SpainLife (2025)

24/10/2025

✨ 48h Open House Barcelona 2025 is back!
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On October 25–26, Barcelona and six neighboring cities will turn into a real open-air museum 🏛. For one weekend, you can visit nearly 200 buildings for free — from Gothic cathedrals to futuristic skyscrapers, usually closed to the public.
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This year’s festival is themed “Feel Architecture with All Five Senses” 👁👂👃✋👅. Organizers invite visitors not just to see the buildings, but to experience them as living characters of the city — to listen to the sounds of their walls, feel their textures, smell their history, and sense their atmosphere.
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📍 7 participating cities: Barcelona, Badalona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sitges, and Vilassar de Dalt.
🕍 199 locations, including 57 new ones — from medieval towers to cutting-edge office complexes.
🚶‍♀️ 200+ activities: guided tours, architectural routes, workshops, walks, and even culinary events Open Cuina, featuring traditional Catalan recipes.
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🌇 Highlights include the restored Palau Marquès d’Alfarràs, the Mapfre Tower with panoramic sea views, the Blanxart chocolate factory, and the modernist masterpiece Torre de la Creu by Josep Jujol. History lovers will enjoy castles and monasteries, while design enthusiasts will discover innovative interiors and engineering marvels.
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🎟 All events are completely free! Only some guided tours require prior registration (opening on October 20 at 20:00).
⏰ Most venues are open from 10:00 to 19:00 — check the official website for exact schedules.
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💡 This is already the 16th edition of — and each year, it inspires thousands of residents and visitors to rediscover Barcelona in a new light. Put on your comfy shoes 👟, charge your phone 📸, and immerse yourself in the world of architecture that comes alive for just two days!
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🌐 Details, maps, and schedules at 48hopenhousebarcelona.org
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48hOpenHouseBarcelona

18/10/2025

✨ Sitges Giants Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary: Jordi and Rosa Return Renewed! 🎉
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On October 19, Sitges invites everyone to a unique celebration dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the “new” giants — the famous figures Jordi and Rosa 🤴👸. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, visitors can see the giants up close in the town’s main square, admire their newly restored costumes, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Catalan tradition 🎶🇪🇸.
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💃 Alongside the “new” giants, their elder companions — the legendary city figures of the 19th century — will also appear. Together, they will perform traditional dances to the sounds of folk music. Expect a joyful atmosphere filled with colorful costumes and the true spirit of Catalonia!
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👑 The tradition of giant figures (gegants) is an essential part of Catalan culture. These multi-meter puppets have taken part in Sitges’ main festivals for over a century. The “new” giants, Jordi and Rosa, were created in 1975 to carry on the legacy of their predecessors.
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✨ This year, after a major restoration at the Casseras family workshop in Solsona, the giants return in renewed form: their outfits faithfully reproduce the original 1955 design by artist Artur Carbonell.
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🚆 Getting to Sitges is easy — R2 Sud trains depart every 20 minutes from Barcelona (Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, França stations), and the journey takes about 35 minutes.
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🎊 Don’t miss this colorful celebration where the history of Catalonia comes alive and the giants once again dance under the Mediterranean sun! ❤️
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🗓 October 19, Sitges
📍 Main Square
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎶 Free admission
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17/10/2025

🏰 25th Medieval Market in Barberà del Vallès: the Magic of the Middle Ages on October 18–19, 2025 ✨
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Step into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages just 15 km from Barcelona! ⚔️
On October 18 and 19, the city of Barberà del Vallès will turn into a true historical spectacle — colorful parades, knightly duels, fire performers, jugglers, bagpipe music, and the aroma of roasted meat will fill the streets 🎶🔥
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📍The main stage of the celebration — Plaça del Mil·lenari, next to the ancient church Santa Maria de Barberà (La Romànica). Here you’ll witness the grand opening, theatrical tournaments, and the breathtaking fire show “Ignis Chorum” — a performance not to be missed! 🔥
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👑 The 25th anniversary edition of Mercat Medieval combines history, culture, and fun. Expect artisan stalls, children’s workshops (“magic potions” 🧪), street performers, medieval tunes by Els Plebeus, and exotic dances by Nar Alhaya.
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🍗 In the gastronomic area, you’ll find dishes inspired by medieval recipes: grilled meats, homemade bread, spiced honey cookies, and mulled wine — all served in the true spirit of a medieval feast!
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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Free entry! Perfect for the whole family — kids can play, create, and take part in interactive shows, while adults enjoy music and the charm of 11th-century Catalonia.
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🕙 Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🚌 Free shuttle buses every 15 minutes.
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✨ Don’t miss one of the most authentic events in Catalonia!
📅 October 18–19, 2025
📍 Barberà del Vallès, Plaça del Mil·lenari
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🏰⚔️

17/10/2025

🎉 The “Moors and Christians” Festival in Calpe 2025 will take place from October 17 to 22 — six days of vibrant parades, historical reenactments, fireworks, and religious ceremonies in honor of the city’s patron Santísimo Cristo del Sudor. ⚔️✨
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This is one of the most spectacular events on the Costa Blanca, where history and faith come alive on the streets of Calpe beneath the majestic Peñón de Ifach. ⛰
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🕰 The origins of the festival date back to 1744, when Barbary pirates attacked the coast. According to legend, the miraculous image of Christ protected the city, and since then October 22 has been celebrated as his feast day.
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The modern version of the festival began in 1976, when local residents decided to combine a historical reenactment with their traditional devotion. Today, it’s a large-scale celebration officially recognized as part of the Valencian cultural heritage.
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👑 The festival unites two camps — the Moors and the Christians, each represented by colorful filaes (troupes). Hundreds of participants in magnificent costumes parade through the streets accompanied by orchestras and drummers, turning Calpe into a living open-air theater.
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🔥 The highlights of the celebration are three main events:
⚓️ Desembarco – a dramatic “landing” of the Moors on Arenal-Bol Beach with cannon fire.
🎭 El Miracle – a theatrical performance about the miraculous salvation of the city by Christ.
💥 Gran Desfile – the grand parade along Gabriel Miró Avenue, where music, lights, and costumes create a breathtaking spectacle.
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🌟 The festival concludes on October 22 with a solemn mass and religious procession — the city’s most sacred moment, when Calpe gathers to thank Christ for his protection.
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It’s more than a festival — it’s the soul of Calpe, blending history, faith, and the joy of life. 💫
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📍 Calpe, Alicante
📅 October 17–22, 2025
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13/10/2025

🇪🇸 €600 Fine for a Flag on the Balcony: Truth or Myth?
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Every year, on October 12 — Spain’s National Day (Día de la Hispanidad) — thousands of Spaniards proudly hang the national flag from their balconies to show love for their country. Yet, once again, social media and the press are spreading fear: “You could be fined €600 for that!” 😱
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So, what does the law actually say?
📜 According to the Law on Horizontal Property (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal), a building’s façade is common property shared by all residents. The outer side of a balcony is considered part of that façade, meaning any modification — including hanging a flag outside — requires the approval of the homeowners’ association.
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But! ⚖️
There are no direct fines for displaying a flag. Sanctions are only possible in exceptional cases — for example, if the owner refuses to remove the flag after an official request from neighbors, or if city authorities consider it a violation of urban aesthetics rules.
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📌 In reality:
— The homeowners’ association cannot issue a fine — only file a complaint.
— City authorities rarely intervene when it’s just a temporary decoration.
— There are no confirmed cases of anyone being fined solely for displaying the Spanish flag!
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🧑‍⚖️ Even legal experts agree: temporarily hanging a flag does not break the law. Moreover, banning it in a building’s internal rules would be illegal — the Spanish flag is an official national symbol.
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📅 In practice, no one gets fined for it, especially during national holidays. On the contrary, this tradition has become part of the celebration, and the “€600 fine” rumor is just a myth that resurfaces every year, fueling patriotic spirit.
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🎯 Bottom line:
You can proudly display your flag — just do it safely and respectfully toward your neighbors. A flag on your balcony isn’t a reason for a fine, it’s a reason for pride 🇪🇸✨
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12/10/2025

🇪🇸✨ October 12 — Spain’s National Day & the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar ✨🇪🇸
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Every year, Spain celebrates a double festivity — the National Day and the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of Zaragoza and the entire country. It’s a day where faith, history, and pride in Spanish culture come together. 💃⛪️
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📜 The History of the Day
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the shores of America — a date that marked the first encounter between Europe and the New World, becoming a symbol of unity for the Spanish-speaking world. 🇪🇸🌎
But this day also carries deep religious meaning: the Catholic Church honors Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Virgin Mary who, according to legend, appeared to the Apostle James on the banks of the Ebro River in Zaragoza. She appeared standing on a marble column (pilar), inspiring him to spread faith throughout Spain. Since then, the column has become a sacred relic, and the Virgin of the Pillar — a spiritual symbol of the nation. 🙏
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🌸 Traditions and Celebrations
In Madrid, the day is marked by a grand military parade attended by the King and the royal family. Airplanes fly over the capital, painting the Spanish flag in the sky, while the streets fill with applause and traditional songs. 🇪🇸✈️
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The celebration is especially magnificent in Zaragoza, where the famous Fiestas del Pilar take place — a whole week of joy, music, and devotion. The highlight is the Ofrenda de Flores 🌺: tens of thousands of people dressed in regional costumes bring flowers to the Virgin, creating a massive floral pyramid in front of the basilica — a breathtaking tribute of love, gratitude, and faith.
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🎆 A Celebration of Unity and Pride
October 12 is the day when Spaniards feel united as one nation — bound by history, language, and faith. From Zaragoza to Madrid, from Barcelona to Latin America, millions of people celebrate this day as a symbol of cultural heritage and friendship among nations. ❤️🇪🇸
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10/10/2025

🍺🇩🇪 36th Oktoberfest in Calella (Spain): Music, Beer & Joy by the Sea! 🌊🎺
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Autumn in Catalonia isn’t just about sunshine and the sea — it’s also the time for the legendary 🎉 Oktoberfest in Calella! For the 36th time, this seaside town turns into a true Bavarian paradise: overflowing mugs of beer 🍻, brass bands, dancing on benches, and endless laughter under the Mediterranean sky.
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📅 From October 10 to 19, 2025, Calella welcomes thousands of guests from all over the world!
Every day brings parades, live concerts, folklore shows, DJ sets, and a fantastic festive vibe. Musicians from Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, and Spain fill the air with energy. In the evenings, the beach tent turns into a giant open-air beer hall with everything from marching bands to rock’n’roll, swing, and even The Beatles! 🎶💃
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🍖 Food & Drinks are another highlight! Authentic German sausages (Bratwurst), warm pretzels 🥨, sauerkraut, and beer from Germany, Catalonia, and beyond — everything you need to feel the Oktoberfest spirit. The smell of grilled food, the sound of laughter, and the golden color of beer make this celebration truly cozy.
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🚆 Getting to Calella is easy: just about an hour from Barcelona or Girona by train or bus. 🚗 For drivers, the coastal C-32 highway takes you straight there.
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✨ Local tip: arrive early to grab a spot at the long wooden tables, and if you have a Bavarian outfit — dirndl or lederhosen — wear it proudly! You’ll instantly blend into the festive crowd enjoying the seaside Oktoberfest spirit. 🌴
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💬 Ready to shout “Prost!” to the sound of brass music and the waves? Calella is waiting for you with open arms and cold beer!
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📍 36th Oktoberfest in Calella (October 10–19, 2025)
🎶 Music, beer, sea, and Bavarian traditions under the Catalan sun!
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09/10/2025

📢 The Spanish government removes pork from school menus in Ceuta and introduces only halal meat
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The Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, headed by Pilar Alegría, has approved a new catering contract for public schools in Ceuta, under which pork will be completely excluded from the menu, and all meat served will be halal, in accordance with Islamic dietary rules.
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📄 According to the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), the contract has been awarded to Vivera Atlántico Mediterráneo, a company responsible for preparing and supplying school meals.
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💶 The contract is valued at €223,000 and will remain in effect throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, covering around one thousand students.
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The decision has sparked heated debates on social media and in the press. Some see it as a step toward respecting cultural and religious diversity, while others call it an excessive concession, as children will no longer have a choice between regular and halal meals.
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In Ceuta, where the Muslim community makes up over 40% of the population, demands for halal options in school cafeterias have been raised for years. According to government officials, the new measure aims to standardize school meals and accommodate students’ religious needs.
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💬 What do you think — is this a fair step toward respecting faith and tradition, or an unnecessary imposition of new standards?
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04/10/2025

💧 Fira de l’Aigua 2025 – Festival of Water and Thermal Traditions in Caldes de Malavella 💧
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📅 October 3–5, 2025, this charming Catalan town will turn into a true celebration of water and wellness! The festival combines 💦 Roman thermal history, 🌿 eco-tourism, 🎭 theatrical shows, and 🍽 gastronomy inspired by local thermal springs.
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On the streets of Caldes de Malavella (Girona, Catalonia), visitors will find:
🛍 artisan markets,
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family workshops,
🎶 concerts and street performances,
♨️ thermal water tastings and outdoor spa zones.
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🌊 The main theme — water as a symbol of life and culture.
Guests can enjoy a “refreshing journey” through history, nature, and wellness. Taste dishes and drinks made with Vichy Catalan water, visit the historic Prats and Vichy Catalan thermal baths, explore the Espai Aquae museum, and don’t miss the parade of Roman Giants (Gegants Romanos) and evening shows across the town.
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👧 For kids: build a Roman aqueduct, make mosaics, join water games, and enjoy puppet shows.
🎭 For adults: lectures, guided tours, tastings, and live music until late evening.
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📍 Where: Caldes de Malavella, Girona, Catalonia
🕙 When: October 3–5, 2025, all day long
💸 Free admission – all activities are open to everyone!
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💡 Tip: arrive early and stay for the weekend — Caldes is home to beautiful spa hotels with thermal pools and a relaxing natural atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after the festival.
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💧 Dive into the spirit of water, history, and harmony at Fira de l’Aigua 2025!
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04/10/2025

✨ Medieval Fair in Peratallada 2025 (Fira Medieval de Peratallada) ✨
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📅 In 2025, the festival will take place on October 4–5 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During these two days, the small town of Catalonia will turn into a true medieval world. Narrow streets will be filled with 🛍 a craft market (mercado artesanal), 🎭 street performances, 🎶 music, and the festive spirit of the Middle Ages.
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⚔️ The main highlight is the Knight Tournament at L’Abreda. The professional troupe Drakonia will stage spectacular battles with lances and swords. In the evening, visitors will enjoy the mystical show “Medieval Sabbath” by La Bruixa Verda at the Plaça del Castell.
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🍯 At the market, you can taste homemade cheese, honey, herbs, fresh bread, and traditional medieval dishes. Kids can enjoy workshops, puppet shows, and even donkey rides 🐴.
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ℹ️ Admission is free, and all activities are open to everyone!
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🏰 Why visit?
Peratallada is considered one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Catalonia. Its name comes from Latin Petra Tallada (“carved stone”). Here you’ll find a well-preserved 11th-century castle, towers, fortified walls, and a 12th-century Romanesque church. During the fair, the ancient streets come alive, and it feels like stepping back in time.
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🚗 How to get there:
– 40 km from Girona
– ~1.5 hours’ drive from Barcelona
The easiest way is by car, as public transport connections are limited.
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🍷 Tip: arrive early, park outside the historic center, and stop by one of the restaurants at Plaça del Castell — be sure to try the local specialty, arròs a la cazuela (rice casserole).
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📸 Don’t forget to take pictures against the backdrop of ancient towers, arches, and cobblestone streets — this authentic medieval atmosphere attracts visitors from all over Spain.
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✨ Dive into the Middle Ages and become part of history!
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03/10/2025

✨🍪 Welcome to Camprodon – the sweet capital of Catalonia! 🍪✨
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Every October, this small Pyrenean town turns into a true gastronomic fairytale. Since 2018, Fira de la Galeta – the Cookie Festival has been held here, dedicated to the region’s most famous treat – Birba cookies, baked in Camprodon since the 19th century.
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📅 In 2025, the festival will take place on October 4–5 and promises to be the brightest event of the autumn. For two full days, the streets and squares of Camprodon will be filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, music, laughter, and joy.
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What’s waiting for visitors?
🍭 Cookie market – more than 50 varieties, artisanal sweets from all over Girona, and of course, the legendary Birba.
👨‍👩‍👧 Children’s zone “El Petit Galeter” – inflatable attractions, creative workshops, and giant cookie painting.
🎶 Concerts and shows – performances by Catalan artists including Mariona Escoda and Aina Da Silva, plus magic tricks by Màgic Andreu.
🚂 Tourist train – fun rides through the streets and surroundings of the town.
🏭 Excursions to the Birba factory – a rare chance to peek inside and see how the iconic cookies are made.
🤗 Mascot Cuki – a giant cheerful cookie, children’s favorite and the festival’s beloved symbol.
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Camprodon is not only about sweets, but also picturesque landscapes, historic bridges, and cozy streets. The town’s symbol – Pont Nou, a 13th-century medieval stone bridge – looks especially stunning in autumn colors.
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🌄 Autumn in the Pyrenees is the perfect travel season: stroll the charming streets by day and enjoy the warmth and aroma of freshly baked cookies in the evening.
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📌 Entrance to the festival is free, with only some special activities paid separately (factory tours and workshops – €3–5).
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So if you’re looking for an atmospheric destination for a family autumn getaway – Fira de la Galeta in Camprodon is the perfect choice.
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