There are lots of cultural events in Barcelona that make it a city well worth visiting. If you like to party hard, however, the Festival of Saint John is for you. It takes place on the night of June 23 every year and is when the city really comes to life. So, make sure you plan your trip at this time to really discover the city

 

The festival, also called “verbenas” meaning open air fiestas, is a celebration of the summer solstice. This is when the city prepares to welcome the hundreds of thousands of tourists that visit every year. It takes place on the eve of Saint John’s day – a public holiday in Catalonia. Being off from work the following next day, this is a night when the people don’t hold back in having fun.

 

This celebration has a long history – one that dates back to pagan times. It is from this time the tradition of holding fire shows originated. Today, these ancient customs are still alive, which take the form of firework shows and bonfires. These are especially abundant during the Sant John festival, and are one of its most spectacular sights

 

The festival has something in common with the Olympic Games. Both events have a single original flame that keeps all of its fires alive. As part of the festival, the flame that lights the fires in the region does a circuit of the villages. It is even said that fire can cure your sins and rid your bad luck during Sant John. All you have to do is burn something.

 

If you are in the city with a loved one you can take part in one of the more romantic traditions. If, it is said, you jump over a fire seven times in hand with you partner you will both live a long and happy life. Just make sure the fire is a small one, or, better still, leave it to the locals just to be safe.

 

Water is another important element of the festival, one that holds a very special meaning. Just like baptisms of Saint John, on this night in particular water will cleanse your sins. This has led to the belief that a swim will lead to lifelong happiness. So, don’t be surprised if you seen hundreds of students take to Barcelona’s beaches at midnight to go for a dip.

 

If you’re mixing with the locals, you can also expect to be partying until sunrise. The sun comes up at 6.15am at this time of year, and no one in Barcelona goes to bed until they see it

 

We’ve already mentioned that fireworks are an important part of the festival. Every neighbourhood has its own show on the night, along with a bonfire. These are the centrepieces of the celebration and take pride of place. The bonfire itself is built using old furniture and household goods.

 

The barrios are where the real party takes place. Dancing goes on into the wee small hours in the local neighbourhoods, as do street parties, entertainment and music. The bang of ‘petardos’ are the soundtrack of the festival. These are the firecrackers that are set off continually and are sold out of huts in the city.

 

As always in Barcelona, food plays a bit part in proceedings. The most popular dish being the Catalonian Coca dessert. This is long bread filled with lots of tasty ingredients. Being one of the major celebrations of the year, this is a time when all Catalans push the boat out, so you will probably find lots of new foods to try.

 

One of the biggest events of the Catalonian year falls on June 23 in the form of the festival Sant John. This date marks the start of the summer season and is celebrated with parties, firework shows and bonfires. If you want to sample genuine Catalonian culture, this is the best time to book your trip including your ramblas apartments. So, why not take a trip to Barcelona this summer?

 

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