eve of the feast day on June 24, and commonly include bonfires, fireworks, beach gatherings, music, and communal meals.

The festival is especially prominent in coastal parts of Spain, including Galicia, Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Local customs differ considerably, so San Juan is not one identical ceremony nationwide.

The celebration’s timing near the summer solstice reflects older seasonal fire traditions that were later connected with the Christian feast of Saint John the Baptist. It should not be confused with Saint James, whose Spanish name is Santiago.