The June 24thTurin dresses up to celebrate its patron saint, St. John Baptist. The city, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, offers a day full of events and traditions culminating in the traditional fireworks. This year, attention to the environment makes the celebrations even more special, with low-noise impact fireworks displays and compostable materials. Here are some concrete tips to make the most of this day of celebration.
Prepare the St. John’s water
One of the most fascinating traditions of the Feast of San Giovanni is the preparation of the water of San Giovanni. This ancient practice involves harvesting a selection of herbs and flowers during the night between June 23rd and 24th, then leaving them in water outdoors overnight to absorb the morning dew. To prepare St. John’s water, collect rose petals, lavender flowers, St. John’s wort flowers, chamomile, sage and rosemary. On the evening of June 23, place these fresh herbs and flowers in a bowl of water and leave it outside overnight. The next morning, use this water to wash your face and hands. It is believed that this water has purifying and protective properties, capable of bringing luck and health. Preparing and using it can be a special moment of connection with nature and ancient customs.
Events of the day
Turin offers a series of events throughout the day on June 24th, making it easy to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. At 4.30 pm in Piazza Castello, there will be a parade of historic cars with Gianduja, Giacometta and the Giacomettes, which will cross the streets of the city centre. This event represents a unique opportunity to admire vintage vehicles and participate in one of the city’s most beloved traditions. At 8.00 pm, Valentino Park will host the “Waiting for the Fires of San Giovanni” event, a parade of musical bands, majorettes and characters in costume. This show will provide enjoyable and festive entertainment, perfect for preparing for the evening fireworks.
fireworks display
The highlight of the day is the fireworks show in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. This year, the low noise and environmental impact fireworks promise to be spectacular and environmentally friendly. The show starts at 10.30pm and will be accompanied by a soundtrack that will cover music from the 80s to today, with songs by Queen, Aerosmith, U2, Coldplay, Vasco Rossi and Ligabue. The maximum capacity expected between Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the surrounding areas is around 49 thousand people, so it is advisable to arrive early to find a good seat. To avoid the crowds and secure a good seat, it is advisable to arrive at least an hour early. Respect the surrounding environment and use waste bins. Help keep the city clean.
Conclusion
The Feast of San Giovanni is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Turin. With these tips, you will be able to make the most of the day of June 24th, living an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a Turin resident or a visitor, let yourself be carried away by the magic of this festival and help make the celebration even more special and respectful of the environment.
Happy St. John’s Day everyone!
