By Javier Castillo - June/24/2013
What better
way to welcome the start of summer than fireworks, music, drinks, bonfires at
the beach, and an overall festive and jolly atmosphere? That’s exactly what you
get, and then some, on June 23 for Sant Joan when the
whole city prepares itself for one of the most emblematic and jovial parties
you will find in Cataluña year-round. Young adults and party-goers converge on
the beaches of Barcelona late at night to mingle, drink, sing, and be merry - all in anticipation of the majestic firework show organized by the local Catalan government. In many of the plazas and streets of Barcelona you
can witness breathtaking fire shows with people dressed in mythical and elaborate
costumes, playing out themes of good vs. evil, creation and rebirth, all very
fitting and representative of summertime and the start of a new bountiful
season. And, the warmth and wonderful temperature incite most everyone to
venture outside to partake and celebrate in one way or another. The first years I celebrated Sant Joan, the
beach was always my destination. But last night I decided to take a different approach and sought
out the terrace of Hotel 1898 Barcelona to get an all-encompassing point of observation. Hotel 1898, besides being located very central, just off Las Ramblas, has one of the best
views of all of Barcelona. In fact, I recommend taking it all in at any hotel
rooftop terrace, the taller the hotel, the better. And the best way to
accompany the firework show is with an ice-cold sparkling glass or bottle(s) of cava. Go ahead, you deserve it.
Warning: if
you aren’t the type of person that enjoys fun stuff, get yourself a pair of
earplugs because fireworks, firecrackers, and the sheer noise of party revelers
make it a very noisy and rowdy night.
Other things
to know and try: La Coca de Sant Joan. This delicious pastry is customarily
consumed on the night of the 23rd and is typically accompanied by a nice fruity
wine such as muscatel or a glass of cava.
