Sweets, Fireworks, and Bonfires on the Longest Day of the Year
The verbena de San Juan, known in Catalonia as the revetlla de Sant Joan, is one of the most important celebrations in the Catalan calendar. It takes place on the night of June 23rd to 24th, coinciding with the summer solstice, and marks the beginning of the season with traditional elements such as bonfires, fireworks, and even a special sweet treat called the coca.
The festival has pagan origins, related to the celebration of the summer solstice. It was believed that this night had magical properties, which is why rituals involving fire and water were performed to protect against evil spirits, attract good fortune, and promote health and love.
Since the Catholic Church often attempted to eliminate pagan festivities—or if it couldn’t, to transform them into Christian celebrations—this holiday eventually became associated with the birth of Saint John the Baptist.
Fire is the central element of the festival. Bonfires (fogueres) are lit in streets, squares, or on the beach, symbolizing the destruction of the old to make way for the new. In Barcelona, street bonfires have been heavily restricted due to safety concerns and are mainly allowed on Barceloneta Beach.
In many smaller towns, neighbors collect wood for days to fuel the flames, and the bravest leap over the fire as a symbol of purification.
Sant Joan is synonymous with popular celebrations: firecrackers, fireworks, music, and dancing until dawn. Beaches are filled with people celebrating outdoors, while neighborhoods and villages organize traditional verbenas with food, music, and family activities.
The typical dessert is the coca de Sant Joan, a sweet brioche topped with candied fruit, pine nuts, or cream, and another version called coca de llardons, made with puff pastry and pork cracklings.
So now you know: if you're in Catalonia on the night of Sant Joan, get ready to enjoy a night full of joy, tradition, fire, and coca, and if you dare, jump over a bonfire to leave bad energy behind.
