Catalan cultural traditions: Tarragona's Ball de Bastons Petit and Barcelona's La Mercè

The Ball de Bastons Petit de Tarragona is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded by Xavi Cabanes to ensure children had representation during the Santa Tecla festivities, the group has grown from nine pairs to twelve pairs of dancers, aged between five and 16 years old. The group focuses on preserving the traditional dance styles taught by their predecessors.

In Barcelona, preparations are underway for the La Mercè 2026 festivities. The 'Toc d’inici' ritual, featuring giants and beasts, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, at Plaça de Sant Jaume. The event includes the Seguici popular, a procession of various traditional figures, accompanied by the Ministrils del Camí Ral, a 40-piece traditional music ensemble. An exhibition of the festival's figures will also be held at the Palau de la Virreina.