Festivals of Catalunya

The sardana is one of Catalonia’s most emblematic traditions, a dance that brings everyone together in a shared rhythm of culture and connection

Travel with Meaning, Feel the Place

At Hostal Girona, we believe travel is not about ticking boxes or chasing must-sees — it’s about feeling the place you visit. Staying in our historic guest house in Barcelona’s Eixample district, you’re surrounded by everyday life, where neighbors shop at local markets, cafés spill onto sunlit corners, and tradition meets creativity.

In Catalunya, festivals open a window into the region’s soul. Each celebration reveals something essential about its culture - the pride of its towns, the creativity of its people, and the deep sense of community that defines Catalan life.

For a traveler, joining a local festival is not only about enjoying music, dance, or fireworks. It’s a chance to connect with a land that celebrates its identity with every step of a parade and every note of a cobla. Catalunya has its own language, traditions and rhythm, and festivals are one of the best ways to experience its living heritage while staying at Hostal Girona, your home in the heart of Barcelona.

What Makes Catalan Festivals Unique

Els Gegants i Capgrossos

Tarragona's Gegants

These towering figures, “giants and big heads”, appear in parades across towns and cities. While similar traditions exist elsewhere, Catalan gegants often tell a deeply local story: they can represent kings and queens from history, mythical beasts, or even architectural icons like details inspired by the Sagrada Família or other modernist buildings. Each district creates its own characters, reflecting the neighborhood’s history and creativity — a bit like Eixample itself, where old and new coexist beautifully.

Castells

Perhaps the most iconic of all Catalan traditions, castells , human towers, are breathtaking demonstrations of teamwork and trust. Entire communities join forces to lift one another, layer by layer, until a child raises their hand at the top. This restored tradition, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, embodies the Catalan spirit of cooperation and determination. Watching a castell being built in a city square is an unforgettable moment one that captures the balance of strength and solidarity that defines Catalonia.

See the castells in action in our video from Reus!

Dances and Music

The sardana is much more than a dance, it’s a symbol of unity. Dancers join hands in circles, stepping gracefully to the rhythm of the cobla band. There are associations of sardana lovers throughout Catalunya, but visitors are always welcome to join the circle. Moving together, side by side with locals, is one of the most genuine experiences you can have during your stay at Hostal Girona.

Food and Harvest Festivals

At Catalonia’s food and harvest fairs, local markets overflow with scents and colors

Catalan gastronomy celebrates the land and the sea, and festivals are often centered around seasonal products. You’ll find grape harvest fairs in wine regions like Penedès, calçotada celebrations with grilled green onions over an open fire, cheese fairs in La Seu d’Urgell dedicated to artisanal cheesemakers, and fish or seafood festivals along the coast.

For food lovers, these are perfect occasions to taste authentic local products, meet small producers, and enjoy the flavors that make Catalonia’s cuisine so diverse and proud.

Explore more of Catalonia’s top culinary festivals on our Instagram post - a visual journey through the region’s most delicious celebrations.

Main Festivals in Catalunya

L’Ou com Balla, one of the most curious and beloved local traditions

You’ll find events happening all year round — from grand celebrations like La Mercè in Barcelona or Santa Tecla in Tarragona, to deeply rooted traditions such as La Castanyada, Sant Jordi, or Carnaval. To see upcoming dates and details, visit the official Generalitat de Catalunya Festivals Calendar.

Understanding the scale and timing helps plan your visit: during big holidays, some stores may close, streets may be restricted for parades, and celebrations often last until late at night. It’s all part of the festive rhythm and a beautiful way to live the local life while staying at Hostal Girona.

Travel with Meaning

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Catalan festivals offer a rare opportunity to travel with meaning: to see, hear, and taste the culture that shapes this region. At Hostal Girona, we invite you not only to explore Barcelona’s landmarks, but to feel its spirit through the people and traditions that make it unique.

Festivals in Catalonia bring history to life through parades, theatre performances, and historical characters