Why does tradition still matter, perhaps now more than ever?
Hogueras de San Juan, In Alicante it is actually not just a night but a week-long festival filled with fireworks, giant sculptures, and parades.
Michal Wykowski
6/24/20251 min read
Why does tradition still matter, perhaps now more than ever?
In today’s world, where much of life happens online and independently, the simple act of gathering feels more important than ever. Traditions offer us a bridge, connecting people, generations, and shared values. They create moments of unity, identity, and celebration, rooted in history yet vital for the present.
We remember, as kids growing up in northern Poland, in the Pomerania region, gathering around bonfires for the summer solstice, a special moment of light, nature, and community. It was a time without internet, mobile phones, or Wi-Fi. Sadly, this tradition is fading in many places.
Why? A few things come to mind. Urbanization and modern lifestyles have reduced spontaneous gatherings in nature. City-led mass events have often replaced intimate local rituals. Cultural shifts and digital entertainment have drawn people away from seasonal traditions. In some countries, the influence of the Church discouraged the celebration of pagan-rooted customs, limiting their popularity.
Yet in some parts of Europe, this tradition is still very much alive. In Spain, Scandinavia (Midsommar), Latvia (Jāņi), and Lithuania (Joninės), midsummer celebrations continue with fire, nature, and community at their heart. What is remarkable is how organically these traditions live on.
In Spain, for example, celebrations like Noche de San Juan on June 23rd are not formal initiatives imposed from above. They are supported by local governments to help ensure they happen in a safe and organized way, but their spirit comes from the people. Friends, families, and neighbors come together, especially by the sea, lighting bonfires, dancing, and jumping over flames to symbolically leave behind the old and welcome summer with renewed energy.
We had our gathering with a small bonfire at La Mata Beach. However, one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations takes place in Alicante, especially on San Juan Beach. Known as Hogueras de San Juan, it is actually not just a night but a week-long festival filled with fireworks, giant sculptures, and parades.
In a time of growing disconnection, perhaps traditions like these are not only important, they are essential.