Sant Martí festivities in Catalonia

In Catalonia, the celebration of Sant Martí, on November 11, is a festival that combines religious, traditional, and popular elements. The saint, known for the legend in which he parted his cloak to shelter a poor man in the middle of winter, is the patron saint of numerous Catalan towns and parishes, especially those that bear his name. Festivals in honor of Sant Martí are often a central event in the autumn calendar in many local communities.

One of the most well-known aspects is the so-called " Indian summer of Sant Martí." According to popular tradition, around this time the weather usually improves for a few days after the initial cold of autumn. This meteorological phenomenon has given rise to sayings and proverbs, such as "By Sant Martí, summer is here," which reflect the popular wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

On a festive level, the Sant Martí festival combines religious and popular events. Parishes celebrate solemn masses in honor of the saint, and many organize processions or community gatherings. But there's also room for popular culture: giants and big-headed figures, sardanas, concerts, and activities for all ages. In places like Sant Martí de Provençals (Barcelona) or Sant Martí Sarroca (Alt Penedès), the festival is a key moment for neighborhood cohesion.

Gastronomy plays a prominent role. In the past, pigs were slaughtered on Sant Martí Day, paving the way for the production of sausages and preserves to help them survive the winter. This practice has left its mark on traditional cuisine and is still remembered today with sayings such as "On Sant Martí Day, kill the pig and start making the wine." New, freshly fermented wine was tasted for the first time around this time, a custom that has survived to this day in some wine-producing regions.

Furthermore, the Sant Martí festival is an opportunity to keep local culture alive. Many towns organize markets, craft fairs, and recreational activities that attract both residents and visitors. These celebrations, halfway between religious and secular, have helped consolidate Sant Martí as a symbolic figure in the Catalan popular calendar.