The Night of Sant Joan 2024
June 23 - June 24
Celebrate the summer solstice in Barcelona during the Nit de Sant Joan, aka the longest night of the year (…well technically the shortest night, and the longest day!).
Often called the Fiesta de San Juan by Spanish speakers, this is the biggest party of the year in both Catalonia and Spain – bigger even than New Year’s Eve – and takes place each year on the 23rd June.
Best of all it’s easy to get involved… you just head down to any city beach with a botella de vino (cheaper the better!) or a coolbox of Estrella Damm and get plastered in a big group of mates. The beaches will be packed with people trying to get a good view of the many bonfires being lit and fireworks let off (often from private boats), but probably the best feature are the beach bars where DJs play and you can grab a mojito if you’re all out of your own drinks supply.
The party on the beach continues until dawn basically, and the metro runs all night. The official Sant Joan’s Feast Day is the 24th June, and it’s a public holiday… so folks don’t need to get up for work.
If you’ve never experienced Sant Joan in Barcelona, then I thoroughly recommend trying it, however, it is not for the faint hearted. The beaches and the surrounding area are full of drunks letting off firecrackers and rockets in a way that wouldn’t pass health and safety measures in your typical European country. But this is Spain… remember Las Fallas in Valencia? Or even the Catalan correfoc? The locals have a bit of a risk / reward policy when it comes to having a good time!
Private Parties
If that all sounds too much, many bars and clubs will be having private parties in firecracker free zones. And in general there should be a good atmosphere anywhere in the city, including all the plazas and terraces where you can sit outdoors with a beer.
One place on our radar this year is La Whiskeria who are throwing a Burlesque Show with food and drink for €35 a ticket, or €60 for two people. Check out their website for more.
Otherwise head to our list of favourite bars and clubs and see what each of them are up to!
More Summer & Festive Fun
Keep browsing Barcelona Life for more things to do in June, July and August, as well as year-round festivals.