Barcelona Traditions
Catalunya has managed
to maintain many customs and traditions over the years, which
are very common in everyday life.
The most outstanding from a tourist point of view are:
Sardanas:
Traditional Catalan dance. People meet in front of the cathedral
on Sundays to dance it.
Castellers:
The "castells" are impressive human towers of up to 9 "floors".
They originated in the Tarragona region, although they can be
seen in popular festivals in the city, especially during the "Mercè".
Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia:
On 23 April the Catalans celebrate Sant Jordi (Saint George) day
by offering a rose and/or book, and the main shopping streets
of Barcelona are filled with book stands.
Eve of Sant Joan:
On the 23 June, the summer solstice is celebrated with big bonfires,
firecrackers and fireworks, and people eat the traditional "coca
de Sant Joan" (a pastry).
La Mercè festival:
This is the festival for the city's patron saint, held in the
week of the 24 September, the day of La Mercè. All kinds of activities
are organized, for all tastes and all ages. Of particular interest
is the "correfoc" (fire-breathing dragons from all over Catalonia),
and the pyrotechnical music show (fireworks and classical music
next to the Montjuïc fountains).
Barcelona guide