Further Links Contact Us Search Help

Syllabus | Exams | Resources | What's on? | What Next? | Dictionary

Spanish

Home > Spanish > Continuers Course > The Spanish-Speaking Communities > Lifestyles > Tasks and sample questions

Suggested Answers

1. Explain how this festival started.
   The event was originally celebrated by lighting fires and commemorating the god of vegetation, asking him for life and energy.
   
   
2. In the early days what elements in nature where revered during this festival?
   The sun, earth and water were the elements worshipped during this festival.
   
   
3. How significant is San Juan in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands? Justify your answer with examples from the text.
   This event is very significant because it has religious and traditional relevance. The celebration of San Juan provides the opportunity for the family to get together and to celebrate what was originally a religious festival. There are family meals with special sweets “Coca de San Juan” and presents. The day is culturally significant not only to families, but to whole communities in these regions. There is celebrating with music in the streets, fireworks and of course “hogueras” fires.
   
   
4. All over Spain, in general, how is San Juan celebrated?
   The people of Spain light up bonfires on the night of San Juan. Traditionally, before that night, children go around from house to house collecting old materials and unwanted furniture so that it can be burnt in the bonfires.
   
   
5. Why is it believed that San Juan is a “starting anew” night?
   San Juan is believed to be a night of starting anew because it is believed that people who have had bad experiences can burn away their memories and suffering in the bonfires, and have a “clean slate,” which gives them the opportunity to start afresh. This is done by symbolically burning away something which reminds them of the event or the person which has made them suffer. By throwing the bad memories into the fire, they will forget the event and the negative feelings, allowing them to start anew.
   
   
6. How does the text show that this night has a cultural and traditional value?
   This text shows that San Juan has both cultural and traditional values. It is a celebration which has endured the passage of time, and through the years it has had continuity and has become part of the tradition and culture of the country: “antiguas creencias” “primeras civilizaciones” “antiguamente” “en la actualidad”.
   
   It also recounts rites and traditions associated with the celebration, like collecting old objects and burning the fires. The coming together with one’s family and community to celebrate this day with special foods, dancing and bonfires indicates that there is a tradition associated with this day, which is part of the culture and way of life of the people and has become, in some regions, part of their regional identity.
   
   There are also beliefs and myths associated with this day which have been passed through generations. By burning the past, one can start anew “un año nuevo y limpio”. The myth assuming the special powers of this night is particularly reflected in the text with the use of linguistic choices such as “noche mágica”, “tiene poder” and “tiene embrujo” which are associated with extraordinary powers, reinforcing the myths and enchantment that the night of San Juan is believed to have.

Back