La Fiesta de San Juan

Me handing my paper to the firefighter. 

   La Fiesta de San Juan is a very big summer celebration in Spain. The holiday occurs on the first day of summer; the longest day with the shortest night. As part of the celebration, there was a big fire in La Plaza Mayor. The ancient tradition is for the people to jump over the fire or walk barefoot on the hot coals. This was believed to rid you of the negative in your life and purify you for the start of the new summer/year. Also, if two people were engaged, it was custom for the man to pick up his fiancé and jump over the fire holding her. Because these jumps are so dangerous, they don't happen in Segovia very often. Instead, a large crowd gathered behind a fence around the fire and people wrote down the things they would like to rid from their lives. They then gave the slip of paper to the firefighters, who threw it in the fire. I was so happy I was able to participate in this celebration. It is incredible how the people of this city are still celebrating traditions that date back to times before Christianity.

Standing outside of El Salón, where my classes are held. 

   I also had my first day of classes. All of the professors are very nice and welcoming. My classes seem very interesting and I am excited to be taught by Spaniards (I've never had a professor from Spain.) I am attending a university specifically for my study abroad program, which has its pros and cons. Pros: small class sizes, more attention from the professor, more opportunities to practice Spanish, easier classes, more flexibility to do excursions during the week, and no pressure to perform as well as local students. Cons: I feel like I'm missing out on a piece of the culture, it isn't a very authentic experience, I might learn more from being completely surrounded by Spanish speakers, many of the students speak English when the professors aren't around, and I don't get to meet local students in my classes. I am taking two classes during my six week stay here. They are titled "Culture and Civilization in Spain" and "Spain and it's role in the European Union." I am excited to expand my horizons academically while I am here.