Tarragona Province - January 30 - "Drama Sacro de la Pasion".Located 108 kms. from Tarragona, at foot of Montes Blancos and mouth of Ebro River.
First in series of regular Sunday acting of Passion Plays, lasting till May 2. Written in Catalan verse, dating from approximately middle of 18th century; probably taken from 16th century text; considered work of native of Ulldecona. "EI Descendimiento de la Cruz" - Descent from the Cross - one of main parts of former Passion Plays of Cataluna.
Barcelona Province - February 6 - "Fiesta dels Traginers" (Fiesta de los Arrieros].Located 62 kms. from Barcelona; impressive, perfectly preserved castle, with Romanesque Hermitage.
Celebrated in front of castle walls; authentic horse competitions, most of them used for daily labor; horse race, game called "anillas", blessing of cattle, "sardanas" (famous folk dances]. Echoes of similar events in Medieval times.
Barcelona Province - February 20 - "La Passio".Located 40 kms. from Barcelona; Romanesque hermitage.
Religious drama enacted every Sunday, every fiesta and during Holy Week until May 2. Work of two periods, divided into different tableaux or scenes: first period - Life of Jesus, including Resurrection of Lazarus, Sermon on the Mount (outstanding); one of most spectacular scenes - Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the Last Supper. Second period - taking place in afternoons - includes Passion, Death and Resurrection, culminating in Ascension. Generally moving and impressive; all local actors.
Barcelona Province - March 25 - "Mercat del Ram".Located 68 kms. from Barcelona; Romanesque Church; 12th century Cathedral; Episcopal Museum; 14th century ramparts; excursions; hunting and fishing.
Six days of typical and popular entertainments; inaugurated a few days prior to March 25 by public proclamation by particular personality; Queen of Mercat del Ram; competitions of quick, open-air sketching, photography, amateur cine-films, best stands and stalls, etc. Cattle and agricultural pavilions with practical demonstrations.
April 23 - "Fiesta de San Jorge y din de Cervantes".Although celebrated together chronologically, Fiesta de San Jorge goes back to much earlier date. Custom dating from early 18th century; prayers before statue of St. George in Chapel of building known as Disputacion General de Cataluna, until nightfall; traditional offering of a rose to a loved one from stalls set up in Patio. Sale of books from numerous stalls and shops.
Barcelona Province - May 14 - Annual Market Fair.Located 54 kms. from Barcelona; summer resort declared of Touristic Interest; Baroque Church; archaeological museum; municipal park; Toll Caves, 4 kms. away. Cattle contest and agricultural machinery.
Barcelona Province - June 1 - "Fiesta del Corpus Christi".Located 38 kms. from Barcelona; 25 kms. from Prat Airport; large tourist complex known as the "Cannes of Cataluna"; interesting museums; fine beaches; golf course; sport. Streets and main square carpeted with thousands of flowers, especially carnations, during solemn religious procession. National Carnations Exhibition. Train passengers traditionally showered with flowers on arrival and welcomed with music and dances.
Barcelona Province - June 4 - "Aplec" de Sardanas.Located 50 kms. from Barcelona; excursions to Mont-serrat.
Most important show of "sardana" folkdancing throughout Catalan region; continuous performances from morning till night; songs, regional dances, choirs, children's festivals, colourful stalls.
Gerona Province - July 24-26 - "Fiestas Tradicionales de Santa Cristina".Located 40 kms. from Gerona on Costa Brave; excellent climate and beautiful beaches; ruins; 11th century San Juan Castle Tower, 1 km. away; 15th century Parish Church. Two days of festivities and folkdancing celebrated in Plaza de Espana; begin with typical early morning procession from church, with images and children dressed as angels, to beach where participants embark in boats and sail towards Santa Cristina Hermitage. Once in sight of ancient monastery - pay respects by throwing wreaths; return to shore, continuing procession by land to Hermitage and back to town.
Tarragona Province - August 2-5 - "Fiestas del Firagost". Located 19 kms. from Tarragona; 16th century Church of St. John the Baptist; Church of Abbot San Antonio; decorative glazed tiles representing 17th century Battle of Lepanto.
Exhibition of fruit, flowers, machinery; folkloric festival - presentation of "Xiquets de Valle" and other typical dances. Prize fruits and flowers offered to Virgen de la Candela.
Barcelona Province - August 29 - September 2 - "Fiesta Mayor de San Felix Martir".Located 47 kms. from Barcelona; artistic monuments, palaces, castles, wine museum, Gothic Quarter.
Most typical fiesta of Cataluna. Principal feature - dance of "Xiquets de Valls", an athletic human-castle-building dance. Demonstration takes place before town hall. Other folkloric dances. At midday on 30th and 31st - succession of these castle-dance competitions in front of town hall. On evening of the 30th - procession into Basilica of Santa Maria.
September 24-28 - "Fiestas de la Merced".In celebration of the Patron Saint of Barcelona, the Virgen de la Merced. Main events include: International Bard Festival; horse-parade of Barcelona, Medieval theatre. swim across Barcelona Port, International Music Festival of Barcelona and Barcelona Song Festival. Also various concerts, sports spectacles, popular dances, and religious ceremonies.
Barcelona Province - November 11 and 12 - "Fieste mayor de San Martin".Located 54 kms. from Barcelona; 12th century Romanesque Church, well preserved. Fairly mountainous region with some interesting ceves for spelunkers.
Festival's main feature - picturesque "sardana" dances and other regional dances. Motocross competitions.