Salou Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Salou, Catalonia, Spain)

Events are held in Salou all year long, with concentrations during the summer high season and the winter holidays. Visitors will find that some festivals in Salou are specifically designed to lure in tourists, while others are centuries old and staunchly traditional.

One of the most rewarding things to do is time a visit with a celebration that's specifically observed here in Catalonia. Annual highlights include the Golden Night's Summer Festival in late July and August, and the King James I Festival each September, both of which are not to be missed if you are holidaying in this area.

Salou Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day (Ano Nuevo) - January 1st, a national Spanish public holiday
• Wise Man's Cavalcade - a procession that celebrates the arrival of the Biblical Magi (three wise men) after the birth of Jesus

February

• Winter Festival - first two weeks of February, features parades, exhibitions and widespread house parties

March

• Easter - one of the year's most important religious holidays. These celebrations always include numerous special services and family gatherings
• Good Friday (Viernes Santo) - late March / early April, a national Spanish public holiday at Easter time

April

• St. George's Day - April 23rd, sweetheart's holiday similar to Valentine's Day, when books and roses are often exchanged

May

• Labour Day (Fiesta del Trabajo) - May 1st, a national Spanish public holiday
• Spring Theatre Cycle Lacemaker's Meeting - takes place on Sundays throughout the month

June

• Spring Festival - one of the more popular annual offerings, drawing celebrants from around the countryside
• Fiesta de San Juan - late June, this originally pagan festival celebrated the summer solstice long before Christianity arrived. The annual fiesta features beach bonfires, dancing and fireworks
• Children's Festival - a newer event popular with local and international kids, with a parade and fun activities about town

July

• Basque National Day - a patriotic celebration featuring fishermen's songs and traditional dance

August

• Golden Night's Summer Fiesta - begins in late July and lasts several weeks, culminating in a major fireworks production watched by large crowds
• Summer Fiesta - mid-August, includes processions, bonfires, concerts and fireworks in the Poniente Beach area
• Feast of the Assumption (La Asunción) - August 15th, a national Spanish public holiday

September

• National Day of Catalonia / Catalan National Day (Festa Nacional de Catalunya) - September 11th, celebrates the Catalan identity by remembering the days before Spanish control was established
• King James I Festival - first week of September, commemorates King James I setting out to conquer Mallorca from the Moors
• Xalets de Salou Neighbourhood Fiestas - small parties and gatherings held in homes all over Salou

October

• Salou Independence Day - a big day for this small community, includes parades and fireworks
• Hispanic Day (Dia de la Hispanidad / Fiesta Nacional de Espana) - October 12th, a national Spanish public holiday
• Musical October - live musical performances staged throughout the month on the Jaume I Promenade

November

• Squid Festival - a gastronomy fair that pays tribute to the squid in all its culinary forms
• St. Martin Day Gathering - traditional celebration with dancing and sardana music
• Vila de Salou Music Competition - a growing event that attracts classical musicians to Salou during the off season

December

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción) - December 8th, a national Spanish public holiday
• Christmas Nativity - this traditional religious scene is staged at the Catalan Farmhouse
• New Year's Eve - December 31st, celebrated in venues all over Salou. Tourists return briefly during this holiday season and see the new year in with style