The Catalan festive calendar reflects its rich cultural, historical and religious heritage. Throughout the year, Catalonia celebrates a series of festivities that not only bring joy and colour, but also reinforce a sense of community and keep traditions alive. From historical commemorations to religious festivities, each celebration has its own charm and significance. Below, we share in detail the ten most important festivities in Catalonia.
All year round, Catalonia is an ideal destination for a relaxing break to discover its towns and villages. You can get to Costa Dorada, Costa Brava and Barcelona and surroundings from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
Catalonia’s National Day
The National Day of Catalonia, which is celebrated this Wednesday, 11th of September, commemorates the fall of Barcelona in 1714 during the War of the Spanish Succession.
This event marked the end of Catalan institutions and the beginning of a period of repression.
Today, the Diada is a symbol of the Catalan people’s resistance and desire for freedom. In Barcelona, as well as in other Catalan towns, thousands of people gather to make floral offerings at the monument of Rafael Casanova, a hero of the resistance in the siege of Barcelona. Cultural events and demonstrations all over Catalonia are an opportunity to show Catalan pride and identity.
La Mercè, Barcelona’s main festival
La Mercè is Barcelona’s main festival, celebrated in honour of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. From the 20th to the 24th of September, Barcelona is filled with cultural activities, concerts, parades and fireworks.
The “correfocs” are one of the most exciting events, where devils and dragons launch fireworks in a pyrotechnic display; and the “castellers” form impressive human towers, demonstrating strength and teamwork.
The festival finish with a huge fireworks display on Montjuïc, which lights up the Barcelona skyline. More details about the 2024 edition of this celebration, and how to get there from Barcelona Airport, will be available on our blog soon.
La Castanyada: roast chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets
La Castanyada, held on the 31st of October, is a traditional festival marking the eve of All Saints’ Day. On this night, it is tradition to eat roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets, sweets traditionally made with almonds, potatoes or sweet potatoes and pine nuts. Dare to make your own panellets at home with this simple recipe.
On this day, families also gather to remember their deceased loved ones, visiting the cemeteries and decorating the graves with flowers.
Also, in cities such as Barcelona and towns on Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, stalls are set up in the streets where roasted chestnuts are sold, filling the air with the comforting aroma of chestnuts on the fire.
Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, so you can move from Barcelona airport, the port of Barcelona, Reus airport, Girona airport and the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station.
Saint Stephen’s Day: 26th of December
Saint Stephen’s Day, on the 26th of December, is a Catalan holiday that follows Christmas. It is a day to get together with the extended family and enjoy festive meals that often include one of the most typical Catalan dishes, cannelloni.
This tradition dates to the 19th century, when families would use the leftovers from Christmas dinner to prepare this delicious culinary proposal.
In towns such as Barcelona and Girona, the streets come alive with Christmas markets and cultural events, offering a festive continuation of the Christmas celebrations.
The Three Tombs, in honour of Saint Anthony the Abbot
Every 17th of January, the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, Els Tres Tombs are celebrated, especially in towns such as Cambrils, Vila-seca La Pineda, Valls, Igualada and Vilanova i la Geltrú. During this festival, horses and other animals are paraded three times around the local church, where they are blessed.
This ritual has its roots in agricultural tradition and is an opportunity to honour the animals that have been an integral part of rural life.
The Diada de Sant Jordi, a day full of roses and books
The 23rd of April, the Diada de Sant Jordi, is one of the most beloved festivities in Catalonia. In Barcelona, the Ramblas are filled with stalls selling books and roses, and the city becomes a great festival of literature and love. It is a tradition to give a book and a rose to loved ones in honour of Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia, with the aim of recalling the legend that revolves around his figure.
The eve and feast of Saint John
Midsummer’s Eve, on the 23rd of June, is a magical celebration marked by bonfires, fireworks and parties on beaches all over Catalonia, especially on Costa Daurada, in towns such as Salou, Cambrils and Tarragona. The eve, which highlights the summer solstice, continues until dawn, with people jumping over bonfires and enjoying the “coca de Sant Joan”, a typical sweet decorated with candied fruit and pine nuts.
More outstanding festivities
The Catalan calendar is completed with other outstanding festivities, such as Carnival, in February, with parades of floats, troupes and parties in all the towns, such as Sitges; Mona Day, on Easter Monday, to commemorate the end of Easter Week; and the Assumption of the Virgin, on the 15th of August, which, despite being a national celebration, is deeply rooted in the Catalan territory.
Enjoy all these festivals in any town on Costa Dorada, Costa Brava, Barcelona and the surrounding area. Get around with Shuttle2Sun‘s 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. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
