This is one of the most keenly anticipated and widely celebrated Catalan public holidays. According to the traditional tale, Sant Jordi (Saint George) killed the dragon that used to live in Montblanc where it terrorized the local population, thus saving the king's daughter from certain death. Legend has it that a beautiful rose bush sprang up in the spot where the dragon's blood was spilled. From the 18th century onward, the Sant Jordi festival became widely identified as a Catalan 'fiesta' which these days arouses great popular, civic and cultural passion. On Sant Jordi's Day, lovers exchange a rose and a book and every town and city in Catalonia is filled with stalls set up to sell both.
In its 47th edition, this race has become one of the most well-known marathons in Europe. The Zurich Marathon in Barcelona, Gold Label by l'IAAF, is a huge city festival where runners from around the world come and enjoy this fantastic long-distance race. They are backed by the good weather and more than 42 km of city circuit which winds through the most emblematic parts of the city. It becomes, according to its participants, one of the most spectacular race in the world.
Closely related to Carnival, the Tres Tombs feast is held –at least since 1826– in Sant Antoni neighbourhood, the heart of Eixample district. In homage to muleteers, wagoners and peasant farmers, the horse parade is performed by ancient carriages animal drawn and several riders. It always appears the Unitat Muntada de la Guàrdia Urbana (Horse Guards of the local police) and riders who escort Sant Antoni and Santa Eulàlia flags, the co-patron saint of the city. But, overall, there are amazing carriages such as a firefighter truck driven by horses, the Imperial carriage of the funeral services, a delivery carriage for wineskins, one for the rice growers and some other historical ones from Barcelona and other Catalan cities. The parade finishes in Plaça Sant Jaume, when the local authorities welcome the entourage.
11th January: Tres Tombs de Sant Andreu del Palomar. 24th January: Tres Tombs de Sant Antoni.
With Christmas comes a new edition of the Christmas market in Barcelona's Moll de la Fusta. Located in the Moll de Bosch i Alsina, this new edition promises even more fun and entertainment, as it adds new illuminations, a new synthetic ice rink, stalls for shops and eateries, a traditional carousel, new attractions and some of the Maritime Museum's boats specially decorated for the occasion. The venue also has a stage where various shows for the whole family will take place, organised by the city's cultural associations and organisations.
One of Barcelona's most beautiful Christmas traditions is the annual concert given by the Orfeó Català and its children's and girls' choirs. This free concert is organised by Barcelona City Council and fills the heart of the city with harmonious melodies full of the spirituality associated with this time of the year.
The event that celebrates artisan gastronomy is back. We are talking about All Those Food Market, a market where producers and entrepreneurs present the most outstanding culinary offerings from the local scene in Moll de la Fusta. It also offers a variety of workshops for food lovers and free activities for the youngest members of the family. An event that no foodie should miss.
The bike is an original and different means of transport to discover the city. Barcelona has fully integrated cycle lanes and you can cycle through the city’s open spaces and parks. These conditions and the mild climate are ideal for this alternative means of transport. You can choose from organised routes or bicycle hire.
There are a hundred different ways to discover the Parc de la Ciutadella. You can explore the history of the former military citadel and the 1888 Universal Exhibition, or simply enjoy the surroundings and take part in one of its many cultural events. Barcelona's public park par excellence will never let you down.
Known locally as the "Parc de l'Escorxador", this park is a jigsaw puzzle of different elements set out around a cement plaza designed to host all kinds of events and activities.
