Sant Joan (B)

 Every year on the night of 23 June, people in Catalonia celebrate Sant Joan, one of the most important cultural festivals in the region. Streets, beaches, and public squares in Barcelona are full of fireworks, music, food, and large gatherings.

The festival takes place near the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It marks the start of summer and is often called the most magical night of the year.

Sant Joan is connected to Saint John the Baptist, but its origins are older than Christianity. In ancient times, people believed fire was powerful. They used it to clean away bad energy, protect communities, and welcome new beginnings.

One of the main traditions is the bonfire. People gather around big fires that symbolise light and hope. Some people write wishes on paper and throw them into the fire to leave problems behind.

Fireworks are also very important and make the night exciting. Families and friends eat coca de Sant Joan, a traditional cake with fruit or nuts. People also have big community meals in neighbourhoods.

Unlike many festivals, Sant Joan is very informal. Many people go to the beach to dance, listen to music, and celebrate until sunrise.

For many people, Sant Joan is not just a party. It is part of their cultural identity and helps them feel connected to their community.

Similar festivals exist in other countries, such as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Canada, Midsummer in Sweden, and Juhannus in Finland. All of them celebrate summer and community.

Today, many people believe festivals are important because they help people meet face-to-face and strengthen social bonds.

1. CULTURE UNDER PRESSURE

Student A:

Governments should financially support traditional festivals and celebrations.

Student B:

Public money should not be used to fund cultural events and is better used on other things.

Discuss.

2. VOCABULARY MATCH (start from right to left)

    1. fireworks — a. A celebration or cultural event
    2. solstice — b. To make stronger or more solid
    3. community — c. The longest day of the year
    4. traditions — d. Bright explosions used in celebrations
    5. identity — e. A group of people who share a place or culture
    6. gatherings — f. Beliefs or activities passed through time
    7. strengthen — g. Feeling connected to a culture or group
    8. festival — h. Meetings of people in one place

    PART B

    1. cultural — i. To enjoy and mark a special event
    2. celebrate — j. Old, from a long time ago
    3. ancient — k. Related to culture
    4. origins — l. Not official or formal
    5. informal — m. The beginning or start of something
    6. symbolic — n. Related to people in groups
    7. social — o. Representing an idea or meaning
    8. bonfire — p. A large outdoor fire used in celebrations

3. FIREWORKS: KEEP THEM OR BAN THEM?

Team A : Fireworks are an essential cultural tradition and should be protected.

Team B:Fireworks should be banned because of pollution, noise, and safety concerns.

Discuss:

Environmental impact

Animals

Public safety

Personal freedom

4. CONVINCE THE GROUP

Scenario 1: This week, we are only working 4 days. Imagine that this was the norm.  

Student A: Strongly supports a four-day work week.

Student B : Opposes it.

Explain.

5. THE MAYOR’S DILEMMA

Situation

The city budget for Sant Joan has been cut.

Student A: Mayor

Wants safety, low cost, happy residents.

Student B: Tourism Director

Wants visitors, excitement, economic profit.

Task

Agree on 3 activities only:

  • Fireworks
  • Bonfires
  • Beach parties
  • Live music
  • Community meals
  • Cultural performances

6. FESTIVAL DISASTER

Situation

Sant Joan is about to start, but problems happen.

Students

You are both event organizers.

Problems 

  • Rain forecast
  • Volunteers cancel
  • Beach closure
  • Fireworks delayed
  • Power cut

Task

Decide:

  • What to cancel
  • What to move
  • How to keep the festival going

7. SHOULD THIS TRADITION BE BANNED?

Spain is famous for many traditional festivals. However, some of them are increasingly controversial due to safety, ethics, or environmental concerns.

A cultural committee is reviewing whether certain traditions should be modified or cancelled.

Student A wants to ban each festival. Student B must protect the festivals from being banned. Discuss:

Festivals to Discuss

1. San Fermín (Pamplona)

  • Running of the bulls through city streets
  • High risk of injuries and deaths

2. Sant Joan (Catalonia)

  • Bonfires and fireworks on beaches
  • Dangerous firewalking in some areas
  • Pollution and injuries

3. La Tomatina (Buñol)

  • Massive tomato fight in the streets
  • Food waste and environmental criticism

4. Semana Santa (Andalusia)

  • Religious processions lasting hours/days
  • Traffic disruption and overcrowding in cities

5. Fallas (Valencia)

  • Giant statues burned in huge fires
  • Air pollution and fire risk 

8. SECRET WISHES

We are in Andalucia, where there is a tradition on San Juan in which we  must put our feet in the water at the beach and make a wish while being near the bonfire. What are our wishes?

 

 

9. VIRAL VIDEO CRISIS

Situation

A video of Sant Joan goes viral (fireworks, noise, litter).

Student A

Festival organizer (defend the festival)

Student B

Journalist (ask difficult questions)

Task

Do a live interview.

After 3 minutes, swap roles.

10. SAVE THE BEACH

Situation

After Sant Joan, the beach is very dirty.

Only ONE solution is possible:

  • More cleaners
  • Fines
  • Ban beach parties
  • Education campaign
  • Volunteers

Task

Choose ONE solution together.

Rule

Every idea has a problem. You must discuss consequences before deciding.

11.FAMILY DEBATE

Student A

Older generation (tradition is important)

Student B

Younger generation (traditions should change)

Task

Discuss:

  • Are festivals still important?
  • Should traditions change?
  • What should disappear?
  • What should stay?

Goal

Reach a compromise.

12. UNESCO DECISION

Situation :Sant Joan may become UNESCO heritage.

Student A : Supports approval.

Student B : Opposes approval.

Task

Argue your position.

Focus on:

  • Culture
  • Tourism
  • Environment
  • Cost
  • Authenticity

13. FILL IN THE BLANKS

Word Bank:
renewal, belonging, bonfire, spontaneous, gathering, identity, anticipated, tradition, collective, observance

1.     Every family follows a different holiday __________.

2.     The company organized a large __________ for employees.

3.     Many immigrants search for a sense of __________ in their new country.

4.     A new year often symbolizes __________ and fresh opportunities.

5.     Hundreds of people gathered around the __________ after sunset.

6.     The decision was completely __________ and not planned.

7.     Sharing meals together is often a __________ activity.

8.     National celebrations can strengthen cultural __________.

9.     The concert was one of the most __________ events of the year.

10. Lighting candles before an event became an important __________.

 

6. FILL IN THE BLANKS

Word Bank:

renewal,belonging,custom,bonfire,spontaneous,gathering,identity,anticipated,communal,ritual

  1. Every family follows a different holiday __________.
  2. The company organized a large __________ for employees.
  3. Many immigrants search for a sense of __________ in their new country.
  4. A new year often symbolizes __________ and fresh opportunities.
  5. Hundreds of people gathered around the __________ after sunset.
  6. The decision was completely __________ and not planned.
  7. Sharing meals together is often a __________ activity.
  8. National celebrations can strengthen cultural __________.
  9. The concert was one of the most __________ events of the year.
  10. Lighting candles before an event became an important __________.

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