Barcelona…when we think about this city, we think about parties, discos, beaches and sunbathing…but Barcelona is not only that, it is also a city full of history and traditions! Let’s take a look at the 5 most important festivals in Barcelona.
1- Sant Joan
The festival of Sant Joan, known in Catalonia as Nit del Foc, takes place on June 23rd and celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
What do we do during Sant Joan? First of all, it is important to know that this pagan festival dates back to before Christianity and is very important for the Catalans. The tradition is to watch fireworks on the beach. Although the fireworks are beautiful, be mindful! During Sant Joan, everyone can make their own fireworks, so be careful!
On this day, it is also traditional to eat the Coca de Sant Joan, a sweet bun, coated with candied fruit. Saint Joan’s Day is one of the most festive events for the people of Barcelona and for tourists, who come especially to attend this great celebration.
2- the mercé
Another very famous festival in Catalonia is the Mercé. This historical festival has been celebrated every year since 1902, it takes place around the 24th of September and lasts about 5 days. This festival consists of paying homage to the Virgin Mercé, the patron saint of Barcelona, but also to celebrate the passage to autumn. During the Mercé, people dance the Sardana, watch open-air shows, theatrical performances, admire human pyramids and parades of giant figurines. The Mercé is a very popular festival. It is also very impressive because of the costumes and choreography, which impresses both young and old.
Enjoy the tradition of Sant Jordi in Barcelona
3- Sant Jordi
If I tell you, lovers’ day, you say Valentine’s day, well in Catalonia, they say Sant Jordi! The purpose: men and women, whether they are in a couple or not, exchange gifts. The men will offer roses to the women and the women books to the men, the streets are then filled with stands of books and roses, however, unlike other holidays, this day is not a public holiday.
4- Barcelona and Sitges Carnival
Celebrated from February 24 to March 2, these carnivals offer parades, costumes and parades in the city. Even if the one in Barcelona is magnificent, the most sumptuous is the one in Sitges.
Sitges is a seaside town located about 45 minutes from Barcelona. During 7 days, Sitges will show you the parades, carriages and customs in celebration of Catalonia.
5- the diada
The diada: national holiday of Catalonia, it is celebrated on September 11, holiday for Catalans. But the 11th of September was not chosen at random, as the 11th of September 1714 was the day Barcelona fell to the troops of the Spanish king. This holiday has a great history: it allows Catalans who want the independence of the region to clearly state their opinions. It was therefore celebrated clandestinely for a long time, and was even banned in 1936 under Franco’s regime. Today, this festival has become a holiday, and is very celebrated, although it has a very political connotation.
Nevertheless, it allows you to attend to the human tricks of the castellers, to see and dance the sardana: traditional dance, or to taste a giant paella!
As you can see, Barcelona is a city full of history, and I’m sure you can’t wait to discover it! However, during these holidays, finding accommodation can be complicated… so I advise you to plan ahead, or to consult our website where you can select the type of accommodation you want us to find for you! I hope you enjoyed this article, in the meantime take care of yourself, and see you soon!
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