Tonight the night of San Juan is celebrated in much of Spain, a pagan festival with which summer is welcomed. Tradition says that this night is the most magical of the year, and since there is nothing more magical than children, we are going to take advantage of this special day to organize different activities as a family. The little ones are the ones who enjoy this type of celebration the most, where nature and desires come together to unleash everyone's dreams.
On the night of San Juan it is celebrated the longest day of the year. From today, the days will progressively shorten until reaching the winter solstice. Fire, water and plants are the main protagonists of this festivity so united to Mother Earth.
The legend says that bonfires are lit to give the sun more strength, which is getting weaker until the arrival of winter. What Water has healing properties on the night of San Juan, and that the plants they have the ability to help us achieve all our wishes.
As you can see, the celebration around the night of San Juan is surrounded by magic and mysticism. Perhaps your beliefs go a different path and you are skeptical about pagan festivals. But for kids it can be fun and a great way to unite them to the elements of nature. Therefore, we are going to see some ideas with which to celebrate the night of San Juan with the family.
Explain to the children the meaning of the holiday
You can organize a special meeting in a green area of your city, a park or an open space. Sit the children in contact with nature, this will create an atmosphere of mysticism that will help to involve the children. Tell them about the legends surrounding this party. Take advantage that you are in nature, to look for plants and elements that can help fulfill your wishes.
Cantoya balloons or light balloons
The cantoya balloons are used especially in Mexico, to make wishes in special celebrations. They are created with tissue paper and have a small candle inside. You can buy them already made for a very cheap price, but you can also make them at home with few materials. If you live in a sea area or have a lagoon nearby, go with the children and your balloons.
Ask each member of the family to take their cantoya balloon. Later, make a secret wish and drop the balloons all at once. The magic of the night and the illuminated balloons illuminating the water, create a spectacular effect. It will be impossible not to think that dreams can come true on this night of San Juan.
Fireworks
If no fireworks show is organized in your city, you can prepare one at home adapted for children. So that it is not dangerous, buy some sparklers for the whole family. Find a source of water, if you have the perfect sea nearby, but a lake or a river or a family pool will also work. Light the sparklers around the water, each thinking his or her wish in silence before the wick goes out.
Bonfires on the beach
Traditionally the night of San Juan is celebrated on the beach. Come on bonfires that people jump as a ritual for the fire to fulfill your wishes. You can take the children to the beach, there is music, people dancing, bonfires and the night, something that the little ones in the house will love.
A party at home
Have a house party with friends. You can take the opportunity to celebrate the end of the school year, in addition to the magic of the night of San Juan. Organize special games with the ingredients of this party, the children will have a great time. It may be the perfect occasion to create a new family tradition.