Coca de San Juan is a traditional sweet enjoyed during the San Juan festivities, especially in Catalonia and other regions of Spain. This delicious baked pastry, decorated with candied fruits and pine nuts, has a long history and is closely linked to the celebrations of this holiday, which mark the beginning of summer in all its splendor. Do you want to know more about this interesting tradition? Keep reading!
The origin of San Juan coca
It has its roots in ancient pagan celebrations related to the summer solstice, which were later adopted by the Catholic Church in honour of Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day is celebrated on 24 June. For centuries, the night of 23 June has been an occasion to light bonfires, dance and share food, including coca de San Juan, as part of the festivities marking the beginning of summer.
Customs and traditions in San Juan
The San Juan festival is full of customs and traditions. In many communities, bonfires are lit on beaches or in squares, where people gather to celebrate, dance and set off firecrackers. Rituals are also carried out, such as jumping over the flames or writing wishes on paper and burning them in the bonfire. Coca de San Juan is an indispensable element in these celebrations, shared among family and friends as a symbol of unity and prosperity.
In Catalonia, for example, one of the most characteristic rituals is jumping over flames, known as "fer la cagada del dimoni", which is believed to bring good luck and protection against illness. In addition, the typical "coca de llardons" or coca de chicharrones" is prepared, a variant of the coca de San Juan that has pieces of bacon in its dough.
Types of San Juan Cocas
There are several different types of cocas de San Juan, each with its own particular characteristics depending on the region and local tradition. Some of the most common ones include coca de crema, coca de piñones, coca de fruta canditadas, and coca de chicharrones. Each variety has its own charm and unique flavor, but they all share the same essence of celebration and joy that characterizes this holiday.
At Bombonería Pons, our reinvented chocolate cakes with a touch of candied fruit and various nuts have become a tradition. But, as always, we go a little further, this year for San Juan we launched some new llavaneras cakes. This artisanal delight can be enjoyed in 3 different flavours: cream, chocolate and pork rinds. Visit our website and don't miss out on the innovations of each summer.
Other traditions linked to this sweet
In addition to enjoying coca de San Juan as part of the festivities, there are other traditions associated with this sweet. One of them is the guessing game, where an object is hidden inside the coca and whoever finds it is considered lucky. It is also customary to give cocas to family and friends as a gesture of affection and good luck for the coming year.
FAQs
Do you have questions about coca de San Juan? Here are some answers!
What are the basic ingredients of coca de San Juan?
The basic ingredients of coca de San Juan include flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, olive oil and salt. In addition, other ingredients can be added depending on the recipe, such as candied fruit, pine nuts, pastry cream or pork rinds, depending on the type of coca you want to prepare.
How many days does San Juan coca last?
Coca de San Juan usually keeps well for several days if stored properly in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container. However, it is best consumed within the first two or three days to enjoy it at its best condition and flavor.
Where is San Juan coca stored?
To keep coca de San Juan fresh and tasty, it is important to store it in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and heat. It is recommended to store it in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or hardening. This way you can enjoy it for longer!