Sardana, a traditional street dance

By Anna Chalons

The sardana is another well-known Catalan tradition. The dance was originally from the Empordà region( in the north), but started gaining popularity throughout Catalonia during the 20th century.

Music for the sardana is played by a cobla, a band consisting of 10 wind instruments, double bass and a tamborí (little drum) played by 11 musicians. The cobla, this is the name the orchestra receives, has five woodwind instruments: the flabiol which is a small fipple flute, and the tenora and tible (two of each) which belong to the oboe family. You can see one in the video below. Competitions are organized all around the country especially during the spring and summer time. The "colles sardanistes" or teams dress up in their specific outfit as you can see in the video above.

In Catalonia, about one hundred and thirty cobles are active, most of which are amateur bands. Outside Catalonia, there is at least one more cobla: Cobla La Principal d'Amsterdam.

At any local celebration you will be able  to see people dancing in the main square of the town. It’s something very genuine and very deeply rooted in our culture. Some people may find it a bit cold as it is not as passionate as other Spanish dances or music like “flamenco dancing”.