Thousands of people gathered this Monday on the esplanade next to the Cabildo of Lanzarote and the well-known Theme Park, in the vicinity of El Reducto beach, to experience an evening full of tradition and popular flavor on the occasion of a celebration of the night of San Juan, a popular tradition deeply rooted in the feeling of Arrecife and all of Lanzarote.
From early afternoon until after midnight, the old fairground hosted a complete festive program organized by the Department of Festivities of the Arrecife City Council, led by the Deputy Mayor of the city Echedey Eugenio, who was in charge of lighting the traditional municipal bonfire coinciding with the fall of the last rays of sun.
As dictated by the custom of San Juan's night, there were those who took the opportunity to write wishes or to burn the old in the bonfire before jumping on its ashes, in an act full of symbolism loaded with renewal, hope and connection with the most deeply rooted traditions.
Sardine and pineapple barbecue
Equally traditional and rooted in the Canarian roots was the pineapple and sardine barbecue that could be enjoyed by the thousands of people who gathered in the old fairground, who also danced to the sound of Latin rhythms and good music offered by Dani Valiente and his orchestra, Mambo Latino, Rika Banda, Grupo Bomba and Emisora Clandestina.
“It has been a night to remember, in which the spirit of San Juan has shone stronger than ever in Arrecife,” says Echedey Eugenio, who appreciates the participation of the citizens and emphasizes that “although this year June 24 is not a holiday and despite the profound process of transformation experienced by our society in recent decades, we continue to preserve our traditions as a form of union and social cohesion.”
“The Night of San Juan once again left its mark on Arrecife, reaffirming its condition of cultural identity, shared joy and welcome to summer with the best possible energy,” added the Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Festivities of the City Council of the capital of Lanzarote.
