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Of all the memorable Catalan traditions, which include 'fire runs' and dancing 'giants', it's arguably the human towers that have the most impact on those watching them. To enjoy a true festival of these castells, head to Vilafranca de Penedès for its annual festa major, from the 29th August to the 2nd September, which commemorates the town's patron Sant Fèlix.
The casteller groups that have more participated in the San Félix Day, August 30, have been els Xiquets de Valls (currently, the Colla Vella and the Colla Joves), the Castellers de Vilafranca and the Minyons de Terrassa. Even so, also has participated els Nens del Vendrell, Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona, els Xicots de Vilafranca, among others. Each human tower is an exemplary example of team work, from the crowd forming the supporting pinya at the bottom via the columns formed as each level rises and culminating with the youngest members of the crew scampering right to the very top to crown the construction, which is officially completed once the smallest of all (l'enxaneta) raises his or her hand. Cue thunderous applause.
Feel the asphalt beneath your feet and relish the sense of achievement of crossing the finishing line and maybe even beating your personal best by taking part in one of Barcelona's most prestigious sporting challenges.
With more than 100 editions under its belt, the Jean Bouin (named after the eponymous French long-distance runner who took part in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and beat various world records; he was killed in the First World War) has earned the honour of becoming the oldest running race in Barcelona.
The event, which is deeply rooted in the city's sporting culture, attracts all kinds of top-level runners every year, with over 11,000 people taking part in the two Open events (5km and 10km) and 2,000 entrants in the youth categories. The Jean Bouin is organised by Mundo Deportivo, Spain's oldest sports newspaper and one that belongs to the Grupo Godó, Catalonia's leading communications group.
The festival of the Gràcia district is one of the most celebrated festivals during August in Barcelona. It is a popular festival that lasts for several days, with a wide range of activities, such as concerts, workshops and shows. The highlight of the festival is the traditional competition when streets are decorated and compete to achieve first place.
Besides the decorated streets, at the squares you have the option to hear live music, dance and taste typical gastronomy of the city.
Switchingon of the Christmas lights
The streets of Barcelona welcome Christmas with light and colour. From November 28th, the Christmas spirit will light up until January. The motifs of the lighting are different and varied: you will find traditional lights and also highly innovative compositions which invite you to experience and enjoy what the city is planning for these festivities.
This year's eagerly awaited Christmas lights ceremony will take place on the central Passeig de Gràcia, from ronda de Sant Pere to Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. The event will be opened by Aktionstheater PAN.OPTIKUM, who will be presenting it's show "Solvern".
Discover Benvinguts a Pagès, an exciting proposal that allows you to explore the richness of Catalan agriculture all year round. This initiative offers the opportunity to visit local agri-food and fishing farms, including the chance to take part in experiential workshops. Whether you're a food lover, a family in search of unique experiences or a curious youngster, Benvinguts a Pagès has something for you. Also, don't miss La Festa, which takes place on 1 and 2 June, where you can immerse yourself even more in authentic Catalan culinary culture.
Dates 2025 not yet confirmed
The European Balloon Festival in Igualada is the biggest gathering of hot air balloons in Spain and welcomes around 25,000 visitors over four days the first fortnight of July. It's a meeting point, a competition and a festival in one, with more than 50 balloons taking to the air. Competitive flights take place early in the morning and at dusk, when conditions are ideal, and if you want a taste of the high life, balloon rides can be booked in advance. Fly among a mass of Balloons from several counties of the world.
But there's plenty to enjoy from ground level, whether it's the different skill challenges in the competition, live music, kids' activities and workshops, or the magical Night Glow event, in which balloons are fired up but don't take off, glowing like lanterns and accompanied by a fireworks display.
This is one of the most keenly anticipated and widely celebrated Catalan public holidays. According to the traditional tale, Sant Jordi (Saint George) killed the dragon that used to live in Montblanc where it terrorized the local population, thus saving the king's daughter from certain death. Legend has it that a beautiful rose bush sprang up in the spot where the dragon's blood was spilled. From the 18th century onward, the Sant Jordi festival became widely identified as a Catalan 'fiesta' which these days arouses great popular, civic and cultural passion. On Sant Jordi's Day, lovers exchange a rose and a book and every town and city in Catalonia is filled with stalls set up to sell both.
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