Basque ethnography at a glance

Celebration of Saint John in Zizurkil. Author: Emilio X. Dueñas.

Saint John´s night and solstice feast have been associated with an infinite number of protection rituals for centuries: the beneficent use of water collected on this date, the free aerial circulation of harmful underground and aerial beings, the purifying use of fire, and the importance of the king star at this particular feast. The sun has led to the collective belief of St John´s being the longest day of the year (scientifically refuted), and also its singular and expected dance at dawn (optical effect known as “sun dog or parhelion”), and the bonfires that hoot the night light with their flames that make shadows of those around them dance. Therefore, it is no wonder that people and communities were captivated by the visual spectacle of the moment, trying to emulate it in their family or collective festive activities.

Absorbed in these reflections regarding the current regulated fires, I wondered how this exciting feast of St. John has changed, and what path it has taken today. Starting with the secular or naturist changes, compared to the Christianized line of the name: the summer solstice or the summer solstice festival. They are associated with a stereotyped relation to the world of persecuted witches and covens (in confessions taken from the victims of the Inquisition, it was pointed that sabbatical absenteeism occurred for attending the festival of San Juan), and they make artificial winks to the exoteric or mystical world.

Saint John´s Eve in Deusto. Author: Josu Larrinaga Zugadi.

Plant symbols, with the exception of the classic St. John’s tree and a few exceptions, appear as aesthetic or tourist attractions. Skin and hair care have oscillated the beneficial use of water by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. I still remember the expression of joy and emotion of the octogenarian women of Carranza, talking about this magical night with their faces and hair washes, the open-air dance lit by fire, and the extraordinary freedom to stay up late. It is clear that both the context and social reality have changed, and this directly affects the way we live or understand this traditional St John´s festival.

Saint John’s bouquet in Bolivar. Author: Josu Larrinaga Zugadi.

Currently, the particular fire of estates, farmhouses and neighborhoods is imbued in the public square along with monumental bonfires (where new, unwanted or useless materials are burned) that announce the summer and are surrounded by scenographic paraphernalia, based on light and sound. Without ignoring the licenses and mandatory security measures required in the organization of such events. Theatrical, choreographic, musical shows appear everywhere; shows based on urban aesthetics or inspired by ideas of tradition that are accompanied by pilgrimages or open-air concerts, sustained by high levels of decibels and watts.

To conclude, this article should not be interpreted as a criticism, for the sole intention is to verify the modification of this celebration, which was formerly based on tradition, and has been adapted to the new present reality. However, maintaining a common substrate or emphasizing community aspects such as collective and intergenerational relationship, the pairing of lighting-darkness or water-fire, the inevitable human need for celebration and nightlife of an entire community as a prelude to the long-awaited summer vacation period.

Josu Larrinaga Zugadi – Sociologist