Traditions
Catalonia is not only amazing in its beauty but it is also a region full of interesting traditions that came from ancestors to present Catalans. People that live there like revelries and celebrate their holidays as well as Spanish holidays.
The most cheerful family holiday in Catalonia is Christmas. It is celebrated on 25th of December. Christmas decorations — scenes of nativity of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem — are placed on town squares, parks and houses. Christmas trees became customary in Catalonia not long ago, but figurines have been decorating the streets over the centuries.
New Year Party is a bright event for every resident of Catalonia. Catalans eat 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve as far as they believe that grapes will bring luck and happiness in every month of the coming year. After celebration of New Year children look forward to the holiday of three kings. It is celebrated on the night of 5th to 6th of January. Kings are the Magi — Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior — representatives of three races. Every Catalan from his childhood likes one of these kings and writes letters where he lists all the presents he wants to receive. On the threshold of the holiday these letters are given to royal pages who wait for children at the main square.
February is the time for Carnival — the most colourful event on the seaboard. After it the
Main holiday of the year is the reverence of Saint George — tutelar saint of Catalonia. It is celebrated on 23th of April. According to legend Saint George courageously battled and killed the dragon. A rose garden grew on the place of battle and the hero had presented the most beautiful flower to his sweetheart. That’s why it is traditional for men to give their women a rose. As far as this day concurs with the day of death of Cervantes women give books for their men.
Traditionally holidays are followed by performances of castelliers who build up human towers called castells. The tower symbolizes unity and solidarity of Catalans.
Street festivities are part and parcel of national dance of Catalonia Sardana. Participants are ordinary people, they form a circle, join hands and dance to a music of national orchestra cobla. The origin of Sardana is not clear, but some say that it was became popular from the XVI century.
Widely-known bullfighting is usually associated with Spain but it was forbidden in Catalonia by Regional parliament from 18th of December 2009.
Wealth of traditions had defined the beauty of holidays and festivals of Catalans, unique way of their life. The significance of Catalonian customs is indisputable for Spanish history.
Although Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain, this region is regarded as separate country. Freedom-loving and independent country with its own history and traditions that are honoured by every resident of Catalonia. If you look at historical chronicles you can see that the region had strongly fought for independence for a long time. Many Spanish governors sought for making Catalans forget their language, culture and customs. But they didn’t succeed. Nowadays Catalans revere their traditions, their language and cultural heritage.