Catalonia has managed to maintain many customs and traditions over the years, which are very common in everyday life.
The most important from a tourist point of view are:
Sardanas: Traditional Catalan dance. People meet in front of the cathedral on Sundays to dance it.
Castellers: The "castells" are impressive human towers of up to 9 "floors". They originated in the Tarragona region, although they can be seen in popular festivals in Barcelona, especially during the "Merce".
Saint George (Sant Jordi), patron saint of Catalonia: On 23 April the Catalans celebrate Saint George's day by offering a rose and/or book, and the main shopping streets of Barcelona are filled with book stands.
Eve of Saint John's: On the 23 June, the summer solstice is celebrated with big bonfires, firecrackers and fireworks, and people eat the traditional "coca de Sant Joan" (a pastry).
La Merce festival: This is the festival for Barcelona's patron saint, held in the week of the 24 September, the day of La Merce. All kinds of activities are organized, for all tastes and all ages. Of particular interest is the "correfoc" (fire-breathing dragons from all over Catalonia), and the pyrotechnical music show (fireworks and classical music next to the Montjuic fountains).
Jan. 1, New Year's Day;
Jan. 6, Epiphany;
April 13, Good Friday;
May 1, Labor Day;
June 4, Whit Monday;
Aug. 15, Assumption;
Sep. 11, National Day of Catalonia;
Sep. 25, Mercи Fiesta;
Oct. 12, National Day;
Nov. 1, All Saints' Day;
Dec. 6, Constitution Day;
Dec. 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception;
Dec. 25, Christmas Day;
Dec. 26, Boxing Day.
If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many people tend to take an extra day-off on the nearest Monday or Friday, for a long weekend called a puente (bridge). Some businesses and banks will remain open, but will most likely be understaffed.
