Saint John's Eve: tradition, magic and Batllori cava

The night of June 23 is a date marked on the calendar in many places and countries around the world. It is a magical night, full of traditions and celebrated among friends, family and where fire is the undisputed protagonist. Well, fire and coca de Sant Joan , a dessert that will never be missing from the table and which is currently accompanied by a glass of cava . And at Batllori we are ready to accompany you on this next night of fire.

History of Saint John. What is the origin of the night of fire?

There are different theories that explain where this ancestral tradition comes from and what symbolism is hidden behind the fire and the associated rituals, but what is clear is that the sun is its epicenter. This night was celebrated in honor of the summer solstice , the day when the hours of sunlight are at their maximum and the night is the shortest of the year. After being Christianized, this festival became June 24, the same day that Saint John the Baptist was born.

The bonfires they were performed as a ritual to scare away evil spirits, it was a day to attract good luck and there were even peoples like the Celts who asked for fertility for the soil. The bathrooms At midnight they purified the soul and the next day was the best day to collect medicinal herbs. Pyrotechnics were added later, but they have only enhanced this festive atmosphere.

In Catalonia, beaches and town squares host large bonfires where everyone gathers, shares and celebrates. Some of them are lit and kick off the celebration with well-known traditions such as the fallas descent in Pallars or the flame of Canigó.

What is traditionally eaten on Sant Joan?

On the night of Sant Joan we will find different meals on all the tables but the gastronomic tradition is that everyone will end with a coca de Sant Joan . In the past it had a round shape, probably in allusion to the sun, and later it was adapted to this elongated shape. The traditional coca de Sant Joan was made with candied fruit but nowadays you can only find it with cream, chocolate... they make it to suit the taste of each house.

Cava and coca de Sant Joan, did I make a good choice?

And what is the Sant Joan cake served with? Nowadays, with a good cava!

If you have already bought the Sant Joan cake, it's time to think about which cava you will accompany it with and from Batllori we won't leave you hanging . Although we are those who think that every day is a good day to open a bottle of cava, this and everything that involves celebrating, go hand in hand. The champagne they are fresh, vibrant and They are summer .

Our Cava Brut Rosat , 100% Pinot Noir, is light, friendly and fresh. In 2023 it was awarded a gold medal at the Vinari Awards and it is one of the most requested.

On the other hand, both the young Brut Nature cava and the  Brut Nature Reserva , aged for 3 years, will complement the sweetness of the traditional Sant Joan cake very well.

On the night of Sant Joan, let us accompany you to make your evening even more magical.