Tonight, discover the celebration that welcomes the summer!
On the night of June 23 to 24, Barcelona lights up with fire, music, and joy to celebrate one of the most iconic festivities on the Catalan calendar: the Nit de Sant Joan. Coinciding with the summer solstice, it is also the shortest night of the year… and possibly the most magical, marking the beginning of summer.
A tradition with deep roots
The verbena de Sant Joan is celebrated throughout Catalonia, and in Barcelona, it has a very special flavor. The evening begins with the arrival of the Flama del Canigó, a flame that symbolizes the renewal of fire and the continuity of traditions. This flame lights the bonfires that illuminate the city’s streets, squares, and beaches.
One of the main events takes place in Plaça de Sant Jaume, just a 10-minute walk from Hotel Continental Barcelona. There, the flame will be received by local authorities and accompanied by music from the Cobla Sant Jordi, along with the City’s Eagle and Giants.
Outdoor dinner, music, and fireworks
Families and friends gather for dinner outdoors —on balconies, patios, or public squares. The sound of firecrackers, the smell of fire, and live music create a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Cava and the traditional coca de Sant Joan —a delicious sweet that may include candied fruit, pork cracklings, custard, whipped cream, or truffle— are a must.
Verbenas near our hotels
Whether you’re staying at Hotel Continental Barcelona or Hotel Continental Palacete, you’ll find nearby verbenas and bonfires. These celebrations are organized by neighborhood and cultural associations and are open to everyone.
In Ciutat Vella (Hotel Continental Barcelona)
- Verbena in El Raval (Rambla del Raval): from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- Verbena and bonfire in La Barceloneta (Plaça del Poeta Boscà): from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. At 10:00 p.m., a correfoc (fire run) will take place through to Plaça de la Barceloneta.
- Verbena in the Casc Antic (Passeig de Lluís Companys): from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Includes the arrival of the Flama del Canigó and live music.
In l’Eixample (Hotel Continental Palacete)
- Bonfire on Avinguda Mistral (between Entença and Floridablanca): from 11:00 p.m.
- Bonfire in Sant Antoni (Carrer Floridablanca, between Rocafort and Calàbria): until 3:00 a.m.
- Verbena in Fort Pienc (between Diputació and Sardenya): until 3:00 a.m.
- Verbena in Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample (corner of Consell de Cent and Viladomat): until 3:00 a.m.
- Verbena in Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample (Diputació, between Aribau and Muntaner): until 3:00 a.m.
- Verbena de la Cabrònica i Cabronets del Nord (L’Auditori podium): until 3:00 a.m.
And what about the beach?
The beach has always been a favorite setting to celebrate this night, with moonlit swims, fireworks, and unforgettable moments. However, in recent years, the growing number of tourists has led to the restriction of certain activities —and we dare say the beach option may no longer be as glamorous as it once was.
Please keep in mind:
- Lighting bonfires and setting off firecrackers on the sand is not allowed.
- Smoking and throwing waste into the sea or on the beach is prohibited.
- It is highly recommended to respect the natural surroundings and act responsibly and respectfully.
Oh! And don’t forget that June 24 is a public holiday in Barcelona!
From Hotel Continental, we invite you to enjoy the Night of Sant Joan like a local, letting yourself be embraced by the light, the music, and the magic of Barcelona.
