Acqua di San Giovanni

The name Saint John is applied as the saint’s day is June 24, but the occasion is ancient, pre-Christian, and is still observed by some Italians in every region of Italy. The tradition is based on the observation of the summer solstice, and the belief that plants at that time hold their greatest energy and fecundity. These elements are thought to be charged with powerful protective powers that will ward off any ill spirits and misadventure.

At sunset on the evening of June 23, tradition says that you must wander the fields and gather up wildflowers, many herbs, grasses, plants aplenty, and of every sort, with special focus on those with perfume. Some say 24 varieties, others say 100, some say that only women must do the gathering. The little harvest must be covered with water and put to soak outdoors overnight, ensuring that the dew of the night of Saint John enters the water. The next day upon awakening, everyone in the family must wash their hands and faces with the acqua di San Giovanni. Babies can be immersed in it.

Every year I look forward to this tradition because wherever I am, it is a wonderful time to take stock of the magnificence and variety of what is growing around me. Every year it is completely different!

This year’s acqua comes once again from plants growing on my terrace. Everyone in Italy who makes acqua di San Giovanni has their own distinct selection  — some filled with richly fragrant yellow broom, some with medicinal herbs, some (in cooler climates) rich in poppies, others heavy with mallow.

All over Italy, traditions are shared and reinterpreted.  Traveling the shortest distance in Italy —  in a country no larger than California — you will find remarkable variety.  This is why, if you include several different regions, visiting Italy means a trip that is to several countries, not just one.

For 34 years, my family company Insider’s Italy has been planning remarkable personal trips for travelers, opening doors to experiences impossible to find on your own.

In a world full of manufactured ‘experiences’, all that we do is substantive and rich. We bring into your Italy our partners from all over Italy — guides, archeologists, artists, winemakers, cooks and so many impassioned specialists, all eager to share their worlds with you. There is no other organization anywhere that can even begin to plan a trip like the one we will plan for you.  And during every moment of the planning and the traveling, we are at your side, a constant resource to ensure your consistent satisfaction and delight.

Luigi Barzini wrote : “in the heart of every man, wherever he is born, whatever his education and tastes, there is one small corner which is Italian.”

We look forward this year to sharing with you Italy’s remarkable variety.. and to helping the Italian that is in you celebrate being home.