There is a lot of dance to experience in Barcelona and one in particular that you should at least try to see, if not try it yourself, is the Sardana, the national dance of Catalonia and an important part of Catalan culture, as it is seen as a representation. of their identity and pride.
The Catalans were seen as a threat by the dictator Franco who ruled the country from the late 1940s to the 75s, hated them for their strong independence and refusal to submit to his government, for which he banned many of their local customs. and traditions that include the Catalan language and Sardana in an attempt to pique its spirit. In part this is why dancing is so popular these days, loyal and proud Catalans are eager to keep their traditions alive and teach younger generations who they are, as well as providing a sense of unity.
You will be able to see this traditional dance style everywhere in the region and in various places in the city, visit the Plaça de la Catedral on a Saturday night or Sunday morning, where dances are held frequently, or the Plaza Jaume I and other squares during the summer afternoons. Anyone can join whatever their age, gender or attraction, as the dancers form a circle and join hands, raise them in the air and dance with very small and defined steps. Going round and round slowly other dancers join the circle, when it gets too big they start more and the end result can often be 4 or 5 circles of people dancing which is a beautiful sight to behold and a great union symbol.
Accompanying the dance is an 11-piece cobla band with a varied selection of wind instruments, the flaviol, a type of flute, takes the lead and the tambourine sets the rhythm. If you are really interested in seeing Catalan culture, there are plenty of city center rental apartments for those interested in experiencing the real Barcelona.
Catalans love good parties and it seems that there are endless of them, especially during the summer. You’ll see the sardana dance at many, such as the Festes de la Mercè in September, where you can also expect to see dwarfs, human castles, and papier-mâché giants dressed as princesses and fishermen, as well as the famous correfoc where demons dance. through the streets, waving tridents that set off fireworks and challenging spectators to try to touch fire-breathing dragons.
La Sardana is also shown at the Sant Joan Focs festival in June, in the weeks leading up to the main event the locals go crazy with firecrackers and on the night of June 23 there are bonfires and fireworks displays all over the city and on the beach. . L’Ou Com Balla L’Ou Com Balla, the Dancing Egg, features circular dances outside the cathedral and was started in 1637. The hollowed out eggshells are placed spinning and swaying in fountains throughout the region that have been adorned with flowers. especially for the event, also watch out for the Corpus Christi Sunday procession as it leaves the cathedral in the early evening.
If you’re not sure where to stay, check out the many hosting websites to help you make up your mind. Boutique hotels can now be found in all cities as they offer excellent value for money and generally have the latest amenities, including free internet access. Anyone traveling with limited funds will be able to find cheap accommodation in some areas, although these are likely to be basic and the decor is not very good. Parents visiting the city with young children might be better off renting an apartment in Barcelona for their short break, as it is less expensive and offers a more homely atmosphere.
Busy all year round, Barcelona receives an influx of visitors on weekends and during school holidays, people are drawn to the city for its infamous nightclubs and it is a popular spot for stag and hen parties. Business people like to be here too, as the facilities are modern and it is a central meeting point in Europe, so mid-range hotels are generally booked during the week, so be sure to always book in advance. to avoid any disappointment.
Rent an apartment in the city and you can easily get to the best festivals and see some of the traditional Catalan dances mentioned here. If you feel like you haven’t seen enough, you can always come back for more later in the year.