As a travel bloggers we visited Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava and immersed ourselves deeply in Catalan culture. At traditional festivals, for example, we admired the Gegants, giant figures that parade through the streets. The Castellers, who form daring human towers, were also impressive. On the beach, however, we enjoyed the atmosphere with cocktails in the beach bars. Afterwards, we tried fresh paella, which was served right by the sea. These experiences gave us unforgettable insights into the Catalan joie de vivre and the festivals that make Lloret de Mar so special.
Catalonia Traditions
Want to party in Catalonia? In Lloret de Mar Costa Brava, people like to party and do so often. Catalan festivals are something special. They are more than just a pool party with trendy music, colorful spotlights and lots of fun in the swimming pools that teenagers like. Although there are those too. Food trucks are guests in the town square of Lloret de Mar. They lure guests to an evening get-together with good food. But the festivals that celebrate Catalonia's traditions are particularly fascinating.
How do Catalans celebrate on the Costa Brava?
We also visit parties and festivals where Catalans like to welcome people from all over the world. During the day, people meet in the beach bars to enjoy the sun, sand and sea with a drink. A paella for several people is available in one of the restaurants in front of the town hall in Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava. Finally, we get to know Catalan traditions at a beach party in a bay south of the town. Afterwards, we taste the products of the brewing art from various European countries at a beer festival in the neighboring town of Blanes.
Eating and Drinking Lloret de Mar
Celebrating in Catalonia includes regional food, good wines and typical local cocktails.
Beach bars in Lloret de Mar Costa Brava
The list of Cocktails in the beach bar Mar I Tu makes us curious. This is located at the entrance to the bar on the sandy beach of Lloret de Mar. Fruit juices of all kinds are mixed with alcohol to make exciting-sounding drinks. I also get an alcohol-free pineapple iced tea in a dimension I have never seen before. More than half a liter of fruity iced tea with pineapple slices and fresh strawberries tempts us to spend more than an hour in the bar. We watch the morning hustle and bustle on the promenade and in the sand while groovy jazz sounds from the speakers above our heads.
Good beach bars in Lloret de Mar
- Blue Bar – This stylish bar with a Mediterranean feel is known for its cocktails, which are often artfully decorated with fruits and flowers. The blue and white decor is reminiscent of Greek seaside resorts and creates an Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
- Cocktails Mar i Tu – Located right on the beach in Lloret, this beach bar instead serves colorful cocktails and gives guests Hawaiian flower crowns. A place with a cozy atmosphere and great views of the sea.
- Movida Beach Club - With happy hour and DJ music in the evenings, this club is ideal for a lively evening on the beach. The elevated position also offers great views of Playa de Lloret.
Paella on the Costa Brava
A party without good food? That's impossible, is it? Of course, the restaurants in Lloret de Mar Costa Brava offer typical local dishes. These include seafood, fresh mussels, tapas with local ham, anchovies. Olives and tomatoes are available in abundance. We finally decide on a classic paella with fish and meat. This is served rustically - and often for several people - in the pan. At the same time, it smells intensely of the fish and meat delicacies of the region. It is perfect for a spontaneous party with friends.
These restaurants in Lloret de Mar serve good paellas:
- The Lonja – Famous for its authentic Spanish cuisine and delicious seafood paellas, this restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. Ideal for a traditional lunch or dinner.
- La Parrilla – A family-run restaurant that serves particularly good paella and other Spanish specialties in a cozy atmosphere.
- Restaurante Mas Romeu – This upscale restaurant offers excellent paellas as well as other Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful ambience.
Catalan festivals on the Costa Brava
You have to be lucky! We are invited to a private beach party on the beach of Santa Cristina south of Lloret de Mar Costa Brava. We sail by catamaran from the town centre of Lloret past the cliffs that give the coast of the Costa Brava (the "rough coast") its name.
Experience Catalan festivals and traditions
At such festivals you can always experience Catalan traditions.
Ein Gegants Festival
Giant figures, the Gegants, welcome us at Santa Cristina Beach in traditional costumes. They personify important figures from the town's history and dance to entertain the spectators. They are also often seen at local festivals.
Regional delicacies then sweeten our evening: we get to know Pan y Tomate (bread and tomatoes), the typical breakfast of Catalonia, as well as tasty cheese, spicy sausages, fried fish and delicious pastries that are hardly sweet but all the more tasty.
When Castellers prove their daring
Later in the evening, the Castellers show off their skills. These are human pyramids that outdo each other in height and daring. They are often seen at traditional festivals in Lloret de Mar and on the Costa Brava. If you want to see them, look out for patron saint festivals or anniversaries.
Beer and Wine Festivals in Catalonia
In Lloret de Mar and the surrounding area there are also many wineries and microbreweries that produce excellent wines and beers. It is worth keeping an eye out for wine or beer festivals there. In the neighboring town of Blanes, 26 brewers from all over Europe are presenting their beers at the Birrasana Festival during our visit. We are happy to join in the celebrations. The barley juice flows from taps into glasses that have been distributed beforehand. We can then taste it at wooden tables together with a selection of tapas. A refreshing way to spend lunchtime in warm Catalonia, we think! Who can follow suit?
Festivals and events in Lloret de Mar
Every year, Lloret de Mar hosts exciting events that are perfect for immersing yourself in Catalan culture! In summer, for example, the Santa Cristina Festival – a festive procession with boats and a colourful supporting programme in honour of the patron saint of Lloret. For music lovers, the Lloret Outdoor Summer Festival ideal, which offers open-air concerts in various locations. Finally, in October, the Renaissance Festival with a historical market, performances and costumes that take Lloret back in time. Whether cultural or musical – Lloret celebrates! You can find current dates here.
Traditional Catalan Festivals
- The Patum of Berga
A unique festival in Catalonia with fireworks and dancing - a tradition since the Middle Ages. Details can be found here: The Patum of Berga - Festa Major de Gracia
Celebrated in Barcelona, this festival features artistically decorated streets and folk festivals:
Festa Major de Gracia
History of Lloret de Mar
The history of Lloret de Mar is closely linked to the Mediterranean and fishing. Originally, Lloret was a small fishing village that changed in the 18th century due to maritime trade. Merchant ships brought goods, but also new cultural influences to the coast.
In the 19th century, the inhabitants often emigrated overseas, especially to Cuba, to seek wealth. These "Indianos" returned with new ideas and architectural influences that still shape the city's image today. For example, the parish church of Sant Romà, which features colorful Modernist elements, is a relic of this period.
In the 20th century, Lloret continued to change. The fishing village became a centre for tourism. The coastal location and the Mediterranean climate attracted holidaymakers who wanted to enjoy life on the Costa Brava. This change also influenced the local culture and the traditional festivals that are still celebrated today.
Accommodation in Lloret de Mar
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And finally ...
Lloret de Mar shows us impressively how Catalans celebrate festivals: full of joie de vivre, inviting and deeply rooted in their traditions. These festivals are not just exuberant parties, but also offer deep insights into Catalan culture. Not only do we experience the famous Castellers and the impressive Gegants, but we also enjoy local delicacies and the convivial atmosphere in beach bars and at food festivals. If you want to immerse yourself, you will quickly notice that the Catalans like to share their joy of celebrating - an experience that creates lasting memories.
Questions and Answers about Celebrating in Catalonia
Which specialties should you not miss in Lloret de Mar?
When you visit Lloret, be sure to try fresh seafood paellas, “suquet de peix” (a fish specialty stew) and “crema catalana”. These dishes offer the authentic taste of Catalonia!
Are there any recommended wine or tapas tours?
Yes, Lloret and the surrounding area offer guided tours to local wineries and tapas bars. Perfect for getting to know Catalan cuisine and trying some exclusive wines.
Which restaurants have the best sea views?
There are some fantastic restaurants along the coast that offer you fantastic views. Especially in the Cala Banys and Fenals area you will find beautiful restaurants right on the water.
When is the best time of year for pleasure travel?
The months of May to October offer the most pleasant weather. In spring and autumn the beaches are quieter, perfect for relaxed pleasure trips.
Are there culinary markets in Lloret de Mar?
Yes, Lloret has weekly markets and in summer there are often culinary events where you can taste local products and dishes.
What does the culinary offer in Lloret de Mar look like for gourmet travelers?
In Lloret de Mar you will find an exciting mix of traditional Catalan dishes and modern influences. Taverns and upscale restaurants invite you to try the region's authentic cuisine - from tapas to fresh fish and paella. Local markets offer fresh products and delicacies that will give you an insight into the diversity of Catalan cuisine. Enjoy regional wines and cava in cozy wine bars or at tastings directly on the Costa Brava.
What nature experiences await me around Lloret de Mar?
Lloret de Mar and the surrounding coastal landscape of the Costa Brava offer you wonderful natural experiences. In addition to the beaches, there are hiking trails, such as the "Camí de Ronda", which offers views of the sea and the rocky bays. In the Jardins de Santa Clotilde you can stroll through green, artistically landscaped gardens with sea views. The nearby nature parks also invite you to take day trips, where you can explore the pristine hinterland of the Costa Brava.
What historical sights are there in Lloret de Mar?
Lloret de Mar also has an interesting history that you can discover in many places. The church of Sant Romà and the castle of Sant Joan are impressive buildings that tell of Lloret's past. The Museu del Mar offers insights into the maritime history of the region and shows how trade by sea shaped the lives of the coastal residents. The modernist buildings also recall a golden age that gave Lloret de Mar its unique character.
Are there special activities away from mass tourism?
Yes, Lloret de Mar also offers numerous options beyond the mainstream. You can attend yoga classes on the beach, learn Catalan cooking in small workshops or take a boat trip to hidden bays. The region is known for traditional handicrafts, which you can discover in small shops or at craft markets. This way you can experience Lloret de Mar from a different, more authentic perspective and discover the quiet side of the Costa Brava.
Tips for Spain
Do you know anything else?
- Celebrate New Year's Eve with Aischgründer Carp
- Dublin on St. Patrick's Day - a typical Irish festival
- Pacific Rim Tofino Whale Festival on Vancouver Island
Source: own research on site
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash
