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Barcelona, Spain, will celebrate the Feast of Sant Joan on June 23 and 24, 2025. June 23 is the eve of the birth of St. John the Baptist. It also celebrates the beginning of summer.
There are three elements in the celebration of Sant Joan – fire, water and herbs. Fire symbolizes purity and for this reason fires are lit. You’ll see bonfires and fireworks lit throughout the city for Sant Joan.
Water symbolizes healing and so on the night of June 23, people swim in the ocean. Herbs symbolize healing and they are often picked on the night of Sant Joan.
The Noche de Sant Joan is described as “Nil del Foc”…the Night of Fire. The main part of the celebrations are the fireworks.
Many families and groups of friends organize their own parties, called Reveltes. They watch their fireworks, eat, drink and dance.
If locals are not going to a party, they go to the beach. People bring picnic baskets and cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Many bring ratafia, an alcoholic liqueur made of wine, spirits and herbs. Also associated with Sant Joan’s is coca or coque, flat loaves of bread with sweet or savory toppings.
Locals like to begin the night with a large dinner, knowing there will be a long night of drinking and dancing ahead. If you want to go to a restaurant that evening, it is best to make your reservations in advance.
People light bonfires on the beach. They watch fireworks displays and listen to groups of musicians who play on the beach.
As the clock strikes twelve, locals will go for a midnight swim. Water is thought to bring good fortune and cleanse the spirit. These open air parties go late into the night. Some will stay to see the sunrise.
June 24 is a holiday in Barcelona and most stores and restaurants will be closed. Many locals will be sleeping late after a night of celebrating.
Sources
Sources used for this blog include tourist guide Barcelona, Voye Global and ir Barcelona.
Visiting Barcelona
If you want to go to Barcelona for the festival for Sant Joan, you should consider the following hotels. They’re offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
While you’re in Barcelona, be sure to try some of the city’s delicious cuisine. The following are the Top 10 Best Restaurants in Barcelona as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
Bodega Biarritz
Mirabe
Restaurante Vivanda
Bambi Beach Bar
Restaurante Solomillo
Restaurante Barceloneta
El S8
Restaurante Terra Mia
Viva Tapa
Cerveceria Catalona