It really doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Barcelona, you will always find lots going on. The people are welcoming and the lifestyle is very lively, meaning an exciting stay for you. However, there is one time of year when the city really springs to life. The Festival of Saint John takes place on the evening of June 23 and if you happen to be in Spain’s second city at that time, you are in for a real treat.

The festival, also called “verbenas” meaning open air fiestas, is a celebration of the summer solstice. This is when the city prepares to welcome the hundreds of thousands of tourists that visit every year. It takes place on the eve of Saint John’s day – a public holiday in Catalonia. Being off from work the following next day, this is a night when the people don’t hold back in having fun.

This celebration has a long history – one that dates back to pagan times. It is from this time the tradition of holding fire shows originated. Today, these ancient customs are still alive, which take the form of firework shows and bonfires. These are especially abundant during the Sant John festival, and are one of its most spectacular sights

The festival has something in common with the Olympic Games. Both events have a single original flame that keeps all of its fires alive. As part of the festival, the flame that lights the fires in the region does a circuit of the villages. It is even said that fire can cure your sins and rid your bad luck during Sant John. All you have to do is burn something.

Couples will also be invited to do a spot of fire jumping. This, legend has it, will mean a long and happy life for both of you. All you have to do is leap over a fire with your loved one in hand – seven times! This may seem like asking for trouble, but the locals swear by it

Water is another important element of the festival, one that holds a very special meaning. Just like baptisms of Saint John, on this night in particular water will cleanse your sins. This has led to the belief that a swim will lead to lifelong happiness. So, don’t be surprised if you seen hundreds of students take to Barcelona’s beaches at midnight to go for a dip.

One tradition that takes importance above all others, however, is partying. No one goes to bed before sunrise during Sant John festival, and you’ll be expected to stay up through the night.

As we mentioned before, fireworks are a big part of the night. Every barrio of Barcelona will have its own display on June 23, which will be accompanied by an all-night bonfire. Old furniture and wood is collected to raise the bonfires, another symbol of the ‘old with the old in with the new’ nature of the night.

It is within the barrios that you will be able to experience the real party. Dancing in the town squares, street parties, music and entertainment are all on the cards, and always to the bang of the ‘petardos’. Petardos are firecrackers, which you can buy from about ten days from the festival at little huts that spring up around the city.

As always in Barcelona, food plays a bit part in proceedings. The most popular dish being the Catalonian Coca dessert. This is long bread filled with lots of tasty ingredients. Being one of the major celebrations of the year, this is a time when all Catalans push the boat out, so you will probably find lots of new foods to try.

The Festival of Sant John is one of the biggest events of the year in Catalonia. So, if you are planning on a trip to Barcelona this year, try to book online your Barcelona holiday apartments and include in your stay June 23. This is when the city really comes to life, with firework shows, bonfires, streets parties and music. The festival is attached to lots of strong traditions and is a true taste of Catalonian culture. If this is something that you like the sound of, then Barcelona at this time of year is for you.

Marbella enjoys high popularity as a tourist destination among most of Spaniards in Costa del Sol and the entire Spain.Annual festival Feria de San Bernabe in June catches huge tourist traffic. 

Though the feria will likely take up most of your time, take a moment away from the feria frenzy and catch a glimpse of Marbella as it really is. Those fascinating gardens and plazas filled with sweet smelling blossoms quickly give a picture of beautiful Marbella, while many Moorish monuments scattered throughout the city are evidence of a rich past.

Marbella honeymoon or family vacation doesn’t limit your wishes whether you stay in a hotel, a villa or a camp.Quench your thirst at one of the many beach bars called “Chiringuitos” and afterwards take a stroll along the beach or a dip in the ocean! 

A few moments away you can lose yourself in the maze of side streets with its whitewashed shops and houses with lovely handcrafted pottery and arches of bouganvillae.You will feel as if you have stepped back in time

The historic facts of Marbella take it back to 1600 BC with the name “Salduba” under Roman Empire, when it was an agricultural town and trading centre. Moors conquest of Spain in 711 AD established Marbella, a prosperous town with the name “Marbi-la”.

While in Marbella, you can really have a great sightseeing tour..that is, if you can be torn away from the sun, sea and sand!Tourist attractions in Marbella guide you to the Baroque style 18th C Incarnation Church and the tower which used to surround the town, and those numerous historic monuments in Plaza de Naranjos, including the Town Hall, Magistrate’s House, Santiago’s Chapel and the town’s first Christian temple. 

There are few other places to visit in Marbella which include a Castle, the 16th century Gothic style built Saint John’s Chapel and the Contemporary Spanish Engravings Museum located inside the Bazan Hospital.

It’s not just sightseeing; you can try a wide range of recreational facilities and adventure activities like horse riding, surfing, sailing, trekking, etc.Marbella hosts its own open markets alongside the streets from where one can buy a variety of materials. 

There is no shortage of shopping in Marbella, that is for sure.Spanish equivalent of Beverly Hills, Puerto Banus is just another colorful shopping paradise to look for.The resort-like marina harbors numerous boats{Puerto Banus} displays fine facilities for water sport enthusiasts with herds of boats~Hundreds of yachts and marine vessels dock in Puerto Banus~Many boats and vessels are docked in Marbella~The marina and resort is host to million dollar yachts~Yachst and boats in the marina Puerto BanusEmerald water of marina gives refuse to number of boats and yachts.Out on the waterfronts, visitors take pleasure from those fancy restaurants and clubs while looking at those luxury yachts.

After finishing your 7 euro cup of coffee in Puerto Banus, you should try and visit Marbella or some inland towns.Few more beach towns are easily accessible from Marbella in as little as one hour, including Torremolinos, Malaga, Mijas, Estepona.Spanish towns are known for their distinctiveness.

Marbella is not only a tourist paradise but also a welcome place for culture lovers while visiting those ancient villas or observing Picasso’s paintings and Roman mosaics or praising traditional custom and modern dance!