Fire is an essential part of winter celebrations. Its origin can be traced back to old pagan rituals associated with purification.
One of the most popular festivities is San Fabián and San Sebastián, on the 20th of January. The fiesta revolves around large bon fires, which enchant the atmosphere. The celebration is in the honour of these saints, protectors against the plague, and carried out in locations that suffered the most from the epidemic and that request the Saints' intercession so that it doesn't happen again.
Fire also plays a leading role in San Antón (17th of January), St John's Eve (“la Noche de San Juan”) (24th of June) and San Ramón in Barbastro (21st of June). St John's Eve, is a magical celebration of the summer solstice, it is based on several rituals associated with water and fire and the beliefs in magical creatures, such as Moorish witches and other sorceress.
Children and adults gather around the bonfires, eating baked potatoes and cured dried sausages, delighting their souls with delicious local wines and by dancing to the beat of traditional music.
