The Joy of Bonfires and Coca de Sant Joan: Celebrating the Feast of Saint John in Catalonia
The allure of bonfires resonates across cultures and history, evoking a sense of community, celebration, and often, superstition. While Southern California may not be the hub of bonfire festivities, various regions around the world such as England, Ireland, and Catalonia, Spain, embrace these rituals. Among them, the Feast of Sant Joan, celebrated on June 23rd, stands out with its vibrant traditions and delectable delights like Coca de Sant Joan, a special sweet bread that captures the essence of this spirited occasion.
This fascinating holiday, deeply rooted in both pagan and Christian traditions, celebrates the summer solstice and the birthday of St. John the Baptist. Viewers of Tasting History were introduced to this special event thanks to a Patreon patron named Juan Capdet, who hails from Catalonia. The beauty of Sant Joan lies not only in its customs, but also in the shared experience of enjoying Coca de Sant Joan, a delightful baked good that various villages and bakers have put their own spin on over the years.
The Coca de Sant Joan is an evolution of a sweet flatbread, topped with a variety of ingredients. Influenced by old recipes dating back to the 1920s, the modern version boasts flavours from pine nuts, candied fruit, and even pastry cream. Traditionally associated with the summer festivities, this sweet bread plays a significant role in the celebration of Sant Joan after a night rich with folklore, fire, and friendship.
To create this sweet bread, one would need ingredients such as:
2.5 cups of bread flour
14 grams of dry yeast
100 grams of sugar
55 grams of lard or butter
3 eggs (2 for the dough and 1 for the egg wash)
120 milliliters of whole milk
Zest from half a lemon
60 milliliters of Anisette (anise-flavored liqueur)
Salt, pine nuts, and assorted candied fruit for decoration.
A Tradition of Fire: Midsummer Magic
The festivities around the Feast of Sant Joan come alive with bonfires—a significant tradition that symbolizes purification and the warding off of evil spirits. "Sense foc no hi ha festa" translates to "without fire, there is no festival," encapsulating the spirit of merriment surrounding the celebration.
In Catalonia, some towns partake in spectacular fire events—cutting down trees to create towering bonfires, while in others, fireworks illuminate the sky, signaling the start of a night filled with magic, merriment, and ancient practices. The connection between these fires and the summer solstice arises from centuries-old beliefs about the supernatural, often involving witchcraft. According to folklore, the night before St. John’s Day was believed to be a time when magic was at its peak—making it the perfect occasion for bonfires to ward off malevolent spirits.
The Coca itself has various interpretations, often shaped like the sun to symbolize the longest day of the year. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and today, coca is crafted in many forms, reflecting local traditions and bakeries. This evolution includes competitions among villages to create the longest coca, with celebratory events showcasing these elongated sweets.
After preparing the coca and letting it rise, the final touches include an egg wash and an arrangement of candied fruit and pine nuts before it goes into the oven for baking. The result is a treat that fills the air with a delightful aroma, reminiscent of summer celebrations, making it a beloved addition to the Feast of Sant Joan.
The enticing aroma of bakes wafts through the air, evoking not just hunger but also a sense of nostalgia for the past. With vibrant traditions like the feasting on Coca de Sant Joan and the exuberance of bonfires, the Feast of Sant Joan encapsulates a rich tapestry of history, community, and culinary delight.
As Juan’s story illustrates, the beauty of sharing these meals and rituals extends beyond geographical boundaries, reminding us that food, fire, and festivities remain timeless—connecting generations through the simple act of celebrating life together. Whether indulging in customs of yesteryear or crafting new traditions, one thing is clear: more bonfires and shared meals make for a richer life.
So as you prepare your own Coca de Sant Joan, remember to embrace the essence of the festival: the beauty of community, tradition, and, of course, those warm, glowing bonfires that light up the night sky. Celebrate with friends, share your creations, and revel in the flavors and stories that bind us together.
Part 1/8:
The Joy of Bonfires and Coca de Sant Joan: Celebrating the Feast of Saint John in Catalonia
The allure of bonfires resonates across cultures and history, evoking a sense of community, celebration, and often, superstition. While Southern California may not be the hub of bonfire festivities, various regions around the world such as England, Ireland, and Catalonia, Spain, embrace these rituals. Among them, the Feast of Sant Joan, celebrated on June 23rd, stands out with its vibrant traditions and delectable delights like Coca de Sant Joan, a special sweet bread that captures the essence of this spirited occasion.
Celebrating the Feast of Sant Joan
Part 2/8:
This fascinating holiday, deeply rooted in both pagan and Christian traditions, celebrates the summer solstice and the birthday of St. John the Baptist. Viewers of Tasting History were introduced to this special event thanks to a Patreon patron named Juan Capdet, who hails from Catalonia. The beauty of Sant Joan lies not only in its customs, but also in the shared experience of enjoying Coca de Sant Joan, a delightful baked good that various villages and bakers have put their own spin on over the years.
The Art of Making Coca de Sant Joan
Part 3/8:
The Coca de Sant Joan is an evolution of a sweet flatbread, topped with a variety of ingredients. Influenced by old recipes dating back to the 1920s, the modern version boasts flavours from pine nuts, candied fruit, and even pastry cream. Traditionally associated with the summer festivities, this sweet bread plays a significant role in the celebration of Sant Joan after a night rich with folklore, fire, and friendship.
To create this sweet bread, one would need ingredients such as:
2.5 cups of bread flour
14 grams of dry yeast
100 grams of sugar
55 grams of lard or butter
3 eggs (2 for the dough and 1 for the egg wash)
120 milliliters of whole milk
Zest from half a lemon
60 milliliters of Anisette (anise-flavored liqueur)
Part 4/8:
A Tradition of Fire: Midsummer Magic
The festivities around the Feast of Sant Joan come alive with bonfires—a significant tradition that symbolizes purification and the warding off of evil spirits. "Sense foc no hi ha festa" translates to "without fire, there is no festival," encapsulating the spirit of merriment surrounding the celebration.
Part 5/8:
In Catalonia, some towns partake in spectacular fire events—cutting down trees to create towering bonfires, while in others, fireworks illuminate the sky, signaling the start of a night filled with magic, merriment, and ancient practices. The connection between these fires and the summer solstice arises from centuries-old beliefs about the supernatural, often involving witchcraft. According to folklore, the night before St. John’s Day was believed to be a time when magic was at its peak—making it the perfect occasion for bonfires to ward off malevolent spirits.
The Culinary Tradition of Coca
Part 6/8:
The Coca itself has various interpretations, often shaped like the sun to symbolize the longest day of the year. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and today, coca is crafted in many forms, reflecting local traditions and bakeries. This evolution includes competitions among villages to create the longest coca, with celebratory events showcasing these elongated sweets.
After preparing the coca and letting it rise, the final touches include an egg wash and an arrangement of candied fruit and pine nuts before it goes into the oven for baking. The result is a treat that fills the air with a delightful aroma, reminiscent of summer celebrations, making it a beloved addition to the Feast of Sant Joan.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Tradition and Flavor
Part 7/8:
The enticing aroma of bakes wafts through the air, evoking not just hunger but also a sense of nostalgia for the past. With vibrant traditions like the feasting on Coca de Sant Joan and the exuberance of bonfires, the Feast of Sant Joan encapsulates a rich tapestry of history, community, and culinary delight.
As Juan’s story illustrates, the beauty of sharing these meals and rituals extends beyond geographical boundaries, reminding us that food, fire, and festivities remain timeless—connecting generations through the simple act of celebrating life together. Whether indulging in customs of yesteryear or crafting new traditions, one thing is clear: more bonfires and shared meals make for a richer life.
Part 8/8:
So as you prepare your own Coca de Sant Joan, remember to embrace the essence of the festival: the beauty of community, tradition, and, of course, those warm, glowing bonfires that light up the night sky. Celebrate with friends, share your creations, and revel in the flavors and stories that bind us together.