The main Begur festivals and traditions They are held at different times of the year. However, as in many other locations in Spain, most are concentrated in the summer months.
This is the case of the two major festivals of the town, which take place in honor of their patrons. Summer is also the time when one of the most interesting and curious events in the area takes place: the Indian Fair. Next, we are going to show you the festivals and traditions of Begur that you cannot miss.
The major festivals
Church of San Pedro, one of the patron saints of Begur
We talk to you about them in plural because, unlike what happens in other towns where there is only one, Begur has two. That is to say, the Catalan population has two patrons, to whom tribute is paid through celebrations. Is about San Pedro and Santa Reparada.
The activities in honor of the former take place at the end of June, specifically around his day, which is the twenty-ninth. On the other hand, those that honor Santa Reparada take place in mid-September. Both on some dates and on others, the town is filled with visitors who come attracted by different activities. For example, concerts, parades, events for children and, of course, masses and tributes to the saints.
Other religious festivals and traditions in Begur
Sa Tuna has its own patron saint festivities apart from those of Begur
The municipality of Begur also enjoys other religious festivals that traditionally coincide with the patterns of the towns that make it up. Thus, the esclanyà festival It's the first weekend in August and that of Sa Tuna later that same month.
On the other hand, in the summer they also organize different traditional markets and fairs They attract many visitors to the town. Among them, there is a very beautiful area of crafts. But, in addition, among the festivals and traditions of Begur there are two events that are very successful: the Indianos Fair and the film festival.
The Begur Indian Fair
Indianos Fair, one of the main festivals and traditions of Begur
During the XNUMXth century, many Begur residents emigrated to America to try to make a fortune. Some succeeded and returned to their town as wealthy people. To show their strength, they built luxurious houses that are known as Indian houses due to the origin of its inhabitants. This was not a phenomenon unique to Begur. Throughout Spain there are these types of houses spread across different towns. For example, there are also many Asturias y Galicia.
But, going back to Begur, that emigration and subsequent return was very important. So much so that in the town there is Interpretation Center of the Indians of Catalonia. If you visit it, you will learn about the adventures of those emigrants who contributed to the progress of the town. And you can also take a guided tour of the houses they built.
But, regarding the festivals and traditions of Begur, what we are interested in telling you now is that the Catalan town celebrates the Indian Fair. It takes place at the beginning of September and, during it, the town is transported to the past to show itself as in the times when those people returned.
They are celebrated traditional markets and they are represented Scenes from everyday life then. Even the inhabitants of the town dress up in period costumes to resemble those indianos. The stalls sell overseas products and also host exhibitions, documentary screenings, conferences and even Caribbean music concerts. Not in vain, many of these begurenses emigrated to Cuba.
The film festival
People dressed in period clothing as in the times of the Indians
It is the other great cultural event that is celebrated in Begur. This year it will reach its ninth edition, since it began in 2015. It is called Begur Costa Brava Film Fest and is celebrated in mid-October. Likewise, it is international in nature and is dedicated, above all, to the comedy.
In fact, the official section, in which films are presented in competition, has this genre as its thematic axis. However, it also has sections dedicated to cinema produced in Mediterranean countries, short or kids and family type movies.
At the same time, other parallel activities are developed. For example, concerts, exhibitions and film workshops. Likewise, there is no shortage of tributes to figures of the seventh art and competitions such as screenplays. In short, it is an event that has gained importance with the passing of the editions and that, every year, receives prominent and popular characters.
Tribute to Carmen Amaya
Monument to Carmen Amaya in Begur
The, in her time, famous dancer Carmen Amaya spent her last years in Begur. Specifically, she lived in the farmhouse of Mas d'en Pinc, one of the most unique buildings in the town that even houses a defensive tower from the XNUMXth century. It is one of those that you can see in Begur, but we do not want to deviate from our topic.
Carmen Amaya was always very committed to the cultural events that took place in Begur. Furthermore, she participated in them altruistically. For this reason, the City Council declared it adopted daughter of the town and baptized one of the town walks with his name. He also bought the aforementioned farmhouse to turn it into a cultural space. In this, in addition to other exhibitions, there is one dedicated to the life of the dancer.
Likewise, every year the tribute to Carmen Amaya. It is a flamenco festival that brings together the main figures of the genre and takes place in mid-November. It began to be celebrated in 2018 and those dates were chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the artist's death, who died on November 19, 1963.
In conclusion, we have shown you the main Begur festivals and traditions. It only remains for us to talk to you briefly about his gastronomy. Among the typical dishes that you can savor in the town are those made with rock fish, who even have a few conferences. But also others common to the rest of the Costa Brava. For example, rice, monkfish with vegetables or skate with potatoes. And, among the sweets, the brunyols are exquisite fritters and the carrot cake is a delicious cake. Go ahead and enjoy everything that Begur offers you.