Festa Major kicks off in Vilafranca del Penedes for bank holiday weekend

Just 60km from Barcelona, the town of Vilafranca del Penedes will be playing host to Festa Major this bank holiday weekend, from 29 August to 2 September. Holidaymakers attending Festa Major could get a real insight into Catalonian culture.

Festa Major is an annual event that takes place in many towns throughout the Catalonia region of Spain. This weekend, the whole town of Vilafranca del Penedes will take to the streets to celebrate Festa Major, and visitors are welcome to join in with the festivities. The event is designed to bring the community together and celebrate the local culture.

A highlight of Festa Major is Saint Felix's Day on bank holiday Monday, when teams of castellers compete to create the tallest human pyramid in the town square - some reach up to seven human men high. Huge crowds gather to watch this nail-biting spectacle. In celebration of Saint Felix, people dress up in animal costumes to parade through the streets of Vilafranca del Penedes.

Also on 30 August, an explosive fireworks display will light up the sky by Saint Felix's statue at the entrance into the basilica. Over the five day period, a whole host of other events will be taking place, including concerts showcasing a range of musical talents.

Anyone on holiday in Barcelona this weekend could easily take a daytrip over to Vilafranca del Penedes to attend Festa Major. It could make a change to the usual sightseeing day trips that are on offer in Spain, and it will leave you with lasting memories of Catalonia's culture.

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