June 23rd is better known in Cork City proper as 'Bonna Night': an annual event thought to derive from ancient fire festivals & pagan solstice rituals. These celebrations were later reappropriated as part of 'St. John's Eve' or Oíche Fhéile Eoin.
'During the festival, people would say prayers, asking for God's blessing upon their crops. They would take ashes from the fire, & spread them over their land as a blessing for protection. It was common to have music, singing, dancing, & games during the festival. The fire was used for destroying small objects of piety (rosary beads, statues, etc.) without disrespecting God. It was also customary for people to jump through the flames of the bonfire for good luck'
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Modern day celebrations are seen less as an opportunity for saintliness than as an excuse to run amok, but the tradition of yearly bonfires remains.
