Torroella de Montgrí and L’Estartit are going to celebrate Saint John’s Eve with the music of Itaca Festival and the traditional arrival of the Canigó’s Flame with familiar activities, ‘correfoc’ (fire parade) and batucada.
The Itaca Festival will once again be the highlight of the Saint John’s Eve celebrations on the Costa Brava, with two nights of concerts at Platja Gran in L’Estartit. On June 22th, with the concerts of Arde Bogotá, Cala Vento, Marlena, La Ludwig Band, and Ryna DJ, and on June 23th, The Tyets, Julieta, Mushka, Classe B, and DJ Trapella. Concerts will start at 8 PM. Furthermore, on Saturday, there will be a drone show by Flock Technologies at 11 PM on the beach.
Arrival of the Canigó’s Flame, ‘correfoc’, batucada, and family shows
The most traditional part of the celebration will be the arrival of the Canigó’s Flame, a tradition linked to the summer solstice celebrated across various parts of the Catalan speaking regions. Volunteers bring the flame down from the Canigó summit to light the fires of Saint John’s night. The flame will arrive in Torroella de Montgrí at 8:30 PM at Plaça de la Vila, with the children’s show ‘Festa a la Plaça’ (Party at the square) by Fefé i Companya starting at 7:45 PM.
In L’Estartit, the flame will arrive around 8 PM, accompanied by the Retumbatuka batucada and a ‘correfoc’ (fireparade) by Pirat’s del Foc. At 10:15 PM, this flame will light the Saint John’s bonfire on L’Estartit beach.
Fireworks area and mobility restrictions
A designated area for setting off fireworks will be set up at the Platja de l’Estartit parking lot. Moreover, a DYA medical emergency point will be located on Passeig Marítim. To facilitate mobility on the shortest night of the year, three free parking areas will be available: at the entrance parking lot, near the skate park on Freu Street, and at the Ter Vell ancient wastewater treatment plant.
Parking on Passeig Marítim in L’Estartit will be forbidden on June 23th from 8 AM, and traffic will be closed from 7 PM to midnight.
Safety measures for a secure celebration
To prevent fires and issues with firecrackers, Torroella de Montgrí and L’Estartit City Council ask to be careful and to respect people and urban furniture. It is recommended to close windows and balconies and to avoid having flammable items on terraces and balconies. Furthermore, it is suggested not to carry fireworks in pockets or set off rockets by hand.
Regarding fires, it is reminded that during this time of year, it is prohibited to light them in all forested areas of Catalonia. To light a bonfire it is needed an authorization by the Catalan Government and the Torroella de Montgrí City Council.
