Discover Authentic Catalonia in February!

Catalonia is a land full of traditions, popular festivals and gastronomy that reflect its cultural identity.

With the arrival of February, Catalonia dresses up for celebrations such as Candelaria, Santa Eulalia, Carnival, the Gypsy Dances, and gastronomic festivals such as Garoinada, Calçotadas and Xatonadas. If you want to discover the most authentic Catalonia, this trip through its events and customs is for you.

Every February 2nd, the Candelaria festival is celebrated, which symbolizes purification and light. In Catalonia, several municipalities commemorate this date with deep-rooted traditions. For example, in L'Ametlla de Mar, the Candelera Festival is one of the most emblematic, with activities that include processions, popular dances and other cultural events.

La Candelera has also left some popular sayings that have spread throughout Catalonia:

"If the Candlestick weeps, the winter is gone; if the Candlestick rises, the fred is alive."
("If Candelaria cries, winter is out; if Candelaria laughs, the cold is alive.")

"Quan la Candelera flora, l'hivern fora. And if not flora, neither dins nor fora."
("When the Candelaria blooms, winter is outside. And if it doesn't bloom, neither inside nor outside.")

"Per la Candelera, l'os surt de l'ossera."
("On Candlemas, the bear comes out of the den")

""By the Candelera, the Sun runs along the road."
(By Candlemas, the Sun is already running along the road.)

Santa Eulalia: Barcelona's biggest winter festival

Saint Eulalia , co-patron saint of Barcelona, is honoured with a series of events that fill the city with life and tradition. During these days, the streets of the city centre are filled with giants, castellers, correfocs and other popular cultural events.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the human tower festival in Plaça de Sant Jaume, where several groups build impressive human constructions that represent the strength and unity of the people. In addition, many museums and emblematic buildings open their doors for free, offering a unique opportunity to discover the city's cultural heritage.

Valentine's Day: Celebrating love and affection

Valentine's Day has also been gaining ground in recent years. During February 14, many couples take advantage of the opportunity to go on romantic getaways, enjoy special dinners or participate in cultural activities.

Some suggestions for this date include routes through natural areas, visits to wineries with wine tasting or stays in charming rural houses. In addition, many municipalities organize special events, such as concerts or exhibitions, ideal for sharing as a couple.

Carnival: The party of debauchery

Carnival is one of the most fun and eagerly awaited festivals of the year. With a transgressive and colorful atmosphere, every town and city in Catalonia celebrates Carnival with parades of comparsas, costumed streets, popular dances and fellowship dinners.

Jueves Lardero, which marks the beginning of Carnival, is also an important gastronomic day, where traditional products such as egg sausage and "coca de llardons" are consumed.

Ash Wednesday marks the end of the celebrations with the symbolic "burning of the Carnival King", giving way to Lent.

Gypsy Dances: Rhythm and Popular Culture

Dance of the Gypsies is a traditional Catalan dance that takes place during Carnival in various towns in the Vallès and other regions. The dance is characterized by its cheerful music, colorful dresses and a choreography that combines jumps and turns.

Municipalities such as Sant Celoni, Mataró and Santa Maria de Palautordera celebrate these dances with great enthusiasm, attracting both participants and spectators who want to enjoy this deep-rooted tradition.

La Garoinada: a gastronomic treasure of the Costa Brava

La Garoinada is a culinary festival that celebrates one of the most prized products of the Costa Brava: sea urchins. During these months, several restaurants offer special menus featuring this marine product, often accompanied by traditional dishes such as fish stew or rice broth.

In addition to the tasting, complementary activities are often organised, such as boat trips to discover the habitat of sea urchins or cultural visits to discover the heritage of the area.

Calçotadas: A Tradition to Share

Calçotadas are one of the most deep-rooted gastronomic traditions in Catalonia during the winter and early spring months. The calçot is a variety of spring onion, softer and longer, which is mainly grown in the Alt Camp region, with Valls being its most recognized cradle with the DO

The meal is often complemented with grilled meat, sausages, toasted bread and wine, creating a unique culinary and social experience that brings families and friends together around the table.

Xatonadas: The Xató festival

Xató is a typical Catalan salad that is mainly consumed during the winter months. Its main ingredients are escarole, desalted cod, tuna, anchovies and Arbequina olives, all seasoned with a sauce made with almonds, hazelnuts, ñoras, garlic, olive oil and vinegar.

Xatonadas are popular festivals dedicated to this dish, especially in the regions of Garraf and Penedès. Municipalities such as Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Vilafranca del Penedès, El Vendrell and Calafell organize events where xató is the protagonist, often accompanied by activities such as competitions of xatonaire masters, cooking workshops, craft markets and musical performances.

If you want to discover a Catalonia full of life, culture and good food, these celebrations are the best way to do it!