Traditions
Get to know the local traditions through the seasons, festivals, rituals and long-standing customs.
Traditions
Get to know the local traditions through the seasons, festivals, rituals and long-standing customs.
Mushroom Hunting
in Catalunya
When the autumn rains arrive, Catalans traditionally ‘hunt’ for mushrooms, with the best spots found in the Pyrenean foothills of Girona.
The Verema Behind
Empordà Wine
Discover the verema in Empordà, from grape picking and harvest traditions to native varieties and places where you can take part yourself.
Mare de Déu del Carme:
A Tradition at Sea
Each July, fishing towns honour the Mare de Déu del Carme with maritime processions, decorated boats and blessings at sea.
The Fiery Feast of
Sant Joan in Catalunya
The Feast Day of Sant Joan on 24 June is a Public Holiday in Catalunya and marks the start of the tourist season proper on the Costa Brava.
Pirates of
the Mediterranean
Pirates once roamed the Mediterranean from ancient times, whose rugged coves provided ideal hiding spots for ships
A Night with
The Dance of Death
The Dance of Death in Verges is a traditional Holy Week procession that features symbolic scenes and a night-time ritual through the village streets.
Saint Jordi:
Patron Saint of Catalunya
St Jordi is the patron saint of Catalunya and on his feast day on 23 April men and women exchange red roses and books as tokens of affection
Holy Week in Catalunya:
Easter Traditions
Holy Week in Catalunya includes processions, traditions, and local food, and takes place across towns and villages during Easter.
The Story Behind
the Dance of Death
The Dance of Death in Verges is a medieval Easter tradition with symbolic figures moving through the village during a night-time procession.
Spanish Bulls
and Catalan Donkeys
Why have bulls and donkeys become such strong symbols in Spain and Catalunya? How did they come to reflect identity and tradition?
Valentine’s Day:
A Sweet History of Love
Every 14 February, it’s Valentine’s Day. Cards, flowers, and chocolates are exchanged between loved ones. But where did these traditions begin?
¡Carnival Craziness on
La Costa Brava!
The most (in)famous Carnavales happen in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Costa Brava Carnavales are smaller in scale but still lots of fun!
Those Catalans
and their Calçots!
A calçotada is basically a BBQ with lots of calçots and lots of meat. It’s great fun, even if a bit messy. Best not wear your best outfit!
Christmas Customs
in Catalunya
Catalans have some pretty unusual Christmas traditions not found anywhere else in Spain, or elsewhere, some of them involving poo. Yes, poo!
Our Favourite
Spanish Rice Dishes
Even people who have never visited Spain have heard of ‘paella’, but did you know there’s a whole plethora of Spanish rice dishes?
Halloween in Spain:
La Castanyada in Catalunya
Halloween is often seen as an American custom, but where did it really originate and why is it observed around the world? And in Catalunya?