The Feast of Sant Joan is a giant deal in Barcelona, additionally recognized to Catalans because the “Nit del Foc” that means the “Night time of Hearth”. The celebration takes place on the Summer time Solstice, the shortest night time of the yr. This public vacation is famend for its electrical ambiance and the loopy events which happen.
This can be a date you won’t be able to overlook should you’re within the metropolis, you’ll see fires on the street and listen to fixed fireworks all through the town.
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The celebrations start on the twenty third of June and finish on the twenty fourth of June and happen throughout the nation in lots of varieties. The twenty third is called the feast day and the day which many have a good time and the twenty fourth is the non-working day. In Barcelona, everybody celebrates in their very own manner, bringing pals and households collectively for meals, events, bonfires and fireworks.
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Historical past behind the feast of Sant Joan / nit del foc
Sant Joan is likely one of the most essential feast days for Catalans. The festivities happen firstly to have a good time the summer season solstice, but additionally to have a good time the start of St. John the Baptist. On the night time of this celebration the solar reaches its highest level, earlier than starting to drop. The solar is seen as an emblem of fertility and wealth, and subsequently should be given energy. This energy is handed on by way of the bonfires and fireworks, therefore why they’re so widespread on today. One more reason behind using flames on today is to frighten off and dispel evil spirits. These festivities have been round for the reason that 18th century and nonetheless proceed at present.
Traditions of the Sant Joan Celebration
The night time is thought to be very loud, starting at nightfall until daybreak, with fireworks going down all night time lengthy. In varied districts all through Barcelona you may expertise events within the streets in addition to a big culinary providing. You will discover loads of music, with DJ’s and musicians taking on, and you can too discover attention-grabbing traditions at locations like Barceloneta such because the fire-spitting Correfoc.
Nearly all of events happen within the Previous City District (Gothic Quarter). Right here you’ll find the Canigó flame which reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume on the afternoon of the twenty third and is acquired by the municipal authorities. In addition to the previous city you’ll find individuals partying all night time on the seaside in Barceloneta, and it is possible for you to to bounce your manner by way of each seaside bar there!
By the seaside additionally, you will discover that native eating places put out further chairs, tables and decorations, so that individuals can start their celebrations off with a big dinner. Additionally they typically construct particular bars on the entrance to promote drinks and snacks for the celebration individuals as they arrive.
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There are mentioned to be three symbols of Sant Joan; fireplace, water and herbs. The hearth symbolises purity which explains that fires are lit. The water represents therapeutic, as on the night time of the twenty third some individuals bathe within the sea. The herbs symbolise treatment, with some claiming that on the night time of Sant Joan their therapeutic qualities are enhanced.
On Sant Joan day, the town is way quieter than the celebration the night time earlier than. Many bars can be closed, in addition to retailers and plenty of supermarkets, additionally, you will hardly ever see taxis and even individuals within the streets. The day of Sant Joan is thought to be a day of relaxation.
Feasting for Sant Joan
An official meals of Sant Joan is the ‘Coca’ or ‘Coques’ in plural, which is a bread fashion cake you will notice in bakery home windows all through the town. You should buy each candy and savoury Coques and people which comprise crackling, fruit, nuts or cream. They’ve a definite aniseed flavour nevertheless which is shared amongst all Coques.
There should not another conventional meals for Sant Joan, nevertheless historically many Catalans will eat out for dinner on the night of the beginning of the celebrations day. It’s good to e book a desk prematurely to make sure you aren’t upset as it could possibly get very busy throughout this celebration.
The Feast of Sant Joan is likely one of the most fun celebrations of the yr and one that’s not to be missed. In the event you’re in Barcelona, goal to take advantage of this vacation by celebrating like a neighborhood.
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