The tourism capital of Costa Dorada dresses up to celebrate one of the most exuberant festive events of the year, the Nits Daurades festival of Salou, an event brimming with talent, live music, dance, magic, culture and fun for all ages and all audiences. In addition, the local entities will take to the streets with their best shows to show the popular culture of the municipality to the people who visit the town on these dates.
So that you can enjoy a few days full of leisure and entertainment, we recommend that you travel to Salou with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, available from Barcelona airport, the port of Barcelona, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
The more traditional side of the Nits Daurades festival in Salou
The Nits Daurades festival has their roots in the celebration of the Virgin Mary in August, a religious festival that honours the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August. Over time, this commemoration has expanded and transformed into a secular event that includes a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
The name “Nits Daurades” (Golden Nights) reflects the magical and festive atmosphere that envelops Salou during these summer nights, when the city lights up with shows, lights and music.
On the big day of the festival, the 15th of August, the procession of the Virgin Mary takes place, carried on the shoulders of the members of the Fishermen’s Guild, who walk the route barefoot.
The route begins at 9 p.m. in the church of Santa Maria del Mar in Salou, where a mass in honour of the Virgin Mary is held an hour beforehand. It is worth noting that this church was built in 1766 by Gremi de Mariners Matriculats (fishermen), who were very present in the town’s fishing past.
Baroque and classicist in style, it has mural paintings by the artists Lluís M. Güell and Josep Grau Garriga, all of which were painted after its enlargement in the mid-20th century.
The route continues along the Passeig Miramar until it reaches the port of Salou, where the maritime procession takes place in a boat, an emblematic image of these festivities, with the illuminated Virgin amidst the darkness of the sea. Once on land again, the itinerary continues along the Passeig Jaume I, until you reach the monument to King Jaume I, in the central section of the avenue, where you can enjoy a magnificent fireworks display that brings the festivities to an end.
Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
First-class concerts
Music is one of the mainstays of the Nits Daurades festival in Salou. Every year, the festival presents a variety of free concerts that take place in the Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes, an idyllic enclave next to the beach that allows you to enjoy good music while enjoying the sea views and the Mediterranean breeze.
Local, national and international artists come together to offer performances of different musical genres, from pop and rock to flamenco and classical music. These concerts attract large crowds and create a festive atmosphere that spreads throughout the city.
One of the highlights of 2024 will be the concert by the band Coldday on the 10th of August at 11 p.m. in the Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes, with their tribute to the music group Coldplay; and on the 14th of August, in the same place, another tribute, in this case to Hombres G, a hugely successful Spanish band. You can also enjoy the Salou Festival Orchestra, conducted by Melani Mestre, with pieces by Àstor Piazzolla, Osvaldo Requena, Gardel, among others. As well as the most renowned local artists of the moment, from DJs to urban and pop music singers.
The programme also includes musical events for all tastes, such as a performance by the Bada Bing Band, who will be singing cover versions of rock songs; the 80s party; the Salsa night, with the group “Habana!”, on the 12th of August; and the concert by La Privada orchestra, to close the Nits Daurades festival.
Cultural activities for the whole family
Taking advantage of the good weather during these summer months, local entities take to the streets to show residents and visitors their most festive side, with incredible cultural shows all over the town. Some of the most outstanding ones are the performances of Ball de Bastons, by Associació Sal-i-Ou, a popular Catalan dance whose main element is a set of sticks, which the dancers beat against each other; and Balls de Sardanes, in the Passeig Jaume I, on the 10th of August.
Also, the Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), a “correfoc” with the participation of the local fire elements, such as Diables Maleïts, Bruixes Latemó, Xaloc, Morena de Salou, as well as other invited groups. They will perform along the Passeig Jaume I, on the 10th of August, offering a show full of pyrotechnics, percussion and lots of fun.
Other events that will take place are the magic show, with The Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year, Harry Merlin Piper; the flamenco performance, by the company of Monica Novillo, on the 9th of August; the habanera concerts; and the popular parades, with the different festive elements of the town; among others.
Don’t think twice and come to Salou to enjoy a unique Nits Daurades festival! Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
