The Sant Medir’ parade is a popular festival that is celebrated in the city of Barcelona, from the Gràcia and Sant Gervasi de Cassole neighborhoods to the hermitage of Sant Medir in the Collserola mountain range. This celebration is held in honor of Sant Medir, a Catalan saint. This year you can enjoy the festival from March 3, 2023.
History and tradition of Sant Medir
The tradition of the Sant Medir’s parade has its roots in the popular devotion to Sant Medir, who is considered a protector of health and a guide for travelers. The festival has been celebrated in Barcelona for over 100 years and is one of the city’s most important traditions.
Sant Medir is a Catalan saint who is venerated in the Barcelona region. The story of Sant Medir is a popular legend dating back to the 6th century. According to tradition, Sant Medir was a humble and kind man who spent his days helping the poor and sick of his community. One day, while walking through the fields near Barcelona, Sant Medir found an altea flower that had bloomed in the middle of winter. Impressed by this miracle, Sant Medir decided to build a church there to honor God.
Since then, the church of Sant Medir has become a sacred place for the inhabitants of Barcelona, and it is believed that the altea flower is a symbol of Sant Medir’s protection for those who collect it. Popular tradition says that whoever picks an altea flower in the church of Sant Medir will be protected by the saint and will have good health and good travels.
What is done in the Sant Medir’s parade?
The Sant Medir’s parade includes a wide variety of activities, such as the traditional “parade of candies” in which the different Sant Medir groups participate in the parade through the main streets and squares of Gràcia, Sarrià – Sant Gervasi and La Bordeta. Generally, the groups are usually formed by horses, floats and trucks, accompanied by a band to liven up the party. From the floats, candies and sweets are thrown to the people along the way. Also noteworthy is the “horse parade”, in which participants on horseback ride through the streets of the city or the well-known “correfocs”.
Celebrate the festival of Sant Medir this 2023 and make your reservation at Twentytú Hostel.
