Saint John's Eve Celebration in Barcelona in 2024

The Saint John's Eve celebration, known as 'Revetlla de Sant Joan,' is one of the most important popular festivals of the year in Catalonia. It takes place on the night of June 23rd to 24th and is a night where fire, festivities, dancing, fireworks, and the delicious Coca de Sant Joan take center stage.

If you're looking to make plans during the Sant Joan night or want to learn more about the festival, pay attention because we'll explain everything you need to know about it.

The origin of 'Revetlla de Sant Joan'

It is a pagan festival that celebrates the arrival of the summer solstice, but with a two-day delay.

The main ritual involves lighting a bonfire, which was intended to give more strength to the sun since, from this solstice onwards, the days start getting shorter. Additionally, the fire purified those who gazed at it and even served to make wishes, taking advantage of the new cycle brought about by the solstice change. Symbolically, the fire also has a "purifying" function for those who contemplate it.

Sant Joan Night in Barcelona:

We will now summarize everything that happens during the night.

The first step: Sant Joan dinner

It is typical to gather with family and friends for a shared dinner. Among cured meats, bread with tomato, and a good glass of cava, pork scratchings (known as llardons de porc) or the Coca de Sant Joan cannot be missing.

The Llardons are obtained by pressing the fatty parts of the pig. This results in a kind of dry and crunchy mass made from pork fat. Although it was typical to obtain it during the period of pig slaughtering, its easy preservation allowed for consumption throughout the winter.

The Coca de Sant Joan is a sweet treat consumed at the end of the dinner. It is made of puff pastry or coca dough (similar to brioche but denser) and can be adorned with pine nuts, candied fruits, angel hair, custard, Catalan cream, etc.

Today, we find them in many different varieties to suit almost any consumer's taste.

Where to celebrate Saint John's Eve in Barcelona?

Barcelona offers many options to enjoy this special night. One of the most popular is going to the beach, where thousands of people gather to dance to the music, jump the waves, and watch the fireworks. Another option is to go to one of the squares or streets where dinners and bonfires are organized. Last but not least, you can go to a pub or nightclub in the city (many venues have special activities related to Saint John's Eve).

Fireworks on Saint John's Eve

It is common for both adults and children to enjoy setting off rockets or fireworks.

The night, although short, often extends until dawn because the celebration is intense and magical.

After this brief overview, we remind you that if you want to know more about Barcelona, you can visit our blog.