Barcelona/San Juan Celebration
 

We just found out that next Friday - June 23 when we are in Barcelona it's going to be San Juan day. We asked our hotel to get dinner reservations and they e-mailed me back saying that they did and it was a restaurant on the water so we could see the "firewalls" and rockets and all the celebrating going on down at the beach. After the soccer "riots" a few weeks ago we are afraid of rockets and firewalls in the streets. Should we go into this area ? Anyone know what this is about ?

Las Fiestas de San Juan that I knew as a child started the Eve of June 23rd and were in honor of St. John the Baptist. We used to head out to the beach (Fisherman = water body) and at midnight jump in the water backwards to cleanse all bad spirits (sooooo much fun!!; am still trying to figure out what that had to do with St. John the Baptist! :-D). I believe the Fiestas de san Juan in barcelona are mostly celebrating the beginning of the Summer and hence, the shortest night of the year (most lighted day = Baptism). Sweet memories!!

It has nothing to do with "riots". It's just an ancient tradition in most places in Spain, see it like the 4th of July fireworks :) It's held on the beach and it's fun to see. Don't worry at all. Also, not as many people as in a football celebration :)

Thanks guys - maybe we should go to the waterfront restaurant !

JerseySue-- your hotel habe been very gracious in choosing a waterfront restaurant; I don't think they would had put you on harm's way. Have fun!

Thanks Viajero - have you heard of the restaurant La Gavina ? That's the one they have us at.

Yes, I heard of La Gavina, my friend just came back in April from Barcelona and raved about this restaurant's seafood, pizza, and the view. You are in for a treat! :-D. It also has a great reputation among locals, always a good sign.