Catalan flames of canigo crack#

If you do not have a friend's party to go to, the most common place for people to head to for Sant Joan is the beach. Therefore those with the largest balcony or the best views of the city invite friends and family to watch fireworks, eat and dance the night away. Barcelona is a city made up of balconies and terraces. Many groups of families and friends organise their own parties - known as 'Reveltes'. In the days leading up to the celebrations, you will see temporary fireworks shops open up throughout the city, with queues down the street. The main aspect of the celebrations are the fireworks. Sant Joan is often described by Catalans as the 'Nit del Foc' - meaning the 'Night of Fire'. People sitting upon the beach in Barceloneta However, the one element that you cannot fail to miss is the fire. Many of these rituals are obscure, and you may not experience them during your visit to Barcelona. These are often picked on the night of Sant Joan. Herbs symbolise remedy, and some claim that for the night of Sant Joan, their healing qualities are enhanced one hundred times over. Therefore, on this night, in some areas, people bathe in the sea. Fire symbolises purity, and for this reason, fires are lit.

There are said to be three symbols of Sant Joan - fire, water and herbs. The strength is provided by bonfires and fireworks lit throughout the city for Sant Joan. The sun is seen as a symbol of fertility and wealth, and so it must be given strength. The idea is that on the night of Sant Joan, the sun reaches its highest point, before beginning to drop. It is one of the most important feast days for Catalans and is celebrated throughout the city. It is the longest day of the year and what is known as the Summer Solstice in England. The Feast of Sant Joan celebrates the start of the summer. This page covers the day in depth - where you should head for the action, the background to the occasion, the opening hours of shops and restaurants during this period and the traditions of the feast.

Catalan flames of canigo crack#

If you are in Barcelona during this period there is no way that you will miss the date - fires in the streets and the constant crack of fireworks will make sure of that! It is a public holiday renowned for the electric atmosphere in the air and the crazy parties that take place. In Catalunya a great deal of emphasis is placed on the Summer Solstice - the shortest night of the year. A Character at a Sant Joan Fireworks Display