Sant Joan Festival – The Night of Fire in Barcelona
Is there a better way to spend the shortest night in the year than spending it attending Sant Joan festival in Barcelona? It is one of the most special and buggiest events in Catalonia, and we are here to tell you why it is so special.
On the evening 23rd of July, people are gathering to celebrate the longest day and the shortest night in the whole year, and not only that. Midsummer solstice celebration is also a celebration of the fire, water and herbs. It is called «Nit de Foc» or «Night of Fire». Many groups of people are having fun around the bonfires, which became tradition during the years. Many of those bonfires are fired with the flame from the mountain Canigò from the former North Catalunya which is the symbol of the Catalan culture. Every year there are volunteers who carry the flame all around Catalonia, bringing a ray of light in each part. Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are also very common and make this night special, bright and shiny experience.
The other tradition is connected with the water. The old saying dictates that taking a bath or swim in the sea or lake will cure you of all illnesses and clean up all your sins. So there is nothing strange to see thousands of people taking a night swim on the Barceloneta beach in the middle of the night!
You may ask how do herbs fit into the story about Sant Joan night. Well, there is also a belief that all the herbs collected and consummated on this night have one hundred time stronger effect! Whether true or not, this time of the year is perfect to collect them and make curative beverages, consuming them together with coca – the traditional bread-cake which is a «must» for Fiesta de Sant Joan.
Simply enjoy the positive vibrations and the energy floating in the air of Barcelona during this huge celebration! Let the candid joy of the old traditions and smiling faces all around inspire you for the whole year!
The Luxury Team
