A suggestive night full of magic, symbolism and ancestral charm, on the shores of the waters of San Giovanni beach. An ancient tradition, a very strong bond: Alghero celebrates the Fires of San Giovanni
The feast of St. John is celebrated on the night between 23 and 24 June, the night before the anniversary of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, on 24 June
Horses and Riders, Folk Group, Musical Band, DJ set, Sardinian Craft Fair and street Food
Tradition, since time immemorial, has told it like this: on the day of the solstice, when the sun marries the moon and seems to stop, it gives life to beneficial energies that generate union and solidity.
During this night the people of Alghero, dressed in white, jump over the fires holding hands, becoming cronies and gossips and placing the seal on a friendship destined to last forever.
With the traditional lighting of the bonfire, the ancient popular tradition is retraced, practiced in various centers on the island and linked to the devotion for the Saint. The jump will be preceded by a show of images, music and words that will accompany those present in the analysis of the symbolism of the ancient tradition.
It is an authentic, evocative, ancestral experience. Which touches the soul and which is experienced as protagonists.
The night of San Giovanni has always been considered a magical night. The sun and the moon marry and flood creation with beneficial gifts.
The fires of the bonfires and the coolness of the dew are the representation of their union in universal traditions.
Perhaps in no other event from the Christian era can we find so many references to the most ancient rites of peoples.
Fire
The propitiatory act of lighting bonfires in the fields, on the night of Saint John, is found in many European regions and even in North Africa.
Fire purifies. It is a good idea to skip the fire by having a clear understanding of the things we would like to see change in our lives. The more intense and pure the desire expressed at the moment of the jump, in a fit of courage, the more likely it will be to come true.
Water
It was believed that the dew on the morning of St. John had the power to heal, purify and fertilize.
In popular tradition there was the belief that the first water drawn on the morning of the 24th kept your eyesight good. In Alghero today they still say: “San Joan Baptista que te dongui bona vista”.
Going to the seashore at dawn to bathe saved one from rheumatic pain.
Bathing your feet on the seashore, possibly in front of the church of San Giovanni, ensured protection against diseases.
Divination
The night of St. John is linked to some forms of divination, using water, plants and metals.
In Alghero, as in many other places in Sardinia, the marriageable girls, after melting the lead, poured it into a container of water. The lead cooled quickly and from the shape it assumed, predictions could be made about the future husband’s profession.
The comparative
On the night before, the friendship was sealed by becoming companions of San Giovanni, and from that moment we addressed each other as “you” for the rest of our lives.
The ritual was carried out by reciting good wishes and wishes in unison at the moment of the fire jump, repeated three times. To signify how, just as we overcome the obstacle represented by fire, together we overcome the difficulties and hardships of life.
WHEN
This event generally takes place every year between 22nd and 24th June
Free Event
For information, dates and events, visit the site indicated at the end of the article
The reported events may be subject to changes or cancellations.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and the dates
Fires of San Giovanni
Lungomare Barcellona
Alghero (Sassari)
Sardinia – Italy