Kicking off Summer: with the Feast Of San Juan Bautista
Puerto Rico's Summer Celebration
The Feast of San Juan Bautista
On June 23rd every year Puerto Rico celebrates the Feast of San Juan Bautista, just two days before the summer solstice. The celebration is a wonderful time filled with festivities and displays of Puerto Rico’s religious culture. The holiday is to celebrate the birth of Saint John, the Baptist, with various traditions.
One tradition people partake in when celebrating includes diving into the water at a beach multiple times to rid themselves of negativity, essentially baptizing themselves. There are various catholic traditions that are done on the holiday, just further showing respect by honoring Saint John.
Other than the celebratory feast on the eve of the holiday, the Feast of San Juan Bautista is celebrated on the beach two days before the peak of summer. Sounds like the world’s most perfect holiday, just hanging out on the beach with a feast and family.
Who is Saint John the Baptist
John the Baptist is a biblical figure who is very important to the catholic community. Saint John the Baptist was a preacher that was known for baptizing Jesus among many other early followers. San Juan, Puerto Rico is named after a very important man and is what calls for such a big celebration, in such a predominantly catholic nation.
If you were able to be in San Juan on this eventful holiday you would be lucky enough to see festivals and parties filling the beach. It’s common knowledge that Puerto Rico knows how to celebrate, so there is no doubt that this holiday could be one of the most fun nights of the year. Nothing better than a holiday that celebrates the beginning of summertime, the energy is always up.
