The Feast of Sant Joan Barcelona 24th June

The Feast of Sant Joan is a giant deal in Barcelona, additionally recognized to Catalans because the “Nit del Foc” that means the “Evening of Hearth”. The celebration takes place on the Summer season Solstice, the shortest evening of the 12 months. This public vacation is famend for its electrical environment and the loopy events which occur.

It is a date you will be unable to overlook should you’re within the metropolis, you’ll see fires on the street and listen to fixed fireworks all through the town. 

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The celebrations start on the twenty third of June and finish on the twenty fourth of June and happen throughout the nation in lots of types. The twenty third is called the feast day and the day which many rejoice and the twenty fourth is the non-working day. In Barcelona, everybody celebrates in their very own means, bringing buddies and households collectively for meals, events, bonfires and fireworks. 

Historical past behind the feast of Sant Joan / nit del foc

Sant Joan is without doubt one of the most essential feast days for Catalans. The festivities happen firstly to rejoice the summer season solstice, but in addition to rejoice the beginning of St. John the Baptist. On the evening of this celebration the solar reaches its highest level, earlier than starting to drop. The solar is seen as a logo of fertility and wealth, and due to this fact should be given power. This power is handed on by way of the bonfires and fireworks, therefore why they’re so common on this present day. Another excuse behind using flames on this present day is to frighten off and dispel evil spirits. These festivities have been round because the 18th century and nonetheless proceed right this moment. 

Traditions of the Sant Joan Celebration

The evening is thought to be very loud, starting at nightfall until daybreak, with fireworks going down all evening lengthy. In numerous districts all through Barcelona you possibly can expertise events within the streets in addition to a big culinary providing. You will see that loads of music, with DJ’s and musicians taking on, and you may also discover fascinating traditions at locations like Barceloneta such because the fire-spitting Correfoc. 

The vast majority of events happen within the Outdated City District (Gothic Quarter). Right here yow will discover the Canigó flame which reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume on the afternoon of the twenty third and is acquired by the municipal authorities. In addition to the outdated city you’ll discover folks partying all evening on the seaside in Barceloneta, and it is possible for you to to bounce your means by way of each seaside bar there! 

By the seaside additionally, you will discover that native eating places put out further chairs, tables and decorations, so that individuals can start their celebrations off with a big dinner. In addition they typically construct particular bars on the entrance to promote drinks and snacks for the occasion folks as they arrive. 

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There are stated to be three symbols of Sant Joan; fireplace, water and herbs. The fireplace symbolises purity which explains that fires are lit. The water represents therapeutic, as on the evening of the twenty third some folks bathe within the sea. The herbs symbolise treatment, with some claiming that on the evening of Sant Joan their therapeutic qualities are enhanced. 

On Sant Joan day, the town is way quieter than the celebration the evening earlier than. Many bars might be closed, in addition to retailers and lots of supermarkets, additionally, you will not often see taxis and even folks within the streets. The day of Sant Joan is thought to be a day of relaxation. 

Feasting for Sant Joan

An official meals of Sant Joan is the ‘Coca’ or ‘Coques’ in plural, which is a bread model cake you will notice in bakery home windows all through the town. You should purchase each candy and savoury Coques and people which comprise crackling, fruit, nuts or cream. They’ve a definite aniseed flavour nevertheless which is shared amongst all Coques. 

There usually are not every other conventional meals for Sant Joan, nevertheless historically many Catalans will eat out for dinner on the night of the beginning of the celebrations day. It’s good to e-book a desk upfront to make sure you aren’t disillusioned as it could get very busy throughout this celebration. 

The Feast of Sant Joan is without doubt one of the most fun celebrations of the 12 months and one that isn’t to be missed. In case you’re in Barcelona, goal to profit from this vacation by celebrating like an area. 

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