The eve of Sant Joan is a magical night which sees families, friends and neighbours fill the streets in celebration. On the shortest night of the year, Barcelona will be lit up with bonfires and firecrackers. Music, dancing, legends, coca de Sant Joan pastries, bathing in the sea, spectacular fireworks displays, medicinal herbs… All set to guarantee that local residents experience an exciting night of magic and festivities.

As is tradition, the celebrations begin with the Canigó Flame. This year’s message accompanying the arrival of the fire of this ancestral festival, symbol of brotherhood between the Catalan-speaking territories, is a manifesto written by Lluís Puig i Gordi. Following the lighting of the cauldron, representatives from each neighbourhood will come up to the stage to take the fire that will light bonfires all over the city.

The Flame will leave the Camp Nou at 5 pm and arrive in Plaça de Sant Jaume at 6 pm, where the dances of the Eagle, the Giants of the City and the Capgrossos Macers will take place. For more details about the event, click here.

In Barcelona the celebration of Sant Joan is alive and well thanks to the many associations that ensure the festival reaches all the city’s neighbourhoods and is the most special of nights. Every district in Barcelona will be filled with festive fun, bonfires, communal meals etc. This year, there are more than 70 activities around the city. If you want to know what’s happening in your district or neighbourhood,  check out the full programme for Sant Joan 2023 on our website.

We need to enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly, particularly when it comes to handling or buying firecrackers, or if you have pets at home. We therefore recommend that you follow the civil protection advice on having a safe celebration.