This weekend, approximately 597,000 vehicles departed from Barcelona ahead of the Sant Joan festivities. The surge in traffic led to significant congestion on major highways.
As the city prepares for the vibrant celebrations of Sant Joan, a staggering 597,000 vehicles have left the Barcelona area between Friday noon and Saturday afternoon. This figure represents an impressive 98% of the anticipated 610,000 vehicles expected to exit during this busy weekend.
Severe traffic congestion reported
The exodus has resulted in severe traffic jams across major routes. Notably, the AP-7 highway experienced delays stretching up to 19 kilometers, with significant backups reported in both directions. Congestion was particularly pronounced in areas such as Granollers and Mollet del Vallès, where delays reached ten kilometers.
The situation was compounded by additional bottlenecks on other key roads including the C-32 along the Maresme coast and sections of the N-II towards Costa Brava, where five to six kilometers of slow-moving traffic were recorded.
Authorities implement special traffic measures
The Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT) and local police have rolled out a special traffic management plan tailored to this year’s calendar. With Sant Joan falling on a Wednesday, authorities anticipate a fragmented travel pattern over several days rather than a single mass departure.
This strategic approach aims to alleviate pressure on roadways by distributing vehicle movements across multiple days leading up to and following the holiday. For instance, SCT forecasts that another 490,000 vehicles will depart on Tuesday, June 23rd.
Cautions for upcoming travel days
The return journey is also expected to be busy with around 240,000 vehicles predicted to head back into Barcelona on Wednesday after the festivities conclude. To ensure safety and manage flow during peak hours—specifically between 5 PM and 10 PM—authorities will restrict truck access on key routes like AP-7 while imposing speed limits of 80 km/h.
The SCT emphasizes that these measures are crucial for maintaining order during one of Catalonia’s most celebrated nights.
A festive atmosphere amid challenges
Sant Joan is renowned for its lively celebrations marked by bonfires and fireworks throughout Catalonia. While many residents eagerly anticipate these traditions, navigating through heavy traffic can be daunting. However, it’s all part of what makes this time of year so special—a blend of excitement and chaos that brings communities together.
This weekend’s travel patterns reflect not just a logistical challenge but also highlight how deeply ingrained these traditions are within local culture. As families gather around bonfires under starry skies later this week, they will undoubtedly share stories about their journeys—both challenging and joyous—as they celebrate one of summer’s most cherished festivals.
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