Noche de San Juan- June 23rd
Head to the beach at midnight for good luck
Here’s one of the best traditions Puerto Rico inherited from Spain; The Night of Saint John (the Baptist). The night of the 23rd of June hundreds of people will flock to the beaches, pools, rivers and any body of water to celebrate. In some areas families set up tables with food, drink and music and at the stroke of midnight everybody walks/plunges into the water backwards. Some say three times others 7, it will always be an odd number and they all the hope that the water will bring luck for the rest of the year.
It’s a tradition
According to tradition, on the day of Saint John all waters acquire magical properties so what better way to take in all that magic than a massive, midnight beach party for everyone. This belief probably goes all the way back to pagan solstice celebrations but evolved or was merged into Catholic traditions. Puerto Ricans have embraced this tradition along with just about any other excuse to get outside and celebrate.
Where to go
A lot of hotels will have a Noche de San Juan poolside party with music and more and some beach clubs or beachfront bars will have live music and specials into the wee hours of the night. Most people however, load up a cooler and chairs and head to their favorite beach. In the Metro Area, Ocean Park Beach, Ultimo Trolley and Isla Verde Beaches are good options.
So if you’re looking for luck in all the right places, this Friday the 23rd put on your best bathing suit pack your needed supplies (beach chair recommended) and head on down to the beach. It’s a good idea to get there early to make sure you get a good spot for your midnight plunge.
