Description

The Revetlla de Sant Joan, the St. John’s Eve celebrations, are held across the country and take many forms. In Barcelona everyone celebrates in their own way, with neighbours, friends and families getting together for an evening meal, to play music and light bonfires.

In the afternoon of 23^rd June the Canigó Flame reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume, where it is received by representatives of the municipal authorities, along with City’s Eagle and Giants, to a rendition of the Muntanyes del Canigó. Then the representatives of each neighbourhood take the flame to light bonfires across the city.

When the bonfires are lit the celebrations, the revetlles, begin in the Barcelona’s streets and squares, along with neighbourhood meals, firework displays, dances and revelry until the small hours.

Reason

The night of 23^rd June is a magical night celebrating the summer solstice, just a couple of days late. The Catholic Church combined it with a celebration of the birth of St. John the Baptist, so it has become a festival marked by symbolic elements and customs: the purifying fire, midnight bathing, the herbs of Sant Joan, songs, dances, cures and other ritual magic.

Origins

St. John’s Eve has pagan origins and is one of the solstice festivals, like Christmas. The tradition long predates the introduction of Christianity. It is from a cult of the sun, celebrating the lengthening of the day and the summer solstice.

The Nit de Sant Joan has long been celebrated in Barcelona, with bonfires at the heart of the festivities, as  it is a commonly held belief that the  flames  frighten off and dispel the evil spirits that are are abroad on this night. In fact, laws were introduced in the 18^th century to curb the spread of fireworks and bonfires in the city, which suggests that by that time it was already a well-established tradition. Despite the bans and restrictions of the 20^th century, though, the festival has continued to this day.