Authentic Catalonia
4.05.17 | Clare BuckleyClare gets the low down on authentic events in Catalonia this summer.
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.
To book your authentic Catalonia holiday, contact us on 01543 258631, or e-mail us at vip@rbcollection.com
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