St John's Day
When is it celebrated
San Juan is celebrated on 24 June, although the popular festive core in Catalonia is the revetlla from the night of the 23rd to the 24th. It is a fixed date: the events usually begin during the afternoon of the 23rd, continue at dawn and link up with the festival of San Juan.
Is it a holiday or a working day?
In 2026, Wednesday, 24 June, is a public holiday throughout Catalonia, paid and non-recoverable according to the official regional calendar. This condition should not be considered permanent: the Generalitat approves the work calendar each year and it is advisable to check the current provision before planning closures, trips or procedures.
Origin and geographical link
The Christian holiday commemorates the birth of Saint John the Baptist and coincides with the traditional summer solstice cycle. In Catalonia it has become a popular celebration spread throughout the territory and closely linked to fire, neighbourhood coexistence and the arrival of the Canigó Flame, which is distributed to light numerous bonfires.
Regular events
Municipal and neighbourhood programming usually includes the reception of the Canigó Flame, lighting of authorized bonfires, popular dinners, music, dancing, firecrackers and festive use of firecrackers. Coca de Sant Joan, often accompanied by cava or other drinks, is a regular part of the table. The specific acts and restrictions on fire or pyrotechnics depend on each municipality and the risk of fire.
Usual duration of events
The main celebration lasts one afternoon and one night: it usually begins on 23 June with the arrival of the llama and lasts until the early hours of the 24th. Some localities add daytime, religious or festival activities on San Juan Day itself, and the Fallas festivals of the Pyrenees can extend their programme during the 23rd and 24th.
Traditions and history
Fire traditionally symbolizes purification and renewal around the summer solstice. The bonfires documented in Catalonia, pyrotechnics and outdoor gatherings coexist with more recent expressions of collective identity, such as the distribution of the Canigó Flame. In the gastronomic field, the Sant Joan coca stands out; In Pyrenean areas, unique variants based on the descent and burning of faults survive.
Where is it celebrated
It is celebrated in cities, towns and neighbourhoods throughout Catalonia, both in squares and streets and in authorized festive spaces. Barcelona organises Flame receptions and neighbourhood parties, while towns like Blanes combine bonfires, dinner and concerts. In the Catalan Pyrenees there are celebrations of fallaes associated with the same festive cycle, with characteristics specific to each population.
Who participates
Families, groups of friends and audiences of all ages participate. City councils, neighbourhood and cultural associations, youth groups, popular culture entities, musicians and groups of devils organise or participate in the events. Municipal, emergency and fire prevention services regulate and monitor fire and pyrotechnic activities.