Noche de Sant Joan

On the night of June 23 each year neighbourhoods in Barcelona organize celebrations with bonfires where people burn old furniture and unwanted items and hold firework displays Bands play and people dance the night away Traditionally everyone eats a special kind of cake called coca made of pine nuts and dried fruits It was originally a pagan festival that celebrated the summer solstice shortest night/longest day of the year Many places hold private parties and celebrations but it's more fun to attend the traditional public outdoor festivities in plazas throughout the city Free event