The Nativity of St. John the Baptist Feast is celebrated on June 23 & 24th in many parts of the world. The Gospel of Luke says that John was born six months before Jesus, therefore, the Roman calendar marked the feast date on June 24. The feast coincides with the summer solstice in June and referred to as Midsummer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Festivities take place around the globe from Spain to South America to Puerto Rico. La Noche de San Juan or Las Hogueras de San Juan feast starts on the eve of June 23rd, with a beach bonfire, fireworks, music, dancing, and food. At midnight, people simulate St. John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus by walking backward into the water and immersing themselves three times in hopes of receiving answered prayers from God. In addition, they believe the ritual cleanses their sins and blesses them for the rest of the year.
This Pre-Christian tradition is connected to the summer solstice because it is the longest day of the year and John proclaiming, "He must increase, but I must decrease," -John 3:30. Today, Catholics celebrate the feast at church and home by lighting candles and praying. They ask God to bless their families, homes, and nation in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Happy Feast of St. John the Baptist!