Nature & traditions

Magical Night. Enchantments at the Refuge

Experience overview

Come celebrate the most magical night of the year! On June 23rd, to mark the birth of St. John the Baptist, we invite you to join us for a unique and captivating experience. A one-of-a-kind celebration that combines magic, nature, and folk tradition into an unforgettable experience.

The night preceding the birth of San Giovanni Battista is a magical one, where earth and sky meet in mystical harmony. On this special night, ancient rites of propitiation and purification are celebrated, accompanied by an aura of mystery and esoteric symbols.

This ancient and popular feast is tied to the summer solstice. Known as the “night of witches,” this millennia-old celebration represents a deep connection with nature and its regeneration. The light and warmth of summer are at their peak, and many magical plants reach their balsamic moment, ready to be harvested and used for their healing and protective virtues.

But it’s not just about plants and symbols: this night is also an opportunity to ward off unforeseen events that could ruin the harvests, through propitiatory bonfires representing the sun and San Giovanni’s water, collected to gather dew and protect the crops from calamities.

According to tradition, the flowers and herbs needed for the preparation of San Giovanni’s water are collected at sunset on June 23rd. The water is then left outside overnight to absorb the benefits of the dew and used the following morning to wash the face, eyes, and body, providing protection from illness, misfortune, and envy.

Regrettably, the Catholic religion has turned this magical time of the year into a witch hunt, slowly erasing the deep knowledge of plants, their benefits, and their magic. But let’s not lose hope: the beauty and power of San Giovanni’s night remain alive in folk tradition and in our ability to celebrate nature and its life cycle.

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Itinerary

23/06

After check-in at 4:00 PM, we will embark on a walk to discover the flowers and herbs that we will use to create our protective talisman and San Giovanni water, a source of purification and good fortune.

Following this, at 7:00 PM, you can enjoy an aperitif with company while viewing a photography exhibition and listening to the presentation of the book “Have You Ever Smelled the Lunaria Flower?” by Daniela Di Bartolo, ethnobotanical researcher and Reiki practitioner.

At 8:30 PM, a delicious dinner awaits you, featuring traditional dishes made with high-quality ingredients.

But the real magic comes later: at 10:00 PM, we will gather around a bonfire to meditate and burn the old San Giovanni bouquets to make room for new energies and future opportunities.

26/06

The next day, you can join a walk to explore the local wild plants, learning how to identify and use them. Then, at 1:00 PM, a wild lunch will conclude this one-of-a-kind experience beautifully.

Don’t miss the chance to experience a magical night, filled with ancient traditions and spirituality, in an enchanting location immersed in nature. We look forward to seeing you!

Duration
two days starting from

€ 196 pp

Difficulty
(Italiano) Bassa
organized by

What’s included

  • 1 night in a double room, breakfast included
  • 1 wild lunch1 dinner
  • 1 photography exhibition with aperitif during the book presentation “Have You Ever Smelled the
  • Lunaria Flower?”
  • 1 guided walk for the identification of plants and wild herbs
  • 1 San Giovanni’s night experience
  • Free private parking
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..and what’s not

  • Local transportation and transfers
  • City Tax
  • Drinks during meals
  • Everything not expressly indicated
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(Italiano) Have some questions?

Every experience we offer has been carefully selected to ensure a positive impact on local communities and the environment, while at the same time providing you with an authentic and unforgettable experience. If you wish to know more or have questions about our offerings, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are ready to provide you with all the information you need to make your trip special and perfectly aligned with your interests.

 

info@cilentosecrets.com