For centuries, the Catalan coastline suffered raids by pirates and corsairs from all corners of the Mediterranean. Chronicles from as early as the Middle Ages mention attacks, perpetrated by marauders from places as diverse as Mallorca and Genoa. In films, these fierce sea bandits often target places like Jamaica or other Caribbean ports, but did you know that towns like Castelldefels also suffered raids?

In Castelldefels, you can find first-hand evidence of pirate incursions. The local castle hosts the immersive exhibition “Piratia”, an audiovisual experience aimed at the whole family, featuring interactive activities that children will love. It’s a great way to learn about the history of this phenomenon in the Mediterranean through games and other fun activities.

“Piratia” invites you to board a pirate ship and discover what a journey on one of these vessels was like. Through its activities, you can also learn how the inhabitants of Castelldefels tried to defend themselves against raids.

The choice of Castelldefels Castle for this exhibition is no coincidence. The history of the fortress is intertwined with piracy. By the Middle Ages, it had already become a stronghold against such attacks, but the Catalan Civil War (1462-1472) damaged its walls. When a new wave of attacks by Barbary corsairs began in 1550, the residents of this Baix Llobregat town requested the reconstruction of the fortifications.

What was the modus operandi of the attacks? Pirates approached the coast at night to make detection difficult. They could launch a raid immediately or wait for the arrival or departure of a ship with valuable cargo. They might carry out more than one assault over several days, concealing themselves in secluded coves with minimal surveillance. The purpose of the raids was to capture slaves (mainly youths - both male and female) and grab any luxury items they came across: gold, jewels, high-quality fabrics, etc.

Have you ever visited La Fragata Beach in Sitges? Do you know how it got its name? In 1700, attacks by North African corsairs continued, and this town in the Garraf region requested permission to build its own frigate, which was concealed on this beach to surprise any approaching ships suspected of being up to no good.

While we’re on the subject of piracy and coastal towns, we can’t go without mentioning festivals like the Pirates of Premià de Mar. It takes place in early July as part of the town’s Main Festival. First held in 1996 and now firmly established as a summer classic, it involves the recreation of an attack on the town by Barbary pirates, who land on Bellamar Beach while a group of trabucaires (men armed with blunderbusses) tries to repel them.

Interestingly, there are no historical records of major pirate incursions in Premià de Mar, but many other towns have followed its lead and now organise similar festivals, such as the one held in Cubelles in early July to celebrate this period in history. There are several chronicles of pirate attacks in Cubelles, dating as far back as the Middle Ages. For example, in 1406, the Queen and Countess of Barcelona, Violant de Bar, ordered the completion of fortifications in the town.

Other places like Pineda de Mar also remember their history of pirate incursions. On the Land to Sea Route, which showcases eight centuries of the town’s history, there are references to Dragut, a Barbary corsair and lieutenant of the famous Barbarossa. He attacked the town in 1545 with 11 galleys, setting it ablaze.

Catalan folklore has been greatly influenced by the period of pirate incursions. If you go to any coastal town celebration featuring gegants (papier-mâché or fibreglass giants, carried by a person hidden inside), it’s very likely you'll see one depicting a pirate, such as Garrofa in Mataró, Omar and Ester in Premià de Mar, Dragut in Pineda, Barba-blanca and Taruk in Sitges, and the Gegant de la Porra (the Giant with the Cudgel) in Vilanova i la Geltrú.

What’s more, the influence of pirates can also be seen in the place names of the coastal towns in these regions. When two towns have almost identical names but are distinguished by “de Dalt” (Upper) or “de Munt” (Mountain), and “de Baix” (Lower) or “de Mar” (on Sea), it means the population moved inland to avoid pirate raids. Now you’re surely curious to learn more about this facet of the history of coastal towns in the regions of Barcelona. What better summer adventure than to follow in the footsteps of a pirate? You might even stumble upon some treasure!