The Feast of Sant Joan is an enormous deal in Barcelona, additionally identified to Catalans because the “Nit del Foc” that means the “Night time of Fireplace”. The celebration takes place on the Summer time Solstice, the shortest evening of the 12 months. This public vacation is famend for its electrical environment and the loopy events which happen.
This can be a date you won’t be able to overlook should you’re within the metropolis, you’ll see fires on the street and listen to fixed fireworks all through town.
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The celebrations start on the twenty third of June and finish on the twenty fourth of June and happen throughout the nation in lots of varieties. The twenty third is named the feast day and the day which many have fun and the twenty fourth is the non-working day. In Barcelona, everybody celebrates in their very own approach, bringing pals and households collectively for meals, events, bonfires and fireworks.
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Historical past behind the feast of Sant Joan / nit del foc
Sant Joan is likely one of the most vital feast days for Catalans. The festivities happen firstly to have fun the summer season solstice, but additionally to have fun the start of St. John the Baptist. On the evening of this celebration the solar reaches its highest level, earlier than starting to drop. The solar is seen as an emblem of fertility and wealth, and subsequently should be given energy. This energy is handed on via the bonfires and fireworks, therefore why they’re so fashionable on today. Another excuse behind using flames on today is to frighten off and dispel evil spirits. These festivities have been round because the 18th century and nonetheless proceed as we speak.
Traditions of the Sant Joan Celebration
The evening is understood to be very loud, starting at nightfall until daybreak, with fireworks going down all evening lengthy. In varied districts all through Barcelona you possibly can expertise events within the streets in addition to a big culinary providing. You will see that loads of music, with DJ’s and musicians taking up, and you may also discover fascinating traditions at locations like Barceloneta such because the fire-spitting Correfoc.
Nearly all of events happen within the Previous City District (Gothic Quarter). Right here you could find the Canigó flame which reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume on the afternoon of the twenty third and is acquired by the municipal authorities. In addition to the previous city you’ll find individuals partying all evening on the seaside in Barceloneta, and it is possible for you to to bop your approach via each seaside bar there!
By the seaside additionally, you will discover that native eating places put out additional chairs, tables and decorations, so that folks can start their celebrations off with a big dinner. In addition they typically construct particular bars on the entrance to promote drinks and snacks for the celebration individuals as they arrive.
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There are stated to be three symbols of Sant Joan; hearth, water and herbs. The hearth symbolises purity which explains that fires are lit. The water represents therapeutic, as on the evening of the twenty third some individuals bathe within the sea. The herbs symbolise treatment, with some claiming that on the evening of Sant Joan their therapeutic qualities are enhanced.
On Sant Joan day, town is far quieter than the celebration the evening earlier than. Many bars will probably be closed, in addition to retailers and lots of supermarkets, additionally, you will hardly ever see taxis and even individuals within the streets. The day of Sant Joan is understood to be a day of relaxation.
Feasting for Sant Joan
An official meals of Sant Joan is the ‘Coca’ or ‘Coques’ in plural, which is a bread fashion cake you will notice in bakery home windows all through town. You should purchase each candy and savoury Coques and people which include crackling, fruit, nuts or cream. They’ve a definite aniseed flavour nonetheless which is shared amongst all Coques.
There should not another conventional meals for Sant Joan, nonetheless historically many Catalans will eat out for dinner on the night of the beginning of the celebrations day. It’s sensible to e-book a desk upfront to make sure you aren’t disillusioned as it will probably get very busy throughout this celebration.
The Feast of Sant Joan is likely one of the most fun celebrations of the 12 months and one that’s not to be missed. Should you’re in Barcelona, purpose to benefit from this vacation by celebrating like an area.
