Els Tres Tombs, held in many towns throughout Catalonia, gathers a wide number of riders, carts and horses who go round the streets of the city-centre three times and receive the blessing of Sant Antoni (Saint Anthony), patron saint of domestic animals.

This day recalls the heroic deed of Sant Jordi (Saint George), patron saint of Catalans. It is customary for couples to exchange roses and books. There is also the chance to see a human towers exhibition with the four colles (groups) of the city.

A series of culinary events which take place as part of Tarraco Viva, the international festival celebrating Roman history. Numerous restaurants participate in this event which brings back recipes from the Roman era.

Some wineries and cooperatives from the four counties that make up Tarragona’s Denomination of Origin take part in this event, providing an excellent opportunity to taste and get to know wines.

The flame of Mount Canigó, according to tradition, lightens the bonfires that will illuminate the Summer solstice event. The parties, the coques dolces (sweet flatbreads) and the fireworks are welcome on the night of the witches.

This is the main festival of the fishermen’s quarter, El Serrallo, and one of the most traditional local festivals in the city of Tarragona.

The Fireworks Competition has a long tradition (1990) and it has become one of the most important on the Mediterranean. The winning pyrotechnics will be commissioned for the fireworks during the city’s biggest fiesta (Santa Tecla).

Join us on an exciting journey to Tarragona’s Roman past through historical re-enactments.

This is one of the city’s major festivals and is celebrated with fascinating elements of local popular culture, such as Magí de les Timbales, the giants, the Gegantons Negritos, dwarves, bastoners (dancers hitting sticks together in rhythm) and more. All these festive figures come together to accompany the water of Sant Magí, the central focus of the festival. The castells (human towers) also play a role in the celebration, along with a wide variety of festive and cultural events (concerts, theatre, etc.).

Tarragona lives the Catalan National day with the Catalan traditions par excellence: Sardana dances and human towers.

There is no other time of the year as lively as during the great festival, Santa Tecla. In 2002 was declared “Festival of tourist interest” by the Spanish government and in 2010 was declared “Patrimonial festival of national interest” by the Catalan government. The origins of this celebration held on the streets go back to the year
1321 when the arm relic of the patron saint arrived to the city from Armenia.
For over one week, the people from Tarragona and the visitors go out on the streets to take over the most emblematic areas of the city where the different traditional, festive and gastronomic events take place.

The streets abound with stands selling fresh-roasted chestnuts. This holiday is best known for the panellets (traditional pine-nuts sweets) that fill the pastry shops and for the flowers for the departed.

At this fair visitors can taste different olive oils from Siurana Protected Designation of Origin.

Some restaurants in the city collaborate by offering menus based on this product.

From the beginning of December Tarragona is decked with festive Christmas lights and hosts its annual Christmas fair. Two very rooted traditions are re-enacted: el Tió (log that gives presents) and the nativity scenes exhibited in premises of different associations and in the city’s parks. The festivities are completed with different Christmas activities: Performance of the theatre show Els Pastorets (The Little Sheperds), Christmas carol singing, and the children’s park, among others.