Waking up in Barcelona on April 23 feels different from any other morning in the city. The air carries a distinct perfume of thousands of fresh roses and the crisp scent of new paper. This is the feast of Sant Jordi, and it is arguably the most beautiful day to be in Catalonia. Unlike typical holidays where shops close and the city goes quiet, today the streets are more alive than ever.

As I navigate the crowded walkways of the Rambla and the wide boulevards of Passeig de Gracia, I am surrounded by a sea of red flowers and stacks of books. This unique celebration is often called the Catalan Valentine’s Day, but it feels much more communal and culturally deep. The tradition stems from a mix of ancient legend and a love for literature. History tells of Sant Jordi, a brave knight who saved a princess by slaying a terrifying dragon. Legend says that from the blood of the fallen beast, a rose bush sprouted with the most beautiful red flowers ever seen. The knight plucked one and gifted it to the princess as a symbol of his protection and devotion.

For centuries, this romantic gesture defined the day, but in the early 20th century, a new tradition was woven into the fabric of the holiday. In 1923, a local bookseller decided to commemorate the deaths of two literary giants, Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, who both passed away around this date. This transformed the day into a massive celebration of the written word. Now the custom is for loved ones to exchange roses and books. It is a spectacular sight to see children, parents and couples all clutching a single long-stemmed rose, often wrapped with a sprig of wheat and a small red and yellow ribbon representing the colours of the Senyera.

Walking through the city centre, I notice how the architecture itself seems to participate in the festival. The Casa Batlló, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is famously inspired by the legend of Sant Jordi. The roof looks like the scaly back of a dragon, and on this day, the balconies are overflowing with red roses, making the building look as though it is blooming. It is a reminder of how deeply this story is embedded in the identity of the people here.

Food also plays a starring role in the festivities. I stopped at a local bakery to try the Pa de Sant Jordi. This is a savoury bread that uses layers of sobrassada and cheese to create the red and yellow stripes of the Catalan flag when sliced. It is the perfect snack to carry while browsing the endless book stalls. Every plaza is filled with authors signing their latest works, and the energy is infectious. There is no sense of commercial pressure, just a genuine collective appreciation for culture and storytelling.

As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, the city remains vibrant. People are still out sharing stories and holding their new treasures. To be here on this day is to witness a culture that truly values its history and its artists. It is a day when the dragon is defeated, not with a sword but with the beauty of a flower and the power of a book.

There is a specific kind of silence that has weight. It isn’t the empty absence of sound; it’s a presence, heavy with expectation and centuries of tradition. I found it last Friday, under the faint glow of the quarter moon, on the winding medieval streets of Sitges.

Read more

My recent visit to the Poster Museum in Wilanow felt like much more than a simple encounter with graphic design. I found myself immersed in one of the most intellectually rich and visually distinctive artistic traditions of the modern era. While the Polish poster is often underestimated outside specialist circles, it revealed itself to me as a profound …

Read more

The Sagrada Família is often described in celestial terms—a “forest” of stone reaching toward the heavens—but as it nears its 2026 symbolic completion, the project is increasingly defined by grounded, earthly conflicts. The very factors that have enabled the basilica to survive for 144 years—global fame and massive touris…

Read more

The Sagrada Família is more than an architectural masterpiece; it is a 144-year-old testament to human persistence against the tides of political, social, and global instability. Since the laying of its foundation stone in 1882, the basilica has not only outlasted empires but has physically survived some of the m…

Read more

The completion of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona represents one of the most significant architectural achievements in modern history, not merely for its scale, but for the unprecedented bridge it built between the naturalistic intuition of the 19th century and the computational power of the 21st. When construction began…

Read more

In this video, you will witness the breathtaking arrival of King Carnestoltes, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and relish each moment captured that tells a story of creativity, community, and pure joy.

As you embark on this visual journey, you’ll also notice the heartwarming camaraderie among locals and tourists alike, all united by the spirit of celebration. Thanks for joining me in celebrating this unique cultural heritage and immersing yourself in the festive spirit. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the magic of #SitgesCarnival!

Carnivals have deep-rooted significance in various cultures around the world, often symbolising a time of festivity before the solemnity of Lent. In Vilanova i la Geltrú, the carnival is a week-long event filled with parades, music, and numerous performances, culminating in the exhilarating candy fight. This year, the excitement was palpable as families, friends, and tourists gathered to partake in this sweet battle, which has become a cherished tradition.

As the participants gathered in the designated area, the atmosphere was electric. People of all ages donned colourful costumes, ranging from whimsical outfits to elaborate costumes that reflected the thematic spirit of the carnival. Children eagerly clutched their bags, filled with hard candies, ready to join in the fun.

When the signal was given, the streets erupted into a delightful chaos. Candies flew through the air like confetti, bringing laughter and squeals of joy. The sight of smiling faces—some smeared with sticky candy remnants—added to the festive ambience. It was a sight to behold: adults and children alike engaged in playful exchanges amid the colourful chaos, reminding everyone of the simple joy of fun and community.

The candy fight is more than just a playful event; it symbolises community bonding. Families come together, sharing laughter and joy in this unique experience. The sense of togetherness extends beyond those related by blood, creating connections among friends and strangers alike. Observing participants help each other refill their candy supplies or share laughter over a direct hit fosters a sense of unity that is rarely seen in everyday life.

The Carnival of Vilanova i la Geltrú is a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage. It brings to life the local customs and traditions, making it an important event for preserving cultural identity. The candy fight ties into this tradition, representing a playful yet meaningful way to engage with the community. It’s an opportunity for all to participate, whether as active throwers or enthusiastic spectators.

The candy fight at the Carnival of Vilanova i la Geltrú is not just an event; it’s an experience that brings people together, fostering joy, unity, and cultural pride. As the participants celebrated with laughter and candy, they were part of something larger than themselves—a tradition that highlights the beauty of community and the importance of cherishing moments of shared happiness. This year’s festival served as a reminder of the joy found in such celebrations and the sweet memories created during this colourful battle.

As the carnival wraps up on Tuesday for another year, the spirit of togetherness and fun will surely linger in the hearts of all who participated, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to gather and celebrate together.

From the moment I heard about this event, I knew I had to be there. And let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations. The picturesque streets of Sitges, in the heart of Catalunya, Spain, became a vibrant stage for one of the funniest and most unique spectacles I have ever witnessed.

The energy was contagious. People crowded along the route, eager to see the teams push their homemade vehicles with as much speed and, above all, originality as possible. From the doors of the historic Casino Prado, where it all began, to the finish line at the Passeig de la Ribera, every stretch of the race was an explosion of colour and laughter. The teams, dressed in the most ingenious costumes, paraded with their beds on wheels, each decorated with a theme more wild than the last.

It was incredible to see how imagination had no limits. Some beds looked like spaceships, others were castles, and there was no shortage of references to pop culture characters. The music, the cheers, and the majestic presence of the Carnival Queen, the Children’s Queen, and His Majesty King Carnival leading the procession created an atmosphere that can only be described as pure Catalan joy. The route through Carrer de Jesus, Cap de la Vila, and Parellades was a whirlwind of excitement, with unexpected turns and hilarious accidents that made the crowd burst into laughter.

It was a day full of laughs, wonder, and that unique feeling of being immersed in such a living and special tradition. If you ever have the chance to visit Sitges during its famous Carnival, I highly recommend that you do not miss this gem. It is an experience that celebrates community, creativity, and above all, the ability of people to have a great time. Definitely, Sitges and its Costumed Bed Race have stolen my heart… until next time!

Barcelona is a city that rewards curiosity. Yes, there are the unavoidable masterpieces—Gaudí’s stone dreams, the grand avenues, the beaches—but the real Barcelona often reveals itself in much smaller spaces. Sometimes, all it takes is turning down an unassuming street in the Gothic Quarter t…

Read more

The night sky over a quiet neighbourhood in Catalonia transformed into a canvas of light and sound to honour the Festival of Santa Eulalia. While many are focused on the colourful energy of Carnival this year, this specific display of fire and tradition remains a unique cultural cornerstone. Witnessing the fireworks glow against the local architecture w…

Read more

In Barcelona, history rarely announces itself with grandeur. It hides instead in courtyards, behind unassuming façades, in squares that tourists cross without knowing their names. The Basílica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor belongs to this quieter category of monuments: a church that does …

Read more

Last night I found myself standing amidst a sea of upturned faces on the Passeig de Gràcia, breath visible in the cool January air, waiting for the facade of Casa Batlló to wake up. It was the premiere of Hidden Order, a digital mapping spectacle by United Visual Artists, and the anticipation in the crowd was electric. As the first major event of the Ga…

Read more

Casa Rectoral Historic Gothic Stone Facade in Sitges Print

Beneath the historic core of Sitges lies evidence of an early settlement whose significance extended well beyond local subsistence. The archaeological site of the Poblat ibèric de Puig de les Sitges reveals a community structured around agricultural storage, surplus management, and regional excha…

Read more

Mallorca has its fair share of postcards: turquoise coves, bustling beaches, and resorts crammed with sunbathers. But if you want the island without the crowds, where history, nature, and the sea collide with effortless charm, there’s really only one answer: Sóller. Nestled in a lush valley in the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNES…

Read more

Christmas in New York is not a season; it’s a performance. In December 2018, I walked straight into it, jet-lagged, wide-eyed, and entirely unprepared for how convincingly the city sells its own myth.

Read more

Casablanca. A city whose name evokes black-and-white romance and high drama, yet whose modern reality is a vibrant, bustling North African metropolis. My own encounter with Casa was a fleeting one—a precious few hours snatched from a long journey—but it was time enough to fall for its coastal energy and, most importantly, to stand in awe before the architectural masterpiece that defines its skyline: the Hassan II Mosque.

The city, though full of charming chaos, felt like a prelude to the main event. My path led me along the coast, and as I approached, the scale of the mosque was almost staggering. It doesn’t just dominate the landscape; it commands the entire Atlantic horizon. Built on a promontory, it appears to rise majestically from the sea itself, a monumental achievement that fulfils the vision of King Hassan II, who stated: “I want to build this mosque on the water, because God’s throne is on the water.”

Read more

There are cities you visit, and then there are cities you feel. Osaka, the undisputed culinary capital of Japan, falls squarely into the latter category. It is a city that does not wait for you to approach; it rushes forward, embraces you in a whirlwind of savoury steam and neon light, and demands that you wander. To simply observe Osaka is …

Read more

The “Tovallons d’Art” (Art Napkins) exhibition, recently encountered at the atmospheric Mercat Vell in Sitges, offers more than just a collection of art; it presents a profound meditation on the connection between gastronomy, creativity, and regional identity. The experience of seeing the work firsthand proved to be an …

Read more