Catalonia and the Catalans

The Catalonia region with the Mediterranean sea in the east, stretches from the Pyrenees, France in the north to Aragonia, in Spain, to the south. It has for long times been a region isolated from the rest of the area, lacking roads and means to travel with. This is slightly explaining why its inhabitants often chose to take party against the rest of France with many revolts against the French regime. Its mountains, its valleys, its coastal landscape, its history and heritage as well as its vibrant Catalan culture makes the region a must destination.

The people of Catalonia are very proud of their origin and deeply committed to their culture. It is almost like a tribal identity. Being a people caught between the borders of Spain and France for centuries, experiencing numerous battles, explain the need of brotherhood, strength and unity, so strongly symbolized in their traditions, many of which are still celebrated in an authentic way, keeping the soul of this place. And to show that the Catalans are different. La Sardane is a Catalonian ring dance performed at local festivities, a holy dance, (la danse sacre´). The dancers make up a circle symbolizing the need of unity. The festivals of La Sardane takes place in Ceret in August.
The fete St Jean celebrates the arrival of summer, every year on the 24th of June, at dawn, the Catalans walk up the mountain and light the big fire of St Jean, in a belief of giving protection and happiness. All peaks in the Pyrenees massif will be lit up by big bonfires, followed by celebrations all over the region. People also puts flowers on their doors.

The corida or le feria, takes place at Ceret arena in mid July, a bullfighting drama attracting the most famous bullfighters in Catalonia.

The Catalan traditions, the flag and the language distinguish the Catalans from the French and the Spanish. Today, the dhonkey sticker is a common symbol of Catalonian belonging.
To dress like a Catalan, you use strong colours, a scarf, a belt, a shirt and most importantly - a pair of espradillos. The Catalan colours are bright and intense, often yellow and red like its flag the Seynera. It is believed that the flag design was based upon an historical drama when Charles the Bald - in a state of proving his victory - ran his bloodstained fingers on his ally Count of Barcelona’s gold coloured shield after first dipping them in a lethal wound in his chest.