Amor de San Juan
Niña Pastori
The Festive Flames of Love in 'Amor de San Juan'
The song 'Amor de San Juan' by Niña Pastori, a renowned Spanish flamenco singer, is a vibrant and emotive piece that captures the essence of a traditional celebration and intertwines it with the theme of love. The lyrics evoke the imagery of the San Juan festival, a night filled with bonfires, music, and wishes cast into the sea, which is celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries on the eve of Saint John's Day (June 24th). The act of throwing a coin into the water as a wish for love sets the stage for a magical and romantic atmosphere.
The repeated chorus about the coin being thrown into the water symbolizes hope and the desire for love to flourish. The reference to the new moon of San Juan and the hearts igniting with the bonfires suggests a time of renewal and passionate love. The music playing and the sensation of being burned by love ('Y el amor me quema') convey the intensity and fervor of the emotions experienced during this festive night. The mention of the sea's flavor biting the lips is a sensual metaphor that connects the love between the two people with the natural elements of the celebration.
Niña Pastori's lyrics also touch on the fear of losing love, expressing a deep sentiment that many can relate to. The desire for the moment to last forever ('Se hiciera eterno en la madrugada') and the increasing love each day ('Y cada día te quiero más') highlight the depth of the narrator's feelings. The song is a celebration of love, intertwined with cultural traditions, and the universal fear of love's impermanence, all set against the backdrop of a festive and joyous occasion.