Symbols and festivities

By Laura Sánchez

La senyera (Our Flag)

Catalan flag wich consists of four red stripes on a golden background. The same flag with a blue triangle and white star which could be seen arround nowadays represents Catalan independence.

L’ase Català (The Catalan donkey)

The ‘national’ symbol of Catalonia is a donkey opossed to the Spanish bull. It’s origins lie on a breed of donkey unique in Catalonia and Catalan speaking areas. The donkey emblem has many interpretations as to what it means. Some say it represents Catalans as hard working people whilst others say it is there to make fun of the Spanish bull.

  

Correfocs

The Correfocs, in which "devils" play with fire close to the onlookers, is one of the most striking of the Catalan festive events. The devils are not considered the incarnation of evil; they are festive characters, dancing to the sound of drums and the traditional "gralla" (a wind instrument), while they set off their fireworks.

 

Differential X’Mas traditions

In Catalonia, there are a few local Christmas traditions; 

one of them is the popular figure of the “Tió de Nadal” or “Tronquet”. 

The Tió means abundance: an old trunk in her womb gives dry sweets and sweets. 

 There is also the party “cagatió”,which name refers to make the Tió poo which is acompained with a traditional song.

Another custom is to put up a "Pessebre" Nativity scene, which often includes the “Caganer”, a figurine depicted in the act of defecation. 

Maybe in a future post I will tell you the story of this particular figurine.

Festivities

La diada de Catalunya

The Catalan "Diada" or National Day of Catalonia is on September 11, after the defeat and surrender of Barcelona to the French-Castilian army of Philip V of Spain and his supporters during the War of Spanish Succession. Similarly November 7 is also remembered in Northern Catalonia after the Treaty of the Pyrenees.

Currently, this tradition has become quite famous all over the world, because since 2010 a massive popular demonstration for claiming the independence of Catalonia has been organized. This and other Catalan or popular traditions are broadcasted by various prestigious communication medias from different countries.

  

Sant Jordi

Another tradition during the spring festival day of Sant Jordi (St George's Day). Catalonia’s answer to Valentine’s Day. Instead of 14th February, it is held on 23rd April, Sant Jordi is considerably more traditional. In which men give roses (mostly in a deep red color) to women, and women give a book to men as a present. That day is also known as "Dia del Llibre" (Book Day), coinciding with the anniversaries of the deaths of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Josep Pla, three world famous writers. The streets are full of people gathering around book and flower stands. Rumour has it that this is the day where Catalonia makes almost half of its total annual book sales!

  

Pyrenees Falles 

The Falles is a fire festival, that has been celebrated since the eleventh century. The festival is held before Saint John, when we light the famous “fogueres”.  

This event consists in bringing down fire torches from the mountains up to Saint John’s bonfires; this fire is brought by different participants called Fallers. They descent mountain with flaming torches, which go through different villages in the Pyrenees.  While the fire was brought down the views of the mountain are wonderful and people gather to watch the fallers bring down the fire.

The village receives the fire with music and a typical food. They give everyone coca and cava, they celebrate the light has come.  

The Falles was declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. This recognition was received with great enthusiasm by people and now visitors from around Catalonia go there every summer.

La Patum

The Patum of Berga is a popular and traditional festival held in the city of Berga, the capital of the Berguedà, during the feast of Corpus Christi. This party represents that it is a struggle between Moors and Christians. It consists of various street performances and public participation, which is characteristic of the presence of fire and pyrotechnics.

The Patum of Berga is held once a year, the date of celebration varies due to coincide with the Christian festival of Corpus Christi, this makes the Patum is held between late May and late June. The main events of the festival take place during the week of Corpus, from Wednesday to Sunday. There are, however, some acts preliminary announcement of the holidays, which are the weeks preceding the feast of Corpus Christi.