St. John Festival in Europe is one of the most famous midsummer celebrations. It shows how old traditions are still alive all across Europe. Every country celebrates it differently, but they all share the same basic ideas - lighting fires, bringing people together, and marking the longest day of summer.
The most popular European countries that celebrate the St. John Festival include Lithuania (known as the Saint Jonas Festival), Spain (Nit de Sant Joan), Italy (Festa di San Giovanni), and Portugal (Festa de São João/São João Festival).
Interestingly, Goa in India also celebrates this festival in the name of Goan São João, influenced by the Portuguese. It is also called as Goa Water Festival. Whether you're jumping over bonfires in Lithuania, hitting people with plastic hammers in Portugal, or diving into wells in Goa, each tradition of this festival offers its own magical way to welcome the peak of summer.
Saint John's Festival in Lithuania (also called Rasos or Joninės) happens on June 24th every year. It's a big summer celebration!
History: Long ago, before Christianity came to Lithuania, people celebrated the longest day of summer. They made offerings to their old gods and lit special fires. Some people still do this today.
When Christianity arrived, it got mixed with the old traditions. Now, both Christians and people who follow the old beliefs celebrate the Saint Jonas Festival together.
What To Expect:
- Singing and dancing until sunset
- Story telling
- Searching for a magical fern flower at midnight
- Jumping over bonfires
- Watching the sunrise
- Washing their faces with morning dew
- Girls put flower wreaths in rivers and lakes
Special Tradition: People named Jonas, Jonė, or Janina get lots of congratulations and greetings on this day because it's their special name day!
It's basically a huge summer party where old traditions meet new ones, and everyone celebrates the brightest time of year together.
Date: 24 June 2025
Suggested Read: 20 Famous Festivals In India To Celebrate With Loved Ones
