While the monsoon began with heavy rainfalls across the county last week, tradition holds that Tucson’s summer rainy season begins with El Dia de San Juan, June 24.

According to local legend, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado stood on the
banks of the Santa Cruz River and prayed to San Juan (St. John) for rain in
1540. The following day was St. John’s Day and the rains arrived.

To celebrate, the Menlo Park Neighborhood Association hosted the 26th annual Día de San Juan Fiesta on Monday evening in Mission Garden, near the base of A Mountain.

In the lingering heat, under gathering storm clouds, participants strolled through the gardens drinking agua fresca, while speakers talked about the region’s diverse customs around water, including the rainfall traditions of the Tohono O’odham.“We wanted to acknowledge the native contributions,” said Liza M. Grant from the neighborhood association. “The banks of the Santa Cruz River have been
inhabited over 4,000 years, it’s one of the longest inhabited places in
North America.”

The fiesta featured traditional blessings, food, a piñata and music by Mariachi Luz de Luna and DJ Dirtyverbs.

Other speakers at the event included Father Marcos Velasquez from Santa Cruz
Parish and elected
officials such as Mayor Regina Romero.

Late Monday night, after participants went home, thunderstorms again brought rain to the desert.