Sant Joan: Barcelona on fire!

Events and Music, Fiestas on June 18, 2011 1:08 pm
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What: Sant Joan in Barcelona
When: The Nights of 23rd and 24th June
Who: Everybody who likes to party outside
Highlights: Big bonfires and fireworks on the beach

Probably the biggest party in Barcelona! Sant Joan takes place on the night of the 23rd and 24th of June and is also known as the “night of fire”. There are many festive traditions and parties all over Spain and each region has its own way to celebrate. In Barcelona, there are celebrations in each barrio as well as numerous bonfires on the beach, fireworks, fire crackers, dancing in the streets and for sure the largest beach party that Barcelona holds each year.

San Juan Fireworks Barcelona San Juan Bonfires Barcelona Fire Crackers San Juan Barcelona

At midnight, all the old furniture is gathered on the beach to be set alight. Fires are a symbol of incineration of the winter. It is The Chiringuito-Bars (Terrace Bars) on the beach will play mainly house music and some DJs will bring their special equipment to get the party started. While the fires are burning, people dance all night long till dawn. Clearly, Sant Joan is definitely not a night to sleep!

Advice
Our advice to enjoy Sant Joan
  • If you find large crowds daunting and  if you are scared of the fire crackers, then meet with your friends at home and enjoy a cosy dinner.
  • Bring your own drinks in plastic bottles, avoid glass as it is heavy and dangerous.
  • Do NOT bring you ID or other important documents with you.. Avoid carrying a bag with valuables.
  • Do not bring large amounts of cash
  • Secure your key with a key fob on your trousers.
  • If you don’t want to be rudely awakened by the police at 7 am the next morning, you want to avoid falling asleep on the beach!
  • To save your ears from all the noise, get yourself a pack of earplugs!

Crowds on Barceloneta Beach


Views from the staff @ Oh-Barcelona

“I really like it. Fireworks, bonfires on the beaches, parties the whole night, everybody is dancing …!” (Nathalie)

“I don’t like Sant Joan much, it’s like devil’s kitchen in BCN. “(Karina)

“There are fireworks, lots of booze, you are barely able to walk and the atmosphere is amazing” (Luis)

“Better to stay in your flat and have dinner with friends” (Paul)

What is there to see?
What is there to see?
  • The different districts of Barcelona organise parties and events in the streets and other public places.
  • Everybody meets outside for shared dinners, and music is played everywhere. As a traditional delicacy Coca de Sant Joan is offered, which is a sweet cake filled with candid fruits and nuts.
  • Lights illuminate the streets and alleys and there are plenty of fire crackers flying around. Furthermore there is a big firework display. Many locals gather on the beaches of Barceloneta and Mar Bella to dance the night away!

You will love
  • The environment
  • Opportunity to have a midnight swim
  • The beach parties
  • Watching the fireworks from a boat at sea
  • Eating with friends
  • Party and dancing all night!
  • One of the best celebrations in Barcelona
  • It’s completely free!
You might not like
  • Uncontrollable firecrackers
  • Crowded Metro System
  • Danger of fire on the beach
  • A paradise for pickpockets
  • Drunk and disorderly people
  • The massive hangover the next day
  • Noisy all night
  • No chance of getting a taxi


Are you visiting Barcelona with friends or family? Why not hire one of our many stunning Apartments. Oh-Barcelona.com have the ideal accommodation for you.

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Have you ever visited Barcelona during Sant Joan? What did you think? Are you planning on visiting? Let us know! Leave a comment below.

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4 Comments

  1. anirac says:
    June 2, 2011 at 11:36 am

    you forget the most important thing in Sant Joan: taste the “coca” of Sant Joan (with nuts and fruit, or cream or cabell d’angel) and the coca of “llardons”!! you can find them in all the pastryshops!!!!!

    Reply
  2. Sean says:
    June 29, 2010 at 12:52 am

    Ahhhh so gutted that I couldn’t be in Barcelona for this!

    It looked amazing!

    Reply

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