The occasion starts at 5 pm with the Canigó Flame setting off from the Camp Nou stadium and heading in the direction of the city centre. In parallel, around the same time, there’s a dance display by the Esbart Català de Dansaires in Plaça Sant Jaume, followed at 5.30 pm by sardana dancing to the sound of the Cobla Sant Jordi – Ciutat de Barcelona.

The celebration to welcome the flame starts at 5.45 pm, with the traditional parade of the City Eagle figure, the mace-bearing bighead figures and the City Giants, making a solemn entrance via C/ Llibreteria and accompanied by the sound of the band. The main ceremony is at 6 pm, with the arrival of the Canigó Flame in Plaça Sant Jaume and the lighting of the burner, with the Castellers de Barcelona building a human tower in its honour. After that, at 6.10 pm, come the traditional dances by the city’s festive figures.

The reading of the message from the flame comes at 6.20 pm, written this year by Pere Mateu, followed by the institutional speeches. From 6.35 pm, the flame will start being shared between the various neighbourhood teams and organisations, who will distribute it around every corner of the city to light the evening’s bonfires. The ceremony finishes at 7 pm, culminating an afternoon full of symbolism, culture and collective spirit. Signalling the start of the most magical night of the year.

Sant Joan’s Eve at the beach: celebration and sustainability in Barceloneta

Every year the city’s beaches become one of the main scenarios for Sant Joan’s Eve, welcoming thousands of people looking to enjoy the magic of the year’s shortest night and embrace the new day next to the sea. This festive atmosphere attracts people of all ages and origins, as well as numerous tourists and occasional visitors. The authorities and local organisations remind people that the beaches are sensitive natural spaces, with their own ecosystems and marine species which, although not visible, form part of a fragile living environment.

To this end, people are encouraged to celebrated Sant Joan at the beach responsibly and respectfully. In Barcelona, it is prohibited to light bonfires, throw fireworks or smoke on the beaches, as well as to leave waste on the sand or in the sea. Specific containers have been made available to ensure the proper management of waste and preserve the environment, which acts as a transition zone between the city and the sea and constitutes an essential part of Barcelona’s natural heritage.

In this respect, this year brings the new “Sant Joan sostenible” celebration at  Barceloneta beach, following the success of the previous edition. This festive, inclusive and alcohol-free and waste-free event offers various activities for people of all ages, the goal being to enjoy the occasion in a relaxed and aware environment.

You can find all the activities on the website for Sant Joan 2025.