The coming weekend holds a very special event for all the people who visit Barcelona. The 
Sant Joan parties will be held in in the Spanish state of Catalonia. This is one of the most anticipated and most celebrated nights of the year and a truly unique experience for everyone. If you want to learn more about the meaning of “La Nit de Sant Joan” and the way it is celebrated, just go on reading.
Sant Joan is traditionally held on the 23rd of June which traditionally has been marked as the day with the longest period of daylight. Sant Joan celebrates this fact and the early summer in all night long party which is filled with many events, as well as lots of joy and dancing mainly done outside in the open air. The midsummer solstice was considered the most important event of the year and since ancient times has been celebrated in a variety of fun ways.
Water: The Water is a major element used in the celebrations. The Bath on the night 23rd a 24th has supposedly a cleansing effect. You have to take a swim to clean yourself from all the sins you have accumulated during the year. You can do this in any type of water, but the most fun has to be to go night-swimming at the beautiful beaches of Barcelona, where around midnight many party people from around the world will enter the water, joined by a light fireworks spectacle. Of course the outdoor parties at the beach continue even after midnight and last till the late morning hours.
Fire: Waters opposing element is just as important on Sant Juan. The sins that are not washed off should be burned. ”La Flama del Canigó” is the expression for bonfires that are lightened up for the festivities. The lighting is no simple tradition though, hundreds of volunteers carry the prestigious flame from Canigò (2784 m) in the Pyrenees mountains to all the Catalan cities in France and Spain. The bonfires are kept alive by the people burning belongings like old furniture. This procedure also symbolizes a process of cleansing and burning former sins. This is less romantic, though far safer far safer than the other dominant tradition of jumping with your loved one over the bonfire to live happy ever after.
The element of fire is further honored by fireworks. Each neighborhood of Barcelona is trying to make the most impressive one, resulting in a fascinating competition. Little harmless firecrackers are also thrown by almost everyone on this day
Lastly special food is served on this occasion. “Coca” is a recipe which involves wrapping a variety of fillings on a bread base. It really is delicious and can be found in bakeries all around the city during Sant Joan. Herbs play a major role also. They were traditionally collected and offered to the god on the day of the celebration. It is said that their curative and stimulating power is one hundred times stronger at this day.
Besides the traditional and ceremonial aspects, all the local bars and discotheques open up, usually till the morning hours and present their own Sant Joan party. Offer a fun and colorful variety of festivities in all of Barcelona.
Of course we recommend, that you see experience this awesome event, and of course we suggest you do so where it is celebrated with the most passion, in Barcelona. Rent4Days invites you to join this unique event and celebrate with thousands of tourists and locals alike.
For your stay we you will want an apartment in Barcelona close to the Beach, to see the fireworks and spectacular night swimming. We yet have our “Barceloneta Cool” series available which are 5 fully equipped apartments, that offer high comfort at an economic price and are, of course, located right next to the Barceloneta Beach area! Find below the link to the first of the series.
Rent4Days Barceloneta Cool Apartments