If you?re new to Spain or simply unfamiliar with the Spanish Noche de San Juan (Night of St John), here?s the lowdown on why you may come across a large number of people in the sea, as well as fireworks, bonfires and dancing on the evening of June 23rd?

Held on Midsummer Solstice each year, the festival of San Juan begins at midnight when large paper mache caricatures are thrown onto burning bonfires along the beaches.

When the clock strikes 12 midnight, people remove their shoes and walk into the sea, often backwards, as a way of cleansing the body and soul and washing away evil, in order to be granted eternal beauty for the year ahead.

As music plays and fireworks light up the sky on this magical night, many continue partying on the beach until the early hours and whole families (including grandparents) can often be seen dancing around the bonfires and jumping over them three times or more to ward off witches and bring good luck.

The origins of this fun-filled fiesta are thought to have derived from Pagan rituals. San Juan is celebrated throughout the whole of Spain, even inland towns and cities, where of course the tradition of walking into the sea cannot be carried out, nevertheless, there will still be an?abundance of?bonfires, fireworks and high spirits.