Resounding of the Bucio in San Juan de la Rambla

The night of San Juan and the traditions of the bucio in San Juan de la Rambla

Discover how the sound of the bucio becomes the protagonist during the most magical night of the year in San Juan de la Rambla. An ancestral tradition that revives every June 24.

What is the bucio and why does it sound on the night of San Juan?

The bucio is a giant seashell that, when blown, produces a deep and characteristic sound. In San Juan de la Rambla, this ancestral tradition is revived every year during the night of San Juan , coinciding with the summer solstice, to announce the birth of the Baptist and pay tribute to the village's cultural roots.

A natural instrument lit by torches

During the nocturnal journey, musicians traverse the village streets with their bucios, accompanied by torches that create a magical atmosphere for the event. This ritual culminates with a symbolic meeting next to the image of the Patron, San Juan.

History and uses of the bucio in the Canary Islands

The bucio tradition has deep roots in Guanche culture. It was adopted by later Canary Islanders and was used as a means of communication in various aspects of rural life.

The bucio as a community clock

In the past, bucios marked the rhythm of the workday in banana plantations. They were also key to alerting fishermen when to head out to sea or for pine nut gatherers that it was time to start work.

Social notices and practical alerts

In addition to being used to coordinate agricultural tasks, they also served to make "public gossip," such as when a woman became pregnant outside of marriage or infidelity occurred. They were also used to alert of fires, gather the village, or even play jokes with the echo of the sound.

Recovery of a tradition: Ricardo González and the Risco del Mazapé

In 2009, the citizen of Icod, Ricardo González, decided to recover the so-called "sonadas or sonatas of San Juan" and bring them to San Juan de la Rambla. This choice was due to the privileged environment of the Risco del Mazapé , a natural space ideal for making the ancestral sound of the bucio resonate.

A natural auditorium for a living tradition

Thanks to this unique setting, the tradition has not only been preserved but has also become a sensory experience that connects new generations to the customs and practices of their ancestors.