Monday, June 23, 2008

San Juan

La noche de San Juan is a very old celebration. Though its religious name envokes acts of piety, the celebration has its origins in the changing of the seasons and marks the start of summer (it is most likely that the origins of the celebration are Celtic or pagan). The enormous purifying fires destroy the past and shine brightly for the rebirth of the sun and the summer. The festival is celebrated in many parts of the world. The fire in Oviedo is in the plaza in front of the cathedral (50 yards from my apartment). La Hoguera de San Juan in Oviedo, España

Dancers dance around the fire during the celebration of San Juan. Notice the three cornered celtic design. My family originates from the Isle of Man and we have a symbol that is very close to this, but it is a three-legged figure.

The cathedral in Oviedo on the night of San Juan

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