Colors of Tossa de Mar - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

If you arrive in Tossa de Mar in early January, you can see the colorful Cavalcade of the Magi. This holiday is celebrated on the eve of Epiphany, on the evening of the fifth of January. It is dedicated to the same biblical Magi who gave gifts to the infant Jesus. It is interesting that according to the legends of the Catalans it is the Magi who give gifts to children on the night of the sixth of January. The fact is that there is no Santa Claus, Befana, or any other similar character in Catalonia or Spain in general.

All roads are closed in the town from five in the evening on the fifth of January. Concerts with performances by children's groups precede this. These children's groups prepare performances for the Cavalcade all year round. A solemn procession led by three Magi is often accompanied by real camels. According to legend, the kings came to the Savior on them. The orchestra, dancers, and mummers are also indispensable companions of the holiday. Traditionally, the Magi throw sweets around. They are intended for children. But often adults also get them. The procession ends at the Nativity scene. The solemn laying on of gifts takes place there. Obedient children will find hidden gifts in the morning the next day. The naughty child will find only coal. It is customary to leave a bucket of water overnight. This water tired camels "drink".

Tossa de Mar is filled with the sound of music at the end of February. The daily carnival takes place on a large scale here at this time. It ends with the beginning of Lent. Anyone can join the daily festivities. It's not even necessary to have a suit. The main thing is to have a good mood! The competition for the best costume, a separate competition of musicians performing national melodies, performances of dance, and theater groups take place in the town during the carnival. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fairs and performances dedicated to Indianos are held in the town in mid-April. Indianos were called adventurers from among the locals. They went to search for treasure and wealth in the Spanish East Indies in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Spanish equivalent of Valentine's Day is held in the town on April 23. It's called Sant Jordi. Interestingly, it is traditionally customary to exchange not postcards but books and roses on this day. Sant Jordi is loved in Tossa de Mar. Many shops with cute crafts for loved ones are working here at this time. Street musicians and artists are ready to create a beautifully romantic atmosphere.

Several processions are held in the town on May 1. They come together on the main streets. Traditional competitions of crosses and flower beds are held there. It is customary to have fun and dance the local Sardana dance at this time. Real floral carpets adorn Tossa de Mar for the feast of Jesus' Body and Blood at the end of May. It's a beautiful sight. It is customary to have fun and dance at this time, as, indeed, almost all local holidays. You can visit the Fideo Festival in early July. This is a local variety of vermicelli. It is used by town chefs instead of rice when making paella.

You will be able to plunge into the fishing life on the fifth of June. The sailors' breakfast of grilled sardines is prepared on the beach in the morning on this day. You can listen to fishing songs throughout the day. You will have the opportunity to taste a hot rum-based cremat drink in the evening. Festa Major takes place in the town from the end of June to the beginning of July. This is the main holiday dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron Saint of the town. Balls and dance competitions are held on this day. Music can be heard from everywhere. You can see the performances of clowns, equilibrists, dancers, and musicians during the celebrations. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fireworks in the evening.

Another carnival takes place in the town at the end of summer. It is no less large-scale than the winter one. Hundreds of tourists come to Tossa de Mar in August. They are ready to have fun all day long. The sale of handmade souvenirs reaches a peak at this time. Night clubs don't close. The sounds of national melodies can be heard everywhere in the evenings. The international fast drawing competition is held in the town at the end of August. Artists from all over the world come to see it. They draw their pictures all day. Artists are inspired by the town. The jury selects the best picture in the evening.

The idea of visiting the town in September may appeal to fans of gastronomic discoveries. The Cim i Tomba Festival takes place here at this time. It is dedicated to the dish of the same name. The Sardana dancers meet in Tossa de Mar on October 8 and 9. It is accompanied by dance battles, masterclasses, and incendiary rhythms from street musicians. A festive mass open to all comers is held in the Sant Grau Monastery on October 13th. It is arranged as a tribute to a medieval hermit. It is also customary to dance the Sardana on this day. You can experience local traditional crafts at the winter fair on Christmas Eve.