On June 23rd, the traditional Sant Joan festival is celebrated. Barcelona fills with bonfires, popular festivities, and family gatherings. Children, and even adults, have fun throwing fireworks to celebrate the summer solstice, the most optimistic time of the year.
YOU CAN FIND ALL THE INFO AT: Sant Joan Festival 2023
VERBENA DE SANT JOAN 2023 EN BARCELONA
WHERE TO CELEBRATE THE SANT JOAN FESTIVAL IN BARCELONA
As tradition dictates, you should prepare for the shortest night of the year. Here are some ideas to enjoy this magical night in Barcelona with children:
ARRIVAL OF THE FLAME FROM CANIGÓ Arrival of the flame from Canigó, with L’Àliga de la Ciutat and the Gegants de la Ciutat. While dancing, they collect the flame with which they will ignite the bonfires in the city. On June 23rd, the reception party for the flame from Canigó begins in Plaça Sant Jaume. There will be Sardana dances and music, dances of L’Àliga and the Giants of the City. The departure will be from Camp Nou at 5 PM and will arrive at Plaça Sant Jaume at 6 PM.
Sant Joan in La Sagrera. After the arrival of the flame from Canigó in La Sagrera, there will be a big party. The bonfire will be lit first, followed by a dinner (organized by festesdelasagrera.cat), and from 11 PM to 2 AM, there will be music by a DJ. Plaça dels Jardins d’Elx, starting at 8:30 PM.
Sant Joan in El Raval. In El Raval, a lot of activities will be organized starting at 7 PM. A parade will begin from Sant Jaume Street and end at Rambla del Raval. At 8:30 PM, there will be a havanera singing at Rambla del Raval, and at 10 PM, there will be a meal followed by music by a DJ starting at 11 PM.
POPULAR NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVITIES. Bonfires in the squares and street intersections are the most striking and prominent element of the Sant Joan celebration in Barcelona, with most of them lit with the flame of Canigó. If you want to check the complete program of bonfires and neighborhood festivities by districts, you can do so here: Sant Joan Festival Program in Barcelona by Neighborhoods.
And where the atmosphere will always be vibrant is in any of the best beaches in Barcelona.
YOU CAN FIND ALL THE INFO AT: Sant Joan Festival 2023
WHERE TO BUY FIREWORKS FOR SANT JOAN IN BARCELONA
The Sant Joan celebration wouldn’t be the same without rockets, thunderclaps, firecrackers, fountains, sparklers, and more. There are fireworks retail locations throughout the city. You can check the one nearest to your home and their opening hours at this link: Fireworks Retail Locations in Barcelona. And while you’re at it, take a look at the tips for a safe verbena.
THE BEST SANT JOAN COCAS IN BARCELONA
The coca de Sant Joan is the gastronomic tradition of the night: the most common one is the coca de brioche and candied fruit, but the coca de brioche and cream, and the coca de chicharrones are also popular.
Bubó and Turris are some of our favorite bakeries to buy the coca de Sant Joan. Both have several retail locations in Barcelona.
YOU CAN FIND ALL THE INFO AT: Sant Joan Festival 2023
OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR THE SANT JOAN HOLIDAY 2023
In our agenda of the best plans to do with children in Barcelona, you will find all the activities organized during these perfect days for families: museums, parks, beaches, and much more.
