Other festivals

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  The Baix Empordà does not neglect other Catalan celebrations. Foremost among these is Sant Jordi, the celebration of Catalonia’s patron saint, which is the day of books and roses. This celebration, on the 23rd of April, is based on the legend of Saint George, a knight who saved a princess who was going to be killed by a dragon. On this day, the streets and squares of the towns and villages of the Baix Empordà fill up with people, strolling and giving books and roses as gifts on one of the most special days of the year.

  The tradition of Sant Joan has its roots in pagan summer solstice rites and is held on 24 June, although the most representative acts take place the day before during the evening and night of the 23rd. Bonfires and firecrackers are the stars of this night, which is the shortest night of the year and is also enlivened with music and the traditional candied fruit cake. This is one of events that starts the summer all through the region and the fireworks in Platja d’Aro are especially noteworthy.

  Sant Antoni Abat is believed to be the patron saint of animals and every year events and celebrations are organised around the 17th of January. It is traditional to have animals blessed, to ensure that the animals and crops are fertile. In the past, animals were essential for doing work in the fields. Many municipalities in the region celebrate this festival and many people from the Baix Empordà have their pets blessed.

  La Castanyada is another Catalan festival. It takes place on All Saints’ Day (1st of November), although recently the evening before has been more important (31st of October). This tradition derives from the celebration of funeral meals to be in communion with the souls of the departed. In this festival, people eat chestnuts, buns, sweet potatoes and candied fruit. The figure of the castanyera, an old woman dressed in poor clothing who roasts chestnuts to sell in the street, is important. Although it coincides with other celebrations imported from the English-speaking world, many people in the Baix Empordà still celebrate this tradition. In Begur, the Fira de la Castanyera festival is celebrated.

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