In this ancient country we're passionate about protecting and celebrating our festivals and traditions. We enjoy our great Mediterranean climate, sea, landscape and traditions with festive, joyful and infectious enthusiasm! Drop everything and join us as we usher in the main festivals of our towns and cities. In addition to paying homage to the local patron saint, you can enjoy plenty of other activities in these popular and inclusive festivals: street parades, gegants and capgrossos (papier mâché giant and "big head" figures), trabucaires (bandits carrying blunderbuss guns), music, dancing, diables (groups of people dressed as devils who set off fireworks) and spectacular human towers.

If you have a curious mind and are looking for a family-friendly activity, then plan a day trip to the colònies tèxtils (textile model villages) of the regions of Barcelona. Built between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, they’re still full of working machines, fabrics you’re allowed to touch and plenty of amazing stories. Ready to journey into the past?

Showing full respect to local culture is one of the main principles of sustainable tourism. But since it’s difficult to show respect to what we don’t know, before travelling to place, we should try and find out about the most important aspects of its tangible and intangible heritage. So if you’re thinking of visiting the regions of Barcelona in the near future, here are five keys to enjoying a truly authentic trip and not feeling like just another tourist as you travel around.