Catalonia's spring events - 2017

Catalonia invites visitors to experience a range of festivals and events sure to appeal to all travellers, from adrenaline seekers to foodies, throughout the spring months. Here’s a round-up of the most eagerly anticipated:

Rafael Nadal attempts his 10th title at the Barcelona Open, 22 April – 30 April 2017

The Barcelona Open, or Trofeu Conde de Godo to the locals, is an annual professional tennis tournament which hosts some of the world’s best male tennis players for the best tennis in the world on clay. The tournament, hosted at the oldest tennis club in Spain, Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899, is celebrating its 65th anniversary. This year will see Spaniard Rafael Nadal attempting his 10th title, a feat which would make him the first player to win any tournament 10 times.

Fight dragons in Montblanc during the Medieval Week of St George, 21 April – 1 May 2017

Medieval Week of Saint George sees the town of Montblanc bring the legend of St George and the dragon – thought to have taken place in front of the Montblanc town walls – to life. The town’s streets and squares are embellished with the colours of its four noblest houses and the walls are festooned with historic flags and standards. Medieval-themed events and performances take place throughout the week, including the performance of the Legend of St George, a spectacle of light, sound and fireworks, and the Dracum Nocte 2.0 the Origin of Evil. Visitors can also enjoy the ‘Patrol Path’ Medieval Route, a humorous dramatised tour of the town’s most emblematic spots, along with re-enactments including the Medieval Market, the Medieval Supper and the Wine and Cava Market.

Honour Catalonia’s patron saint with roses and books, 23 April 2017

Visitors to Catalonia are invited to take part in Sant Jordi’s day, a Catalonian celebration known for its combination of culture and romance. The tradition sees couples exchange gifts of a book, a rose or both. Book and flower shops set up stalls all over town; book-lovers will find all the latest publications and famous authors signing copies of their books as the smell of roses fills the air. The unique festival stems from the blending of historic traditions, including local celebrations of the legend of St George and a medieval rose fair which occurred in the historic Chapel of Sant Jordi.

Taste Catalonia’s famous full-bodied red wines in a Medieval castle, 29 April – 1 May 2017

The beautiful market town of Falset is the capital of Catalonia’s Priorat region, famous for its powerful red wines – known for their intense minerality derived from vineyards planted on granite, chalk and fractured slate from Destinations of Origin (DO) Priorat and Montsant. The annual Falset Wine Fair is a must-do for all wine lovers, with local wineries exhibiting at stalls throughout the town’s historic sites, as well as hosting bespoke events. The fair includes wine tastings, wine pairings, music and other activities sure to delight foodies, including olive oil tastings and cooking competitions.

Feel the need for speed at Catalonia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, 12 May 2017

Speed aficionados can kick-start their adrenaline with the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montmelo. From 12-14th May, the circuit will host the best drivers in the world, including Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz and Nico Rosberg, who will meet on the racetrack in an unmissable show of speed.

‘Game of Thrones’ filming location Girona transformed by fragrant flower murals, 13 – 21 May 2017

In May, the old town of Girona will celebrate spring by becoming a canvas for a bevy of colourful floral compositions during the Temps de Flors (Flower Season). Visitors will find a huge variety of floral murals, by national and international artists, spread across the city’s courtyards, monuments, streets and gardens. The festival includes something for everyone, with flower, photography and film competitions, an A Capella music festival and special food and wine offerings featuring flowers as a key ingredient in many of the city’s restaurants.

Roman tapas and gladiatorial fights for Tarraco Viva, 15 – 28 May 2017

UNESCO World Heritage Site Tarragona is known for its spectacular Roman ruins, including its amphitheatre and aqueduct, set amidst the city’s golden Mediterranean beaches and thriving culinary scene. Each year, the international Festival of Roman History in late May brings the city’s Roman past to life, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the port city’s ancient monuments. The festival features artisan fairs, concerts, theatre performances and processions with a Roman theme, including gladiatorial shows in the iconic amphitheatre. The festival extends to the cuisine as restauranteurs create menus featuring Roman recipes and ingredients.

12 tons of snails to snack on at Lleida’s Snail Festival, 26 – 28 May 2017

Catalonia’s Aplec de Caragol (Snail Festival) has become an internationally recognised gastronomic event which sees 200,000 hungry visitors consume 12 tons of snails over one weekend in the city of Lleida. The festival features chefs preparing local delicacies including paella, grilled meats and sausages, stews and salads, and of course, snails. The festival includes competitions and music hosted by the Federation of Snail Festival Social Clubs, with the 100 participating social clubs each preparing dishes and hosting events.

Frank Ocean headlines Catalonia’s Primavera Sound Festival, 31 May – 4 June 2017

Urban music festival Primavera Sound returns to Barcelona for its 17th year in 2017. Considered an unmissable event internationally, the festival is one of Europe’s biggest indie and alternative music festivals. This year’s line-up features Arcade Fire, Van Morrison and Bon Iver, as well as headline act Frank Ocean. The festival is known as a platform for smaller, more underground names, making it an excellent opportunity to catch the next big music star.

Ferran Adria’s Alicia Foundation sponsors local culinary experience “Welcome to the Farm”, 3 – 5 June 2017

Now in its second year, “Welcome to the Farm” sees local farmers, gastronomic hotels and world-class restaurants open their doors to travellers seeking to uncover their culinary secrets while savouring Catalonia’s famed fresh produce, from fine wine and cava to fresh meats and local cheeses. Farmers from across Catalonia will hold open days to showcase their gardens, herds, workshops and fields, as well as providing unique insight into their production methods. Foodies can revel in sampling exclusive ‘Benvinguts a Pages’ menus at a number of local restaurants and will have an exclusive opportunity to purchase directly from local producers. The initiative is sponsored by the Alicia Foundation, a Catalonian research centre devoted to technological innovation in cuisine, the improvement of eating habits and the evaluation of food and gastronomic heritage.