Thousands of Israelis expected to arrive in Spain in the coming days should be aware of one key date on the local calendar, the night of June 23. On that night, Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region will celebrate San Juan, one of the most colorful and popular events of the year.
The holiday is marked by bonfires, parties and, most notably, nonstop noise from firecrackers, fireworks and explosions heard from nearly every street, square and residential neighborhood. Unlike a short fireworks show, the pyrotechnics continue for hours, with residents, including children and teenagers, setting them off throughout the evening and night, sometimes in narrow alleys, near cafes, on main streets and close to homes.
For tourists, especially Israelis arriving during a period when loud bangs can feel unsettling, the experience can be jarring. The explosions often come in quick bursts at varying volumes, making it seem as if the entire city is taking part in one huge, noisy celebration. The article says the phenomenon is not limited to central Barcelona, but takes place across Catalonia and in other Spanish cities as well.
Travelers planning to be in Barcelona or nearby that night are advised to prepare in advance, particularly those with small children, babies or people sensitive to noise. Streets are expected to be crowded, festivities will last until the early hours, and quiet will be hard to find, at least for one night. For locals, it is one of the happiest nights of the year, while for some visitors it can be a surprise worth knowing about beforehand.
