4 Typical Barcelona traditions: from dancing the Sardana to giving roses and books as gifts on Sant - ILUNION Hotels

4 Typical Barcelona traditions: from dancing the Sardana to giving roses and books as gifts on Sant

February 07 2023
Entertainment
Barcelona is a vibrant city full of culture, this can be seen in its many typical traditions. From dancing the Sardana to giving roses and books on Sant Jordi's Day, these traditions make Barcelona a unique place in the world. Here are four of the city's most emblematic traditions.

The Sardana
This traditional dance is one of the most emblematic symbols of Catalan culture. It is danced in a circle, with hands on the shoulder of the person next to you, and is accompanied by lively, upbeat music. The Sardana is danced at numerous events and festivities throughout the region, and is a unique experience not to be missed.

The Castellers
The human towers or "castells" are a popular tradition that is widespread throughout Catalunya. It is a way of building human towers, where the participants, called "castellers", stack on top of each other to form a tall, complex structure. The construction of the human tower requires great coordination, balance and confidence, and is an impressive display of human strength and skill.

The Castellers are an important part of Catalan culture and have been declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO. There are numerous Castellers groups in Catalonia, and each group has its own unique tradition and style. The Castellers' performances are part of many festivals and events in the region.

The "Tio de Nadal"
The "Tio de Nadal" is a popular Christmas tradition in Catalonia, Spain, and especially in Barcelona. It is a wooden doll in the shape of a tree trunk, with branches and straw leaves, which is a central element of the Christmas celebration in the region.

The Tío de Nadal is used in a tradition known as the "Caga Tió", where children beat the doll with a stick while singing Christmas songs. The Tío de Nadal "shits" the presents and sweets from under the straw branches.

This tradition is a way of commemorating Christmas in Catalonia and has become an important symbol of Catalan cultural identity. Although its origin is uncertain, it is thought to date back to the 18th or 19th century and has been passed down from generation to generation to the present day.

Saint Jordi's Day
Sant Jordi's Day is a special day in Barcelona, celebrated on 23 April. It is celebrated in honour of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, and is a day of romance and culture. On this day, roses and books are given as gifts, and the city is filled with roses and books stalls in the streets. This day is an opportunity for Barcelonans to celebrate love and culture, and is one of the most special days of the year in Barcelona.

In short, Barcelona is a city with a rich cultural and popular tradition, which invites you to discover its history and way of life. Staying at ILUNION Barcelona, a 4-star city hotel in Barcelona, is a perfect way to immerse yourself in this tradition and experience a true cultural adventure. Don't hesitate and come and visit us!
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