A rather unconventional selection of festivals in Catalonia this October

They certainly love their festivals in Catalonia just as much as they do in the rest of Spain. Like paella, sangria, the siesta and a landscape dominated by pine forests, fishing villages and legendary resorts, festivals of all shapes, sizes and themes, help craft Catalonia’s unique identity.

While many of Europe’s leading tourist destinations have all but gone to sleep come October, Catalonia is bursting at the seams, with a glut of flamboyant and utterly unique festivals in Catalonia.

In the Catalan capital of Barcelona, film is the happening thing this October, with three film festivals being held either in or near Barcelona. From 10 – 13 October, the Barcelona Erotic Film Festival will be taking place at the Fira De Cornella Exhibition Centre. This annual Spanish pornographic film festival and awards ceremony has been running since 1992. In contrast to France’s equivalent event, named the Hot D’Or Festival, which takes place in Cannes, the Barcelona Erotic Film Festival is deemed as less exclusive and more comprehensive.

From 10 – 20 October, the International Fantasy Film Festival will be held in Sitges near Barcelona. Often referred to as the Sitges Film Festival, this annual event is widely considered to be the world’s foremost international festival specialising in fantasy and horror films.

The International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will be held from 16 – 27 October at the Filmoteca de Catalunya in Barcelona. Now in its eleventh year, this inspiring event looks at many issues facing homosexuality portrayed in contemporary cinema.

Elsewhere in Catalonia there is a Cava Festival at Sant Sadurni. The locals of Sant Sadurni celebrate their locally made Cava on October 4 – 6 and obviously a festival which honours such a potent drink is highly likely to turn into a rumbustious affair.

Meanwhile in Tarragona, a Human Castle Building Festival will be held on October 6 – 7. Human-made towers are elevated to frighteningly lofty heights and are typically topped by a very young person – the mind boggles.

If you happen to be in the beautiful city of Girona from 28 October until early November, checking out the Fires de Sant Narcis would definitely be an eye-opening experience. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Girona and is the biggest festival of the year in the town. Bonfires are lit; there is live music and stalls galore in the Parque De La Dehesa.

It has to be said that colourful festivals in Catalonia aside, October is a great time to visit Catalonia. Sales are on, beaches are empty and the temperature is usually very agreeable with plenty of sunshine. Click the link to view Vintage Travel’s collection of luxury villas in Spain for rent.