Discover Authentic Catalonia in September!

The month of September is a time of transition in Catalonia: summer is coming to an end, but the festivals and traditions are still alive.

With significant events such as Catalonia's National Day, the massive Fiestas de la Mercè, and local celebrations such as San Miguel, September is the ideal time to discover the most authentic Catalonia, from the heart of the cities to the most deeply rooted corners of the territory.

September 11: National Day of Catalonia

On September 11, Catalonia commemorates its National Day, a day of historical, cultural, and democratic recognition. Institutional events, concerts, exhibitions, floral offerings, and popular activities are held throughout the country to commemorate the fall of Barcelona in 1714 and, at the same time, celebrate Catalan identity.

Cities like Barcelona, Cardona, Vic, and Sant Boi de Llobregat are filled with family activities, readings, singing, and gatherings that highlight the country's language, culture, and history. The Diada is also a time to reflect on the past and plan for the collective future of Catalonia.

Oktoberfest in Catalonia: A German Festival with a Mediterranean Flair

Despite its Bavarian origins, Oktoberfest has earned a place in the Catalan festival calendar. In cities like Barcelona, Calella, Playa de Aro, and Solsona, September festivities inspired by this German tradition feature craft beer, Bavarian cuisine, live music, and a festive atmosphere.

These celebrations attract both locals and visitors, and are a great opportunity to enjoy an international celebration in spacious spaces with activities for all ages.

La Mercè Festival in Barcelona: Culture and Popular Celebration

The Fiestas de la Mercè, which take place around September 24th, are Barcelona's biggest festival and one of the most important in Catalonia. For several days, the city is filled with a world-class cultural and entertainment offering: concerts, human towers, giants, correfocs, visual and fireworks displays.

Each year, a guest city joins the festival to share its culture, organizing an extensive program in every neighborhood, as well as a showcase of Catalan popular culture in the Plaza de la Catedral and other iconic locations. La Mercè is the greatest expression of Barcelona's cultural diversity and vitality.

Saints Cosmas and Damian: Popular Festival and Devotion

On September 26, several towns celebrate San Cosmas and San Damiano, patron saints of doctors and pharmacists. These festivals, with traditional roots, are especially prominent in municipalities such as Vandellòs, Sant Joan les Fonts, La Nou de Gaià or Sarral.

The events include mass, processions, folk dances, a craft fair, and family activities, and showcase a mix of religious and recreational elements that keep alive a celebration rooted in local communities.

Saint Michael: The Power of the Patron Saint

September 29th is the day of San Miguel, a festival celebrated in many Catalan towns, such as Hostalric, Santpedor, Castellví de Rosanes, and Peramola. In many cases, it coincides with the local festival, with an intense program that includes giants, parades, sardanas, correfocs, and stick dances.

Saint Michael, the warrior archangel, is a venerated figure in Christian tradition, and his festivals blend spirituality, popular culture, and festivity in an atmosphere of brotherhood.

Cim i Tomba de Tossa de Mar Cuisine: Seafaring Gastronomic Tradition

During the month of September, the fishing village of Tossa de Mar celebrates the Cim i Tomba (Cooking for Cim and Tomba), a typical fisherman's dish made with rockfish, potatoes, and aioli. More than a dozen restaurants offer this traditional dish as part of special menus.

In addition to gastronomy, the sessions are accompanied by workshops, demonstrations, and cultural activities that tell the history and value of this popular and authentic cuisine, rooted in seafaring life.

Phylloxera Festival in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia: History, Wine, and Entertainment

Around September 7 and 8, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia commemorates a historic moment with its unique Phylloxera Festival. This festival commemorates the overcoming of the plague that devastated the vineyards of many Catalan towns, originating from Europe, in the 19th century.

The main event is a popular nighttime performance, featuring giant phylloxera figures, fire, music, and dances that explain the peasant struggle against the plague. This festival has a high educational, symbolic, and cultural value and demonstrates how the people were able to overcome and reinvent themselves.

September is a month that combines historical memory, popular devotion, and festive vitality like no other. From major celebrations like La Mercè and the National Day to the local festivals of San Cosme , San Miguel, and Filoxera, Catalonia is alive, diverse, and rooted.

Discovering authentic Catalonia in September is an invitation to share heritage, emotions, and culture at street level.