Discover Authentic Catalonia in September!

The month of September is a time of transition in Catalunya: summer says goodbye, but festivals and traditions remain full of life.

With such significant events as the Diada Nacional de Catalunya, the popular Festes de la Mercè or local celebrations such as Sant Miquel, September is ideal for discovering the most authentic Catalunya, from the heart of its cities to the corners most deeply rooted in the territory.

11 September: The Diada Nacional de Catalunya

On Onze de Setembre, Catalunya commemorates its Diada Nacional, a day of historical, cultural and democratic recognition. Across the territory, institutional events, concerts, exhibitions, floral offerings and popular activities are held to remember the fall of Barcelona in 1714 and, at the same time, celebrate Catalan identity.

Cities such as Barcelona, Cardona, Vic and Sant Boi de Llobregat fill with family activities, readings, singing and gatherings that highlight the value of the country's language, culture and history. The Diada is also a moment to reflect on the past and look towards Catalunya's collective future.

Oktoberfest in Catalunya: a German festival with a Mediterranean touch

Although it has Bavarian origins, Oktoberfest has earned a place in Catalunya's festive calendar. In cities such as Barcelona, Calella, Platja d'Aro and Solsona, festivals inspired by this German tradition are held during September, featuring craft beer, Bavarian cuisine, live music and a festive atmosphere.

These celebrations attract both locals and visitors, and are a great opportunity to enjoy an international festival in spacious venues with activities for all ages.

Although the name Oktoberfest literally means “October festival”, the celebration usually begins during the last days of September and continues into the first days of October.

Festes de la Mercè in Barcelona: culture and popular celebration

The Festes de la Mercè, which take place around 24 September, are the main festival of Barcelona and one of the most important in Catalunya. For several days, the city is filled with a first-class cultural and leisure programme: concerts, castellers, giants, correfocs, visual shows and fireworks displays.

Each year, a guest city is invited to share its culture, and an extensive programme is organised across all neighbourhoods, along with a showcase of Catalan popular culture in the Plaça de la Catedral and other iconic locations. La Mercè is the greatest expression of Barcelona's cultural diversity and vitality.

Sant Cosme and Sant Damià: festival and popular devotion

On 26 September, several towns celebrate Sant Cosme and Sant Damià, patron saints of doctors and pharmacists. These traditional festivals are especially notable in municipalities such as Vandellòs, Sant Joan les Fonts, La Nou de Gaià and Sarral.

The events include mass, processions, traditional dances, craft fairs and family activities, showing a blend of religious and festive elements that keep alive a celebration deeply rooted in local communities.

Sant Miquel: The power of the patron saint

On 29 September, Sant Miquel is celebrated, a festivity present in many towns across Catalunya, such as Hostalric, Santpedor, Castellví de Rosanes and Peramola. In many cases, it coincides with the local main festival, with an intense programme that includes giants, parades, sardanes, correfocs and stick dances.

Sant Miquel, the warrior archangel, is a revered figure in the Christian tradition, and his festivals combine spirituality, popular culture and celebration in an atmosphere of togetherness.

Cuina del Cim i Tomba in Tossa de Mar: a seafaring gastronomic tradition

During the month of September, the seaside town of Tossa de Mar celebrates the Cuina del Cim i Tomba gastronomic days, dedicated to a traditional fishermen's dish made with rock fish, potatoes and aioli. More than a dozen restaurants offer this traditional dish as part of special menus.

In addition to gastronomy, the event includes workshops, demonstrations and cultural activities that explain the history and value of this authentic popular cuisine, rooted in seafaring life.

Festa de la Fil·loxera in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia: history, wine and spectacle

Around 7 and 8 September, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia recalls a historic moment with its unique Festa de la Fil·loxera. This festival commemorates the overcoming of the plague that devastated the vineyards of many Catalan towns, coming from Europe, in the 19th century.

The central event is a popular night-time performance, with giant phylloxera figures, fire, music and dances that explain the farmers' struggle against the plague. This festival has great educational, symbolic and cultural value, and shows how the town was able to overcome adversity and reinvent itself.

Festes del Tura in Olot

The Festes del Tura are the main festival of Olot and one of the most outstanding celebrations in the Girona counties. They are held around 8 September in honour of the Mare de Déu del Tura, patron saint of the city.

They are known for their popular, free and street-based atmosphere, with a programme designed for both residents and visitors to experience the festival. With origins documented since the 14th century, they have maintained a strong connection to the city over time.

In 1997, they were declared a Festival of National Interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya.

September is a month that combines historical memory, popular devotion and festive vitality like no other. From major celebrations such as La Mercè or the Diada Nacional, to local festivals such as Sant Cosme, Sant Miquel or the Fil·loxera, Catalunya appears lively, diverse and deeply rooted.

Discovering authentic Catalunya in September is an invitation to share heritage, emotions and culture at street level.