The Christmas of John the Baptist

This is the day of the summer solstice...This is the day of the summer solstice, a holiday associated with the sun cult.

A distinctive feature of St. John’s Day is the lights, bonfires, fireworks lit not only in the villages, but also in the squares of large cities. Believers go with torches and to general prayers in the nearest chapels. The Portuguese, as true Catholics, believe in the purifying power of the San Joan bonfires.

In Portugal, the glorification of St. John the Baptist begins on the eve of his Christmas, i.e. on June 23.

In Porto, this festival is held in Praça da Liberdade on the night of June 24. In Braga, the Catholic capital of Portugal, celebrations last two days, including the "Dance of King David". In Madeira, of course, the sky is lit up with amazing fireworks. And in the Azores is the largest and most popular holiday, it is accompanied by many fires, lights and colorful processions.