Catalan Traditions Walking Tour in the Born and Gothic Quarter

This Catalan traditions walking tour is unlike any other. From the fires on the eve of Sant Joan to the sparks that fly from the demons’ mouths on “the night parades,” your guide will share the secrets of our wild and vibrant festival season.

Start your journey into the unusual world of Catalan traditions in the very heart of the Old Town. Plaça Miquel’s towering Stairway to Heaven is a piece dedicated in honor of one of the most unique forms of physical self expression — human towers as tall as the skyline.

Passing on through to your next legend, you’ll cross beneath the Bishop’s Bridge, a structure shrouded in legend and mystery. If you look up as you pass under you’ll see the face of Death itself. Be warned — legend says to catch his eye may be fatal, though there is a trick to avoid its harrowing gaze and even earn a wish from the ruler of the mortal world! 

From there, you’ll head round to the stunning fountain at the Museu del Frederic Marès. This plaza is decorated according to the season and any current festivals. Here, you’ll learn about the two great protectors of Barcelona, St. Eulalia and la Mercè, whose festivals book-end the high season of celebrations here in Barcelona. Fountains adorned in flowers, eggs that dance among cherries, fire-spitting devils, and the curious case of a girl tossed down a hill in a barrel of knives await!  

Next, visit The Kiss of Freedom mural, a symbol of love found hidden in the Gothic center. Tales of love and conquest have charmed the people of Catalonia for centuries, inspiring their most romantic day of the year, one to rival even Valentine’s Day.

Now, we cross into El Born, a hip, historic neighborhood filled with trendy bars and boho shops. Our next stop will be to the hidden home of sleeping giants, La Casa dels Entremesos.

Throughout the festive season of summer, bulbous-headed giants parade the streets of Catalonia as do demons, dragons, knights, and all sorts of characters medieval and beastly. When they’re not in use, they are kept safe here in the “house of the months in between.” We’ll glimpse some of these frightful faces. Don’t worry — your guide will keep you safe!

To wrap up, you’ll learn the Christmas traditions of the Catalan people. Peculiar doesn’t begin to describe how we celebrate the holiday season here. Journey with your guide through the stories of old that tell of defecating logs and farm peasants as they ring in the end of the Catalan year.