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This is one of the most keenly anticipated and widely celebrated Catalan public holidays. According to the traditional tale, Sant Jordi (Saint George) killed the dragon that used to live in Montblanc where it terrorized the local population, thus saving the king's daughter from certain death. Legend has it that a beautiful rose bush sprang up in the spot where the dragon's blood was spilled. From the 18th century onward, the Sant Jordi festival became widely identified as a Catalan 'fiesta' which these days arouses great popular, civic and cultural passion. On Sant Jordi's Day, lovers exchange a rose and a book and every town and city in Catalonia is filled with stalls set up to sell both.
The Patum de Berga is a truly ancient traditional festival. It is cultural phenomenon that grew out of the theatrical performances that used to accompany the Corpus Christi processions in the Middle Ages. The event is focused on fire, music and a series of symbolic characters. These days, the Patum is as vibrant as ever; to the point it has been declared an event of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. A small square in Berga, not far from Barcelona, concentrates all of the the energy, passion and magic of an unmissable festival.
This curious tradition is one hundred percent from Barcelona and it takes place on the day of Corpus. As its name suggests, it consists of making an egg "dance" upon the source of the fountains found in cloisters, courtyards or gardens. To ensure that the egg doesn't fall, the "trick" is to put the whole shell of an empty egg. The fountains are decorated with flowers and fruits. In Barcelona there are several places in which to enjoy the tradition of "L'Ou com balla". Some venues include the Cathedral of Barcelona, Frederic Marès Museum(plaça Sant Iu), Maritime Museum, la Casa de l'Ardiaca (Santa Llúcia, 1), l'Ateneu Barcelonès (Canuda, 6), la parròquia de la Puríssima Concepció (Aragó, 299) or Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes.
This long-standing Christmas tradition is the last race of the year for amateur runners. The Cursa dels Nassos (Race of the Noses) is held every year on 31st December. One of the most original, fun and festive races in the sporting calendar in order to bid the year farewell. Do you feel like running?
Closely related to Carnival, the Tres Tombs feast is held –at least since 1826– in Sant Antoni neighbourhood, the heart of Eixample district. In homage to muleteers, wagoners and peasant farmers, the horse parade is performed by ancient carriages animal drawn and several riders. It always appears the Unitat Muntada de la Guàrdia Urbana (Horse Guards of the local police) and riders who escort Sant Antoni and Santa Eulàlia flags, the co-patron saint of the city. But, overall, there are amazing carriages such as a firefighter truck driven by horses, the Imperial carriage of the funeral services, a delivery carriage for wineskins, one for the rice growers and some other historical ones from Barcelona and other Catalan cities. The parade finishes in Plaça Sant Jaume, when the local authorities welcome the entourage.
Barcelona is once again celebrating its grand festival, in honor of its patron saint. A program full of different activities is planned for all the public, with music, dance, circus and street arts. And not forgetting the giants, dragons, fire beasts, human towers and sardana groups.
La Mercè is also a festival of street arts with the MAC festival, Mercè Arts de Carrer. This is a festival which has become a showcase of new creations, and the meeting place for many artists, both from the city and overseas. The BAM Festival, Barcelona Acció Musical, will fill the streets with today's popular rhythms and concerts.
La Mercè will end, as always, with the traditional fireworks and music display. an explosion of light and sound, which has become one of the most expected and acclaimed events for the people of Barcelona and its visitors.
In Christianity, Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ and his disciples into Jerusalem. It was the last time Jesus went to Jerusalem and, according to the Gospel, that happened at the beginning of the last week of his life, a few days before the Lord's Supper. On Palm Sunday, families traditionally take to the streets dressed in their best clothes carrying white palm leaves or laurel bouquets. This tradition is gradually being lost due to the secularization of society, but one can still find stalls in the city that sell this type of braided palm leaves, an example of traditional craftsmanship. These are intricately crafted white palm leaves, each one more beautiful than the next, used by Catholics to symbolize the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and the joy with which he was received. Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of Holy Week.
The origin of the Gràcia neighborhood Castellers group or colla dates back to the end of the 19th century. According to some historical references, at that time the first colla (Castellers group) was formed with people who had recently arrived from the Tarragona area and it was called Els Xiquets de Gràcia. These days the colla is more active than ever. They have their own rehearsal room, Can Musons; They have a radio program on Ràdio Gràcia and they are in charge of decorating Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia during the famous local fiesta that takes place in August. The rehearsals are open to everyone, so if the castells bug bites you, don't hesitate to give it a try.
Performances:
Diada Castellera de la Independència. Plaça de la Revolució. April 14th, a 11am.
Diada Castellera del XXVII Aniversari dels Castellers de Gràcia. Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. May 12th, at 12 noon.
Diada Castellera de la Festa Major del Camp d'en Grassot. Intersection of carrer Industria and carrer Grassot. June 30th, at 11:30am.
Diada Castellera de la Salut. Plaça de la Natura (Park Güell). September 8th, at 11:30am.
XXVII Diada dels Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia. Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. November 10th, at 11am.
Organised by Taller Sant Camil, an occupational center that provides care for people with intellectual disabilities, the living Nativity scene of Torre del Suro is staged every year next to the modernist building known as Torre del Suro in the district of El Guinardó, as well as inside the forest located in the back of the Casa de Repòs. In this representation, four static scenes of diverse themes are displayed and visitors discover them by following an itinerary. They depict various themes such as lost professions, traditional scenes, or biblical passages. With a very well-achieved lighting, the ambiance of these scenes creates a very interesting atmosphere. Moreover, the actors (all of them with intellectual disabilities) prepare with great enthusiasm throughout the year this life-size Nativity scene.
There are two official languages in Catalonia: Catalan and Spanish, and there are more and more people in the region who understand and speak English. You’re sure to get by.
