On the night of June 23rd, the shortest night of the year, Barcelona celebrates the "Revetlla de Sant Joan". It is the welcome to the summer in one of the most special nights.
If you are in Barcelona during this period, you can't miss these parties.
In this article, we show you 6 plans to celebrate Sant Joan in the most traditional way, don't miss them!
1. Receive the Flame of Canigó in Sant Jaume square.
The Flame of Canigó is one of the most characteristic rituals. It is a fire that arose at the top of the Canigó massif (in the Pyrenees) and that the night of Sant Joan is transported from this mountain to light all the bonfires of the different neighborhoods until reaching the Plaza de Sant Jaume.
Thus begins, year after year, the celebration of an ancestral festival linked to the summer solstice that is also a symbol of brotherhood among the Catalan-speaking territories.
2. Dances of the City League and Giants
When the flame of the Canigó arrives at Sant Jaume square, it is received by the municipal authorities: the Àliga de la Ciutat and the Giants of the City.
These are large figures carried by people who spin and dance to the sound of music and drums while the song "Muntanyes del Canigó" plays. The Àliga of Barcelona is a figure that is part of the historical bestiary. Along with the Giants of the City, it is the maximum protocol representative of Barcelona. These folkloric elements, property of the Barcelona City Council, participate in the highlights of Barcelona's festivities as part of the popular entourage.
3. Participate in the traditional Correfocs
The "correfoc" is a kind of open-air spectacle in which people dressed as devils and other monsters launch fireworks into the crowd during a route that usually ends in a square. The devils carry all kinds of pyrotechnic elements, such as wheelbarrows, Frenchmen, nozzles and rollers, which they burn as they go along the route.
In addition, during the show, the audience interacts with the fire and the devils, playing a tug-of-war with them: they harass them, dodge them or get under the shelter of their fire.
The correfoc has become a symbol of Catalan identity and very much woven into the fabric of local celebrations.
4. Write a wish and burn it in a bonfire.
The bonfire is a central element of the celebration, representing the cleansing and renewal that opens the way to the next season: summer. By burning the piece of paper containing the writing, people symbolically release their wishes.
In order to theoretically fulfill your wishes, you must write them on a piece of paper and burn them in the bonfire by jumping three times. Once you have burned your wishes, you must pour the ashes into the sea water. Therefore, on this special night, the beaches of Barcelona are filled with people and bonfires celebrating the date,
5. Participate in neighborhood meals
Locals organize outdoor dinners in the street, known as "sopars populars", so it is not uncommon to see tables lined up with locals enjoying a meal. Ask them if you can join them for an authentic local experience with traditional food.
6. Enjoy fireworks shows
From the onset of dusk there are fireworks displays throughout the night. Crowds gather in anticipation for the colorful fireworks displays that light up the city. You'll love it.
If you decide to come to visit Barcelona at this time of the year and celebrate Sant Joan together with the locals, do not hesitate to choose us. Staying at Barcelona Touch Apartments, you will be able to reach quickly all the events of this festivity, thanks to the fact that our apartments are very well communicated with public transport or your own car if you plan to do so.