Nit de Sant Joan
Photo: Enrique Galdú (Flickr). License: CC BY-NC-SA
"Nit de Sant Joan" (the Night of John the Baptist) festivity is celebrated to welcome the summer. It is a celebration of heathen origin worshipping the sun. Currently, the tradition is to eat the "coca de Sant Joan," a traditional cake, which used to be ring-shaped with a hole in the middle (like a donut). Nowadays, there are different ways to make them: with custard, pine nuts, cream, or chocolate.
In Barcelona, every neighbourhood sets up their own "revetlles" (open-air bars) with music and bonfires. At 7pm the first bonfire is lit at Plaza Sant Jaume celebrated along with traditional figurines dances. At around 8pm, fire from the first bonfire is used to light up other bonfires and at 8:30pm fireworks are launched from the City Hall.
The beach is the most important place of celebration on this day, where a great bonfire is lit at La Barceloneta beach, a beach where especially the youth gather, go for a swim and enjoy the fireworks show.
History and Legend
Photo: Carmen (Flickr). License: CC BY-NC-SA
Ever since before Romans, the summer solstice has been a reason of celebration for many cultures,as lighting up fires was believed to be able to send away spirits and other magical beings during the shortest night of the year.
This night is also known as "Nit del Foc" (Night of the Fire), a night full of lights, colours, and sounds from the fireworks; or also "Nit de les Bruixes" (Night of the Witches), since it is said that witches and druids used to gather to strengthen their magical powers drinking potions of love and fortune.
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