Barcelona is increasing security measures for the Sant Joan celebrations on 23 June, with the Catalan government announcing a significant deployment of Mossos d'Esquadra and fire crews. Núria Parlon, Catalonia's Minister of Interior and Public Security, confirmed on Monday, 15 June, that 678 alcohol and drug controls are planned.
The fire service will see a 50% increase in personnel compared to ordinary shifts, known as 'M1 reinforcement', due to the high risk of fires. This boost in staffing will run from 7pm on 23 June until 9pm on 24 June, addressing a scenario with 'more fuel' following recent rains, according to officials.
Fire Prevention and Public Awareness
The Interior Department is running a public awareness campaign under the slogan "No petis la revetlla" (Don't break the celebration), a phrase also used by Civil Protection last year. This campaign offers advice to residents, including warnings against buying fireworks from unauthorised sellers, launching them within 500 metres of forests, and lighting bonfires in unapproved locations.
Minister Parlon has asked for public cooperation to prevent forest fires caused by fireworks and bonfires, stating that "all prevention is little". The fire service will also strengthen its operations with more personnel from the Forest Action Support Group (Graf) and Active Forest Prevention Teams (Epaf). Over 200 rural agents will be deployed across Catalonia.
Last year's Sant Joan celebrations saw the 112 emergency service receive 1,356 calls between 8pm on 23 June and 8am on 24 June. In response, the number of call handlers at the CAT112 centres will be increased.
Traffic Management for the Holiday
The Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) has also designed a special traffic operation, starting the weekend before Sant Joan. It anticipates approximately 610,000 vehicles leaving the Barcelona area and 290,000 returning. Parlon noted that Sant Joan falling on a Wednesday might affect mobility, though many people are expected to take an extended break.
Traffic management measures will include additional lanes on the AP-7 and C-32 motorways, as well as restrictions on heavy vehicle circulation, particularly on 24 June.
