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Get ready to celebrate St. John's Day in Venezuela on June 24! This holiday, also known as "Dia de San Juan" in Spanish, is a vibrant and lively celebration that honors the country's patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. The festivities include traditional dances, parades, music, and delicious food such as Hallacas (a type of tamale) and Quesillo (a custard dessert). It's a day filled with joy and cultural pride for Venezuelans all around the world. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to join in on the fun!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of St. John's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday was adopted by the local population after Spanish Catholic missionaries introduced the feast of Saint John the Baptist in Venezuela.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fusion of Cultures</div><div class='timeline-text'>Catholic traditions started to blend with African rituals brought by slaves leading to unique celebrations for St. John's Day, including the "Baila de Tambor," a traditional dance performed to drums.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth of Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>As time went on, St. John's Day became more popular, leading to larger and more widespread celebrations across Venezuela.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition as a National Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the mid-20th century, St. John's Day was recognized as a national event, reflecting its importance to Venezuelan cultural identity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Baila de Tambor" was declared as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, giving international recognition to the cultural significance of St. John's Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional dance celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St John's Day in Venezuela is known for its lively and colorful traditional dance celebrations. Join in on the fun and learn some new moves at one of these events!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make and enjoy hallacas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hallacas are a traditional Venezuelan dish made with corn dough, meat, olives, and raisins, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed. Try making them at home or find a local restaurant that serves them to celebrate St John's Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local church for a special mass</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St John's Day is also a religious holiday in Venezuela. Attend a special mass at a local church to honor the saint and participate in traditional prayers and rituals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a bonfire and fireworks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Venezuela, it is tradition to light bonfires and set off fireworks on St John's Day. Gather some friends and family and enjoy the warmth and excitement of a bonfire while watching the colorful sky light up with fireworks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Venezuelan culture and history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history and traditions of Venezuela, especially those related to St John's Day. This will not only deepen your understanding and appreciation of the holiday but also of Venezuelan culture as a whole.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of Venezuelan culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. John's Day, also known as San Juan Day, is an important holiday in Venezuela that celebrates the country's rich culture and history. It's a day for Venezuelans to come together and honor their traditions, music, food, and more.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The festivities are lively and colorful</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On St. John's Day, cities throughout Venezuela come alive with vibrant celebrations including parades, dance performances, and fireworks displays. The streets are filled with music and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that brings people together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time for delicious food and drinks</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No celebration in Venezuela is complete without delicious food and drinks. During St. John's Day, traditional dishes like hallacas (a cornmeal dough filled with meat or veggies), chicha (a fermented corn drink), and cachapas (corn pancakes) are enjoyed by all. It's also a time for indulging in sweet treats like torrejas (sweet bread) and quesillo (a type of flan).</p></div></div>
<div class="fact-section-wrapper"><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. John's Day Almost Coincides with the Summer Solstice</h3><p class='facts-content'>Celebrated on June 24, St. John's Day falls close to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. This adds to the festive and vibrant atmosphere of the holiday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>All-Night Celebrations are Common on St. John's Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many Venezuelan communities, the festivities for St. John’s Day continue all night long, a tradition known as "Velorio de San Juan".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Iconic Drum Rhythms Characterize the Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Music is a crucial part of St. John's Day celebrations. Traditionally, three drum rhythms - mina, curbata, and culo 'epuya – are played, each with a unique pattern and speed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participants Wear Colorful Clothing During Traditional Dances</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the traditional Baila de Tambor, participants often dress in colorful clothing, typically red, which symbolizes good luck and protection against evil spirits.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some Beliefs Associate Saint John with Healing Powers</h3><p class='facts-content'>St. John is considered a saint of miracles in Venezuela, and many people believe that their prayers for health and healing are more likely to be answered on St. John's Day.</p></div></div></div>
St John's Day in Venezuela is celebrated on June 24 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday.
2023
Jun 24
Saturday
2024
Jun 24
Monday
2025
Jun 24
Tuesday
2026
Jun 24
Wednesday
2027
Jun 24
Thursday
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