The poor were starving to death on the streets of Paris. In the royal palace, the king’s breakfast consisted of 4 chops, a full chicken, six poached eggs and a slice of ham, washed down with a bottle and a half of champagne.
Coming from the French word terre for “soil,” the word terroir originally described the special characteristics of a region, or piece of land, which gave different varieties of wine, coffee and tea their individuality. (Soil, climate, position, regional traditions….)
Despite it’s beginnings in Christianity, the Feux de la Saint Jean is linked with ancient practices and white magic
Whit Monday, le Lundi de Pentecôte in French, is usually the last of four public holidays in May/June, celebrated this year (2019) on Monday 10th June
L’Ascension is the 40th day after Easter, ten days before Pentecost Sunday and marks the day that Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven following his crucifixion and resurrection.
Music for the sardane is played by a cobla, a wind band with double bass consisting of 12 instruments played by 11 musicians. Four of these instruments (tenora, tible, flabiol and tamborí) are typical Catalan instruments along with the more traditional trumpet, trombone, fiscorn and double bass. The makeup of a cobla never varies.
According to French tradition, give those you love a little bouquet of Lily-of-the-Valley (Muguet), to wish them happiness and good luck in celebration of the arrival of spring.
Taking place on or around 23rd April each year, a date linked to literature and popular tradition, the festival of Sant Jordi celebrates the Patron saint of Catalonia, French equivalent of St George, a Christian Roman soldier, who was martyred around 303AD for refusing to renounce Christianity
Once upon a time, rival bands of young people released their pent up energy by competing against each other in feats of strength and agility.
No guns, no knives.
The Pyrénées-Orientales is officially Catalan country – Pays Catalan – and the locals have a strong cultural identity with a unique language, cuisine and spirit. You will have seen the red and gold Catalan flag everywhere but how well do you know Catalan culture and traditions? Take our quiz and find out.