Festival of Sant Joan in Barcelona
The Night of Sant Joan (also known as the night of fire and the night of witches) is a popular celebration that takes place on the 23rd June, just after the longest day of the year and the Summer solstice. The city of Barcelona is literally alight on the "Nit de Sant Joan" when the streets are alive with parties, bonfires and outdoor celebrations known as "Revetlles" or "Verbenas"
As well as bonfires, fireworks and music, people also eat traditional cakes, "Cocas" as well as other sweet foods at home and around bonfires in order to ward off bad luck. Much of the symbolism that surrounds the festivities of Sant Joan, including the noise and fires themselves, are intended to fend off bad spirits.
It may be one of the shortest nights of the year, but during the hours of darkness from sunset on the 23rd June through to Sant Joan's day on the 24th June, the Barcelona skies are lit up with colour and fire. Each barrio has its own organised parties as well as many other rogue celebrations taking place in the streets.
The Night of Sant Joan (also known as the night of fire and the night of witches) is a popular celebration that takes place on the 23rd June, just after the longest day of the year and the Summer solstice. The city of Barcelona is literally alight on the "Nit de Sant Joan" when the streets are alive with parties, bonfires and outdoor celebrations known as "Revetlles" or "Verbenas"
As well as bonfires, fireworks and music, people also eat traditional cakes, "Cocas" as well as other sweet foods at home and around bonfires in order to ward off bad luck. Much of the symbolism that surrounds the festivities of Sant Joan, including the noise and fires themselves, are intended to fend off bad spirits.
It may be one of the shortest nights of the year, but during the hours of darkness from sunset on the 23rd June through to Sant Joan's day on the 24th June, the Barcelona skies are lit up with colour and fire. Each barrio has its own organised parties as well as many other rogue celebrations taking place in the streets.
The "Coca" cake itself is similiar to a sweet bread topped with pine nuts and filled with cinnamon, cherries and glazed fruits.
Another feature of the Sant Joan festivities is the brightly coloured decorations and bunting which you will see hanging around the city. This includes your local stores and supermarkets, where they will most probably remain for a few weeks yet to come.
With crackers, bangers and fireworks being so liberally launched in public places, safety is obviously of key concern at this time of the year. For those of us who are used to public displays take place at controlled distances, this wild, almost pyromaniacal, event is one is both disconcerting and exciting.
The Barcelona metro will open all night on the night of the 23rd. Street bonfires take place at various locations around the city.
With crackers, bangers and fireworks being so liberally launched in public places, safety is obviously of key concern at this time of the year. For those of us who are used to public displays take place at controlled distances, this wild, almost pyromaniacal, event is one is both disconcerting and exciting.
The Barcelona metro will open all night on the night of the 23rd. Street bonfires take place at various locations around the city.
An interesting account of this fiesta. There is another one involving jumping over babies!
ResponderEliminarSee it here: http://thebabyhirecentre.blogspot.com/2009/06/dont-try-this-at-home.html