summer solstice

This year, the festival's organizers are promoting responsible drinking with subsidized non-alcoholic cocktails and free bottles of water

Practiced in the Catalan Pyrenees for hundreds of years, in the town of Pobla de Segur it will now include women

Although the candidature was presented by the Andorran government, there are Catalan, Spanish and French villages amongst the 63 municipalities from the Pyrenees which share the celebration of this festival. In fact its transversal nature was one of the most valuable points of the candidature, according to UNESCO's committee. On the night of the summer solstice, people carry flaming torches from the mountains to light traditionally constructed beacons. The descent is a special moment for young people, signifying the transition from adolescence to adulthood but also a time for regenerating social ties and strengthening feelings of belonging and identity. In 2010 UNESCO recognised another Catalan tradition, Catalan human towers, as one of the most genuine and unique cultural practices in Europe.

Bonfires and firecrackers light up Midsummer?s Eve and 'cava' and 'coca' are a must at every table. Sant Joan marks the beginning of the summer.