Tradition with a difference
The Barcelonans adhere fiercely to tradition and convention, as anyone witnessing them dancing the sardana, Catalonia´s intricate national dance, outside the cathedral on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning will confirm. Yet, at the same time, they are refreshingly open to innovation and creativity. These perceived contradictions are only skin deep.

Barcelona has always thought of itself as a thoroughly cosmopolitan capital city, which is hardly surprising since, for most of its history, it was a capital city. Its traditions are inextricably bound up with Catalonia´s defence of its identity as an independent nation – an advanced, cultured and tolerant nation which is always open to new ideas and influences, and constantly looking forward to new horizons.