These photos will have you planning a trip for next year’s Noche de San Juan.
Every year on June 23, “Noche de San Juan” — the eve of the feast day for Saint John the Baptist — turns into a day-long celebration in Puerto Rico. Although the summer solstice occurs two days prior, it marks the true kick-off to summer for everyone on the island.
Saint John the Baptist feast day is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Denmark, Ireland, and Spain, but no one does it quite like Puerto Rico. The city of San Juan is named after the saint, and statues can be found throughout the island. For Puerto Ricans and tourists alike, this day celebrates the start of an exciting holiday season spent at the beach.
Photographer Marisol Pesquera documented the celebrations at Isla Verde Beach in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Early in the morning, you could feel “the calm before the storm”; the busiest streets of San Juan and Carolina were quiet compared to a typical day. However, the local beaches told a different story, as the party had already begun very early in the morning by the water thanks to the holiday falling on a Sunday this year.
Marisol walked the 6.5 miles of shoreline on Isla Verde Beach and Hobie Beach throughout the day to fully capture the crowds who visit for San Juan’s celebration.
Noche de San Juan is one of the busiest beach days in Puerto Rico. Beach-goers set up camp with barbecues for day-long cookouts, playing the sounds of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton music on loud speakers while sipping on the locally favored beer, Medalla.
The day begins as family and friends play Dominoes and partake in beach sports. Consequently, this lively atmosphere enhances the overall experience for all in attendance.
Dogs are invited to join in on the fun, too.
This celebration also includes the tradition of ridding life of negative energy by performing at least three backward plunges into the ocean at the stroke of midnight — although some choose to do as many as 7 or 12 dives.
It represents one of the best beach days to surround oneself with friends and family while sharing food and drinks with neighbors and dancing together.
As midnight approaches, the long day culminates with splashing in the rejuvenating ocean, marking an end to a memorable day.
After a full day at the beach, not everyone makes it until 12 a.m., but those who do wash away bad vibes and welcome a fresh beginning with good luck for the year to come.
Noche de San Juan ended with the moon peeking above buildings in the distance. This special celebration in the Caribbean waters is worth traveling for, especially if you are looking for a bit of luck. And who isn’t?
