Revelers partake in Spain's Night of San Juan

The Bonfires of Saint John, or Night of San Juan, take place in cities and towns all around Spain, as well as Portugal, to celebrate Midsummer's Eve. The festival coincides with the summer solstice in order to welcome the coming season.

The festival's iconic bonfires are said to be lit to protect against evil spirits that would reappear as the sun turned southward. Revelers make wishes and jump through the bonfires, in which they burn belongings they no longer need or want.