As the sun sets on June 23rd, 2024, get ready for the magic night of Sant Joan to light up the streets and beaches of Barcelona! This awesome festival, also known as Saint John’s Festival, is all about celebrating the start of summer and the shortest night of the year. Come join us as we dive into the fun and unique traditions that make Sant Joan one of the most exciting experiences in Barcelona.

A Night of Fire and Festivities

In Barcelona and all over Catalonia, Sant Joan is all about fire. People light bonfires, called ‘fogueres,’ in their neighborhoods, plazas, and beaches, making everything glow. Get ready to see the sky light up with fireworks as families and friends gather to set off their own bangers and firecrackers.The streets come alive with the sounds of music and laughter.

 

The tradition of fire runs deep. The night is often called ‘Nit del Foc’ (Fire Night) or ‘Nit de Sant Joan’ (St. John’s Night). Local residents and authorities organize community celebrations with live music, dancing, and the enjoyment of ‘coca,’ a delicious sweet flatbread, often paired with a glass of cava, the region’s famous sparkling wine.

 

For many people, the beaches of Barcelona, especially those around the Barceloneta area, are the place to be. Around 70,000 people gather on the sand, turning the beachfront into a massive party zone. Beachfront restaurants and clubs offer special dinners and events, making the night a continuous celebration from sunset to sunrise!

 

Do you know the rituals of Sant Joan?

Sant Joan is full of old traditions, together with ancient rituals and modern celebrations to create an unforgettable experience. Here’s a glimpse into what makes it so special:

 

•                Fire: The flame of Canigó, a symbolic fire from the Pyrenees, is used to light many of the bonfires. This tradition represents unity and the enduring spirit of Catalan culture.

•                Water: Taking a midnight dip in the sea is believed to cleanse the sins and bring health for the year ahead. With water temperatures around 22-23°C, a swim is both refreshing and symbolic.

•                Herbs: Sant Joan is also a time to gather and use herbs like thyme, rosemary, and verbena, believed to have special healing on this night.

•                Coca and Cava: No celebration is complete without food and drink. ‘Coca de Sant Joan,’ a sweet, brioche-like bread, is a must-try, often enjoyed with a glass of chilled cava.

 

Some Important Tips!

Here are some must-know tips to make the most of your Sant Joan experience:

 

•                Getting Around: Want to hop from one bonfire to the next? The Barcelona metro runs all night long, ensuring you can travel across the city easily. Night buses will also run, with some extra services on specific lines. However, suburban and regional trains will not run all night.

•                Safety First: Fireworks may be dazzling, but they can also be dangerous. Keep a safe distance from firecrackers and bonfires and use protective eyewear if you’re participating directly. And don’t forget to wear comfy shoes for all that dancing!

•                Clean-Up Crew: After the party winds down, a team of dedicated cleaners swoops in to tidy up the beaches. The day after Sant Joan, over 300 city cleaners will work from 6 am to 10 am to clean the beaches, ensuring they are prepared for the usual beach visitors.

•                For pet owners: Think about going somewhere quiet outside the city during events like Sant Joan. Fireworks can scare pets, so being away from the noise in a calmer place can help them feel better and be less stressed. This way, you and your pets can have a peaceful and safe evening away from the loud sounds of fireworks.

•                Just a heads-up! The day after Saint Joan is a public holiday in Catalonia, so make sure to enjoy your well-deserved day off!

•                If you want visit Barcelona during this time, watch out for rental scams. Here are some tips how to avoid it.  

Sant Joan isn’t your average holiday, it’s a wild ride that truly embodies the heart and soul of Barcelona! Whether you’re a local soaking up the hometown pride or a traveler eager to dive into Catalan culture, brace yourself for a night of blazing lights, laughter, and cultural rituals that’ll leave you breathless. So, crank up the volume, soak in the dazzling lights, and join the party! Sant Joan in Barcelona is the ultimate night out you won’t want to skip!

By Laura Johanna Tirion