Things to do on the Catalan coast

Since ancient times, we welcome the summer solstice with celebrations of fire. We light bonfires the shortest night of the year in honour of the sun and to ward off evil spirits, and it is common to get rid of old furniture and unwanted items as a symbol of life renovation and purification. Saint John's Eve is a magical night where the city dresses in its best to celebrate the official beginning of summer, with fireworks, sparklers and dancing until sunrise.

Each year, the party begins on the eve of Santa Cristina day, the 23rd July, with a street parade. On the actual day, the 24th July, the procession leaves the church of Sant Romà at 8.00 in the morning and accompanies the image of patron saint by boat from the main beach to the little chapel of Santa Cristina; while the S'Amorra amorra regatta is held. When the crowd arrives at the chapel, they are given breakfast. In the afternoon the Ball de Plaça is danced in the town square, followed by sardanas. The festival draws t a close on the night of the 26th, with a firework display.

53rd International Fireworks Competition of the Costa Brava in Villa de Blanes (Els Focs de Blanes). They take place within the festival in honor of Santa Ana and San Joaquin (July 26), celebrating the largest international fireworks competition in Europe. More than 500,000 people visit this great show to enjoy a few nights of fire.

The fireworks are launched from the rock of Sa Palomera (inside the sea, in the Bay of Blanes). The fires are triggered every day at 22:30 hours, but if you want to get a good place it is advisable to go a little earlier.

This spectacular contest began to be held in 1970. Today it is considered one of the most prestigious fireworks contests in the world. National and international pyrotechnic companies compete to win the Vila de Blanes Trophy and a cash prize.

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