It really doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Barcelona, you will always find lots going on. The people are welcoming and the lifestyle is very lively, meaning an exciting stay for you. However, there is one time of year when the city really springs to life. The Festival of Saint John takes place on the evening of June 23 and if you happen to be in Spain’s second city at that time, you are in for a real treat.

 

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.

 

The history of the festival is a long one. Like in many cultures, the summer solstice had always been an important event in Spain. In pagan times, fire was celebrated as a symbol of abundance, purity and fertility. Today the Spanish people pay tribute to these traditions by holding firework shows. These can be appreciated, along with bonfires, all over Barcelona at this time.

 

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.

 

One of the most popular customs with couples is to take the hand of a loved one and jump over a bonfire seven times. Legend has it that this will see you live happily for ever after. This, however, we would urge you leave it to the experts – those being the locals

 

Being the festival of John the Baptist, water also plays a special role during “verbenas”. Water, people believe, on this night in particular can help you cleanse all of your sins and cure all of your ailments. Some people take this part of the proceedings very seriously and even go for a midnight dip. You’ll find a fair few of them take to the beach to do just that

 

And, apparently, you can’t really celebrate the Festival of Saint John without seeing the sun come up. This happens at around 6.15am at this time of year and is a great excuse for partying all night.

 

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.

 

It is within the barrios that you will be able to experience the real party. Dancing in the town squares, street parties, music and entertainment are all on the cards, and always to the bang of the ‘petardos’. Petardos are firecrackers, which you can buy from about ten days from the festival at little huts that spring up around the city.

 

Food is another important element of the festival, which gives you the chance to try something new. Among the dishes regularly served is the Catalonian Coca dessert – long bread filled with treats. Everyone makes an effort during the festival, and this includes the food that is served.

 

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 holiday apartments Barcelona. So, why not take a trip to Barcelona this summer?

 

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