San Juan de la Rambla, Garachico e Icod

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

The night of San Juan is famous for being a special night for witchcraft and for the spectacular bonfires that are built in the streets from old bits and pieces.

Many are crowned with an effigy called Juan, Juana or San Juanito.

In San Juan de la Rambla and Garachico bangers are let off and the people throw fireballs made from sacking and sawdust, doused with petrol. In Icod, the hill is linked to the square with string and fireballs are slid down them. Here, they light "hachitos de San Juan". While "carozos" (old corn cobs) doused in diesel fuel light up the countryside, the "hachitos" (wooden standards covered with chicken wire and decorated with leaves from different trees, figures made from flowers and burning pots.) start arriving in the square, carried by men and children. There is a jury to choose the best "hachito". Sometimes the women burn brambles and light bonfires.

They still conserve the custom of dancing the tajaraste on the night of San Juan, both as a "normal" dance and also the seated version.