W. Congress St. at the Santa Cruz River, Tucson
www.tucsonaz.gov/sanjuan [1]
On June 24 the overheated populous prays for rain during the free Día de San Juan festival celebrating John the Baptist and the saint’s historical relationship with the desert’s summer rainy season.
The tradition of celebrating the Baptist’s birthday came to the region with the Spanish in the 1600s, and over the centuries was imbued with more localized and indigenous meanings.
The event features a parade, food booths, mariachi, and native dancing meant to inspire the summer rains to visit the dry, hot pueblo.
Links:
[1] http://www.tucsonaz.gov/sanjuan