Barcelona manages to munch its way through around 900,000 of these coques during Sant Joan, so they must be pretty good! Look out for La Coca de Sant Joan – a cake based on a sort of sweet brioche. As the night wears on, the more intrepid (or foolhardy?) might indulge in the tradition of leaping over the remains or even brave the embers in a spot of impromptu fire-walking. Locals stand, sit, squat, dance, listen or play music, eat and drink while the bonfires roar away. As the sun sets, bonfires are lit and form a hub for socialising. Unwanted furniture and other assorted junk meet a fiery end on June 23 rd. It’s then distributed to the different districts, with volunteers carrying the flame to light the major city bonfires. Representing the preservation of Catalan culture, the flame arrives in Barcelona in the late afternoon. The flame of Canigo is carried from the Pyrenees to light an estimated 3000 bonfires all over the Catalan regions. You’ll also see plenty of fireworks on the beaches. ![]() If you have a well-placed hotel balcony or can wangle an invite from local friends with a terrace, you could get a great view. City squares are prime locations – if you have no special plans for the evening, keep your eye out during the day for where displays are being set up. There isn’t one huge official display: as with the other celebrations, each neighbourhood largely organises its own. Be warned: if you prefer a quiet evening and a good night’s sleep, it might be best to visit the Catalan capital some other time! What’s going on Fireworksįireworks seem to be everywhere on the Nit de Sant Joan in Barcelona, courtesy of the temporary firework shops that spring up like mushrooms in the days beforehand. These days, the festival sees Barcelona taken over with fireworks, street parties, bonfires, food and music as citizens and visitors alike throw themselves into the spirit of things. However, it’s likely that the celebration is rooted in pagan rituals, and in particular the celebration of the Summer solstice that occurs two days earlier. ![]() In 7 days time on the night of June 23 rd, Barcelona will be alive with festivities as the city celebrates the famous Nit de Sant Joan in 2016.Īlso known as the Verbenas de Sant Joan in Spanish and La revetlla de Sant Joan in Catalan, the festival takes its name from St John the Baptist within the Catholic tradition, 23 rd of June marks the saint’s birthday. The night of June 23 rd is one of the most magical in Barcelona’s calendar, as Christian and pagan traditions fuse with a fun-loving and largely family vibe.
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