Celebrating St. John's Night in Puerto Rico

by Diana Ramirez
(Puerto Rico)

Hi Marcela:
We celebrate St. John's Night in a very special way in Puerto Rico.

On the 23rd of June, we go to the beach boating, camping, and when the clock reaches 12am we jump into the water backwards, three times, because is said that it will improve our good luck and will keep evil away.

Christopher Columbus named the island of Puerto Rico San Juan Batista after the saint.

Puerto Ricans hold a weekend-long celebration with parades, food, and many parties. The tradition is that after sunset, people travel to a beach, river or lake to immerse themselves in the water at midnight to fall backwards in it. This is done to cleanse the body from sin and give good luck for the following year.

Did you know many Irish practice this tradition? Not surprising, since it all seems to stem from our Catholic traditions.
Who would've thought