Once a year every town and city in Catalonia celebrates its Grand Festival. The streets fill with merrymakers who are only too glad to let strangers join in the fun. Many places keep up traditional customs of ancient origin. In the region of Tarragona you can wonder at the agility and strength of the castellers as they build their spectacular human towers. If you feel brave enough to be chased through the streets by fire-breathing dragons, giant eagles and demons hurling fire-crackers, then you'll enjoy the Patum which is held in Berga for the feast of Corpus Christi (June). This truly unique festival, which combines pagan and Christian origins, has been handed down from generation to generation. In contrast, the Dance of Death, which is performed in the streets of Verges on Holy Thursday, has purely Christian roots and commemorates the terrible plagues of the Middle Ages. 

On the eve of the Feast of Saint John (24 June) great bonfires are lit on the streets and squares of both towns and villages and the summer solstice is celebrated far into the night to the accompaniment of rockets, fire crackers and coca (traditional pastry). At the Grand Festivals and other celebrations you will see giant figures -gegants - parading and dancing, amid their jovial following of capgrossos (dwarfs). Another traditional way of expressing the joy and friendship of popular festivals is by dancing the sardana , the Catalan national dance with is performed to the sound of the cobla , a group of wind instruments accompanied by a double bass. The dancers join hands while carefully treading and retreating the intricate steps. Whenever you see a circle of sardana dancers, don't hesitate to join in: it's an experience never to be forgotten! 

From ancient times, markets and fairs have provided those who know how to combine work with pleasure with another good excuse to get together. Weekly markets are still held in many towns, and some even take place daily, such as the fish auctions held on the harbour-side when the fishing boats come in from the sea. 

Catalonia, like many other countries, also celebrates the carnival. In Solsona, Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú the festivities are particularly joyous and colourful. 

By joining in the fun at one of our festivals, you'll get to know us better. On the outside we may seem a little reserved, but deep down the Catalans are a friendly people who enjoy a little merrymaking and like to make their visitors welcome, as befits a Mediterranean people.