Holy Week: Setmana Santa (in Catalan, Semana Santa in Castilian) is not celebrated with the same religious fervour as in the south of Spain in Catalunya, but the region has its own Easter traditions, particularly the giving of mones (pron. mon-ahs) to children. These were originally round dounghnut-shaped cakes baked by godparents to give their godchildren on Easter Monday, with an unpeeled egg for every year of the child's age baked into the pastry. However, nowadays, tastes have changed and the mona tends to be an elaborate (and costly) chocolate creation featuring players from FC Barcelona, Disney characters or the ubiquitous Hello Kitty.
Sant Jordi: This is the patron saint of Catalunya (and of England too—Sant Jordi in English is Saint George) and his feast-day, April 23rd, is often cited by residents as one of their favourites, even though it isn't a public holiday. It is the official day of love in Catalunya (Valentine's Day causes hardly a stir here), which sees men present their lover with a rose and women reciprocating with a book. The streets of the city (and in towns and cities across Catalunya) are filled with stalls selling books and roses for you to browse and buy, if you're feeling in a romantic mood.
Festival de Guitarra: Barcelona’s annual guitar festival starts in April and packs a two-month programme with all genres and a fair amount of big names as well as rising stars. Check www.theproject.cat for the programme and a chance to see everything from Spanish guitar to American jazz players.
El Feile: The annual Irish culture festival takes place mid-March. Great opportunity to hear Irish bands and comedians for a lower price than you’d pay in their native country.
Sant Ponç: Every year on May 11th, Barcelona celebrates Sant Ponç, patron saint of beekeepers and herbalists. An extensive outdoor market on Carrer d’Hospital offers multiple flavours of honeys, beeswax candles, herbs, candied fruit and perfumes.
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