Easter is the most important moment in the Christian liturgical year. It is a set of events that occur between the Friday before Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. There are theatrical performances and processions in the streets to remember the last moments of Jesus: passion, death and Resurrection.

The Easter Cake is the most important culinary tradition in Catalonia. Legend says that committed Catholics were not allowed to eat eggs during the 40 days before Easter. For this reason, they saved the eggs until Easter to use them for baking cakes. The original Mona is similar to a donut in shape, with some boiled eggs in it.

Monas differ in shapes and forms. They are also decorated with coloured feathers and big chocolate figures. Some monas look like sculptures carved out of chocolate. Traditionally, godparents give the mona to their godchild as a gift for Easter day.

The main Easter event of Catalonia is the blessing of the palms on “diumenge de rams” (Palm Sunday). Boys carry long wafting palmons, while girls have graceful palms woven into intricate designs. Once home, the palms are hung on balconies to ward off evil.

This character is called Old Mother Lent and has seven legs, as many as weeks to go to Easter celebrations. For each Saturday passed you have to tug one leg and the last Saturday you have to burn the poor lady up, because it brings good luck.

The passion of Esparreguera represents Jesus’ life since he chose the apostles until he resurrected and went to heaven. All of this is performed by the local people in Esparreguera. It is a show with a great dramatic and technical complexity that tries to transmit to the viewer the essence of characters it has two thousand years of history.

The Manaies of Girona are roman soldiers that march for Easter and form part of the Brotherhood of Jesus Crucified. The first data document of the existence of Manaies in Girona was in The Manaies appeared in the processions of Easter Week when the father Epifià Cedó established it in 1663 in his convent. “Manaies”, the roman soldiers, go over the streets of Girona to deliver the pennon to the home of person who will carry it during the Procession. This insignia of association will remain and kept safe in his house till Good Friday Procession.

A castell consists in people making a human tower with various floors. This tradition is from Tarragona, it dates from the eighteen century. Actually, they are world herytage. This human tower is made by a lot of people of all ages and physical complexion, making the base it also known as “pinya”. The “pinya”, in case of the tower falls, is used to cushion the sock. Another person, called “anxaneta” is who climbs to the highest point of the tower. This person is usually a child or a small person.

Rural tourism in Catalonia is cheaper, different and attractive way to spend you Easter holidays. Nowadays, this sector is growing because is being well-accepted by tourists due the high number of offers and services. This creates jobs and increases the economic activity of the region.

Its purpose is to do some activities with your family and friends always surrounded by a rural community, so you can learn, for example, the culture, traditions, folklore, food and crafts of the country without losing the luxury that we found in cities. If you’re looking for accommodation in Catalonia, take a look these houses: Cirera d’avallRural jordà

This house has a capacity for people surrounded by crop fields and forests. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy nature and tranquility and is ideal for family celebrations. Is more luxurious than the other houses but the rural activities that offers are less. You can visit Solsona; skiing in La Vansa or do kayak, rafting or canoeing in Segre Olympic Park. In addition, Cirera d’avall has two swimming pools (outdoors and indoors), a wellness area and SPA. Cirera d’avall

Weekend (till 15 people) € Additional bed (weekend) 50 € Whole week (6 nights Mon-Sun) € Whole week (July-August) € Holidays (3 nights) € Holidays (4 nights) € Prices of Cirera d’avall 2013 The prices are 15 people per night. Include the rental of the house + SPA. Christmas, New Year, Easter and St. John see prices.