June 20, 2011

“If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumber’d here, While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend: if you pardon, we will mend: And, as I am an honest Puck, If we have unearned luck, Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue, We will make amends ere long; Else the Puck a liar call; So, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends.”

With Puck’s words the “Midsummer night’s dream” ends but each year around the solstice of summer (midsummer night) we have the occasion to celebrate this special night.

Different cultures celebrate this ancient tradition with a various combination of events.

In Emilia Romagna we suggest you to attend The Night of the Witches which takes place in occasion of the summer solstice in June in San Giovanni in Marignano (22nd to 26th of June) and it is dedicated to magical and supernatural. According to the legend, witches used to meet during the summer solstice and practise sorcery. People used to hold some particular herbs under their clothes in order to protect themselves from sorcery: the herb of St. Giovanni, lavander, onion, verbena as symbol of peace and prosperity, redcurrant known as St. Giovanni’s berries and artemisia.
Spectacles and shows are performed along the streets of the historical centre with street markets, fortune tellers, musicians, dancers and artists creating the most amazing and magic atmosphere of the summer.

If the night of witches is not enough you can continue until the dawn with The Night of 100 Bowls. Fire, magical herbs and ritual dances with the witches who traditionally celebrate the solstice during the night of St. John on the 23rd of June. But overall water! According to the legend if you rinse your eyes with dew on St. John’s night it would help your sight. It is worth a try!

Tags: La Notte delle Streghe, Rimini, San Giovanni in Marignano, The Night of The Witches