Explosive cava a hit this Sant Joan

Sant Joan is around the corner and, as always, many people are getting ready to welcome the shortest night of the year. On the night of the 23rd of June, Catalonia’s skies will be full of colours and lights to celebrate the start of the summer season. This magical night is also full of traditions and symbols such as fire, water and herbs. Undoubtedly, the main elements are Catalan sparkling wine -cava- the bread base topped with sweet fillings known as “coca” and of course, firecrackers.

But, this year, cava itself can also have an explosive effect. The 913 firecracker shops that inundate the streets of Catalonia are selling a 'Cava' firecracker whose bottle is not made of glass and neither does it contain the typical Catalan sparkling drink. The 29 euro bottle is made of plastic and, when opened, contains cartridges connected to a fuse. The bottle does not uncork with an explosive bang, but does kick off as a firework when lighted. “The six batteries inside make a colourful fire spring with palm trees and light balls that give a volcano effect”, explains Víctor Monfort, the owner of one of the shops where these bottles can be found.

If this explosive cava is not enough, this year there is another kind of firecracker that is also very Catalan called 'Nit de Sant Joan' (St. John’s Eve). “It costs 10 euros and sets off an array of colourful lights when the fuse is lighted”, says Montfort.

In 2010, there are firecrackers to suit all tastes and everybody's pocketbooks as firecrackers can be found from 50 cents to 200 euros. As can be seen, the economic crisis will not stop Catalans from enjoying Sant Joan.