Barcelona is famend for its gorgeous structure, vibrant tradition, and scrumptious meals. However past the world-class sights, there’s a quirky aspect of Catalonia that vacationers typically overlook.
From outrageous festivals to weird customs, Catalonia has an array of traditions that may make you scratch your head and chuckle in equal measure. Whether or not wandering the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter or exploring the sun-drenched seashores of the Costa Brava, right here’s a enjoyable have a look at a number of the craziest Catalan traditions you gained’t discover in a typical vacationer information.
Right here’s an summary:
The Human Towers: Castells
Probably the most iconic and mind-blowing Catalan traditions is the Castell—a human tower that’s as tall as it’s spectacular. Castellers, or the individuals who take part on this custom, work collectively to construct a tower of people, with the bottom composed of burly males and the upper ranges made up of smaller, lighter people. The entire construction teeters because it rises, and when it reaches its highest level, a small baby—typically no older than six or seven—climbs to the highest and raises a hand in victory.
This custom dates again to the 18th century in Catalonia, and in the present day, it’s a extremely aggressive occasion, typically held throughout festivals like La Mercè (Barcelona’s annual metropolis pageant) or different regional celebrations. The sight of those precarious human buildings is one you gained’t quickly overlook, and it’s an expertise that completely encapsulates Catalonia’s daring spirit and sense of neighborhood.
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The Caga Tió: The Pooping Christmas Log
In terms of bizarre traditions, nothing beats Caga Tió, the Catalan Christmas custom that entails a log with a painted face, legs, and a crimson hat. However wait—it will get weirder. On Christmas Eve, kids “feed” the log each day with sweets and treats, whereas protecting it with a blanket. Then, on Christmas Day, they collect across the log and hit it with sticks, shouting, “Caga Tió!” (“Poop, log!”) till sweets and small presents mysteriously fall out.
Whereas this will likely appear unusual to outsiders, for Catalan youngsters, it’s one of many highlights of the vacation season. The Caga Tió provides a component of playful mischief to the Christmas festivities, and although it could look like one thing out of a kids’s fairy story, it’s a convention taken very severely by native households.
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The Calçotada: The Onion Feast
In Catalonia, the arrival of calçots—a kind of inexperienced onion—indicators the beginning of the winter festivities. Yearly, round January to March, locals collect for a “Calçotada,” a barbecue feast the place these onions are grilled to perfection over an open flame, then dipped right into a wealthy romesco sauce (constructed from tomatoes, nuts, and garlic).
Consuming calçots will not be a dainty affair. You gained’t discover anybody politely nibbling these onions with a fork and knife. As a substitute, Catalans peel them with their fingers, then devour them by the bunch, typically whereas sitting at lengthy tables within the countryside, surrounded by laughter, wine, and camaraderie. It’s not simply in regards to the meals, although—the expertise is all about getting your fingers soiled and sharing a great time with family and friends.
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The Sardana: The Catalan Circle Dance
If you end up in Catalonia throughout the summer season months, particularly within the city squares of Barcelona or Girona, you’ll seemingly witness the Sardana—a conventional Catalan circle dance. The dancers, typically in massive teams, kind a circle and maintain fingers, transferring in time to the music, which is offered by a small orchestra referred to as a “cobla.”
The Sardana has deep roots in Catalonia and symbolizes unity and regional satisfaction. Whereas it could look easy, the dance entails complicated steps and complex footwork. When carried out with dozens of individuals taking part, it’s a sight to behold. Whether or not you take part or watch from the sidelines, it’s an effective way to attach with the native tradition in a enjoyable, interactive manner.
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Correfoc: The Fireplace Run
Correfoc will not be for the faint of coronary heart. This thrilling occasion, actually that means “fireplace run,” takes place throughout a lot of Barcelona’s main festivals, corresponding to La Mercè or Sant Joan. In Correfoc, individuals costume as devils and run via the streets, brandishing firecrackers and sparklers. The intention? To create an nearly apocalyptic scene of chaos and fireplace, all within the identify of celebration.
Crowds collect to cheer on the devilish members, who set off fireworks and run between them, making a spectacular show of fireside and light-weight. The flames, sparks, and occasional explosions are definitely thrilling—nevertheless it’s all in good enjoyable, and locals take nice satisfaction of their capability to navigate the fiery chaos.
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The Fiestas of Sant Joan: A Evening of Fireplace, Music, and Insanity
The night time of Sant Joan (June twenty third) is one other Catalan custom that’s equal elements enjoyable and wild. It’s celebrated with an enormous avenue get together in Barcelona, in addition to fireworks, bonfires, and loads of cava (Catalan glowing wine). This night time marks the arrival of the summer season solstice, and it’s a time to let free and benefit from the longest night time of the yr.
Folks head to the seashores with family and friends to leap over bonfires, set off fireworks, and benefit from the heat of summer season. It’s some of the thrilling nights of the yr in Catalonia, and it’s as a lot about celebrating the altering seasons as it’s about having a great time.
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A Mix of Enjoyable and Catalan Traditions
Catalonia is a land of cultural richness, and its traditions are a mixture of the historic, the quirky, and the downright enjoyable. From human towers to fireworks, weird Christmas customs to wild summer season events, there’s one thing about these Catalan traditions that makes them unforgettable.
Whether or not you’re right here for a day or every week, take time to embrace the native festivals and quirks—they’re an enormous a part of what makes Catalonia such an thrilling and memorable place to go to. So, seize your sticks, put together for some firework-filled enjoyable, and prepare to expertise the loopy aspect of Catalonia!
