Sant Joan 2016: Flama del Canigó

The summer solstice coincides with the Sant Joan (Saint John) festival, the night of June 23. One official Sant Joan tradition, which has been around since 1955 and has grown in popularity in recent years, is the Canigó Flame. A huge beacon is lit on the summit of the dramatically situated mountain of Canigó, one of the most easterly Pyrenean peaks, full of significance for Catalan speakers. Torches kindled in the fire are carried down in relay to light bonfires in towns and cities all over Catalonia, symbolising the vitality of Catalan culture. This year in Barcelona the route the flame will take is from 5.30pm starting at C/ d’Arístides Maillol and heading along Riera Blanca, Carretera de Sants, Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via, Pelai, La Rambla, Passeig de Colom, Via Laietana, and Jaume I, before arriving at Plaça de Sant Jaume at 6.30pm. Officials will receive the flame and there will be a party with the Dance of the Eagle, and the city's Giants. You'll also find some delicious 'coca' sweet bread going around. At the end of the celebrations the flame heads around to various neighbourhoods in town, where there will be plenty more traditional dances and parties to welcome it along the streets and in the squares all over Barcelona. The city's beaches are also a sure thing for celebrations all night long.