traditions

From seasonal figurines answering nature’s call to wooden logs excreting presents, faeces are an integral part of Christmas in Catalonia. But… why?

Traditional poopers placed in nativity scenes will also include King Charles III, Eleven from Stranger Things, and Rishi Sunak in near future

Festive feasts, plenty of presents and a surprising amount of traditions involving poo 

Flowers brought from South America are 50% more expensive, but shops will assume the extra amount

No Catalan nativity scene is complete without these defecating figurines 

Catalonia’s fall tradition faces competition from imported Halloween celebrations

Health minister Vergés says 'families will not be able to mix' in festive meals, where social distancing will have to be maintained

Food and family are the key words over the holiday period, when Catalans face two weeks of feasting before they finally get their gifts

The Red Cross aims to collect 55,000 toys for socially vulnerable children

Bonfires and firecrackers are the most characteristic elements of the June 23 celebration, in which the Catalan language also plays an important role

‘Patum’ is a popular festival celebrated every year during Corpus Christi in the Catalan city of Berga. In this town, the earliest reference to this festival dates from 1454 although the celebration has its origins in pre-Christian festivities. During five days, the streets of Berga are transformed into a massive stage. The ‘Patum’ festival,  which was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, comprises several parts and is a mixture of sound, fire and parades of allegorical and traditional figures such as ‘Guites’ (mule dragons), the Eagle and giant-headed dwarves. All the figures join to perform the final dance, the Tirabol. This years’ ‘Patum’ will take place from the 25th to the 28th of May.

By 21 August thousands of people are expected to have attended Gràcia’s local street festival, organised around its Patron Saint’s day. The programme of 'Festes de Gràcia' includes Catalan traditional human towers (called 'castells'), live music, exhibitions, activities for kids and much more. However, one of the most popular traditions in Gràcia during this festival is the street decoration. Indeed, most public spaces are included in an amateur competition where groups of neighbours embellish their own streets and squares so that many spots in the neighbourhood are thematically decorated. Although locals play a very important role in the festival, each year thousands of visitors, from the rest of Barcelona, but also from all over the world, come to the neighbourhood and take part in the celebration, which is gaining popularity worldwide.