St John's Dayand the second day of theMidsummer celebrations(although this is not the astronomical summer solstice, seeJune 20) (Roman Catholic Church,Europe), and its related observances:
Enyovden(Bulgaria), Catalan CountriesNational Day (Andorra,Balearic Islands,Catalonia,Northern Catalonia,Valencia), Jaanipäev(Estonia), Jāņi(Latvia), Jónsmessa(Iceland), Midsummer Day(England), Saint Jonas' FestivalorJoninės(Lithuania), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day(Quebec), Sânziene(westernCarpathian MountainsofRomania), Wattah Wattah Festival(Philippines)
St John's Day blends Christian reverence for John the Baptist with European midsummer traditions of bonfires, music, and regional festivities.
Observed on June 24, St John's Day honors the birth of Saint John the Baptist and coincides with midsummer celebrations across Europe. Christian communities hold church services and processions to commemorate John's role as the precursor to Christ. Secular traditions include lighting large bonfires, dancing, and feasting in countries such as England, Latvia (Jāņi), and Estonia (Jaanipäev). Regional observances like Enyovden in Bulgaria and Sânziene in Romania blend pre-Christian rituals with local folklore to celebrate nature and fertility. In Canada, Quebec marks the day as the national holiday of French Canadians, while Andorra and Catalan regions observe their own cultural celebrations. Across Iceland, Lithuania, the Philippines, and beyond, this day fosters community spirit and links humanity to ancient solar rites.
St John's Day
Midsummer celebrations
June 20
Roman Catholic Church
Europe
Enyovden
Bulgaria
Catalan Countries
Andorra
Balearic Islands
Catalonia
Northern Catalonia
Valencia
Jaanipäev
Estonia
Jāņi
Latvia
Jónsmessa
Iceland
Midsummer Day
England
Saint Jonas' Festival
Lithuania
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
Quebec
Sânziene
Carpathian Mountains
Romania
Wattah Wattah Festival
Philippines