Celebrate the "Coldest night of the year" in Bolivia

The Coldest night of the year will be celebrated on June, 23rd and the fist hours of the 24^Th. That night entire Bolivia celebrates the Noche de San Juan (St. John’s night) it’s a very ancient tradition which is celebrated in many parts of Europe and Latin America, and is an established event in Bolivia, this is a tradition brought to the country by the Spanish colonist; in the northern hemisphere Noche de San Juan celebrated the shortest night of the year and the arrival of summer; while here in Bolivia it was adapted to celebrate the coldest night of the year and the arrival of winter. The traditional way to celebrate this event consisted in bonfires where fire wood was burned, families and friends gathered together around the bonfires to celebrate the coldest night of the year. The bonfires were accompanied by heartily food, “ponche” (milk based alcoholic beverage, served hot), music, dance and a lot of fireworks. In modern times and due to ecological concerns authorities have banned bonfires, but the party and the family reunion continues to live on. In small towns and remotte areas of the country bonfires are still lit on San Juan Night.

In the modern version of Noche de San Juan, the party has also met the modern life, been carried out in clubs, bars and discotheques as well. It’s a well publicized event around Bolivia, just ask you’re hotel concierge or taxi driver for a good San Juan Night party and they will give you good tips on how to get to one. Music, dance, hot dogs and ponche are a big part of the party and off course fireworks.