Catalonia has managed to maintain many customs and traditions over the years, which are very common in everyday life.

The most important from a tourist point of view are:

Sardanas: Traditional Catalan dance. People meet in front of the cathedral on Sundays to dance it.

Castellers: The "castells" are impressive human towers of up to 9 "floors". They originated in the Tarragona region, although they can be seen in popular festivals in Barcelona, especially during the "Mercè".

Saint George (Sant Jordi), patron saint of Catalonia: On 23 April the Catalans celebrate Saint George's day by offering a rose and/or book, and the main shopping streets of Barcelona are filled with book stands.

Eve of Saint John's: On the 23 June, the summer solstice is celebrated with big bonfires, firecrackers and fireworks, and people eat the traditional "coca de Sant Joan" (a pastry).

La Mercè festival: This is the festival for Barcelona's patron saint, held in the week of the 24 September, the day of La Mercè. All kinds of activities are organized, for all tastes and all ages. Of particular interest is the "correfoc" (fire-breathing dragons from all over Catalonia), and the pyrotechnical music show (fireworks and classical music next to the Montjuïc fountains).

1 January New year's day
6 January Epiphany
April Easter
23 April Saint George's day
27 April Mare de Déu de Montserrat
1 May May Day
19 May Whitsun
24 June Saint John's day
15 August Assumption Festivities of Gracia
11 September La Diada (Catalan national holiday)
24 September La Mercè
12 October Columbus Day
1 November All Saints' Day
6 December Constitution Day
8 December Immaculate Conception
25 December Christmas
26 December Saint Stephen's Day