Barcelona information
Popular Traditions of Barcelona
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).