The Origins of Sant Medir Festival
The Sant Medir Festival dates back to 1830 when a local baker named Josep Vidal i Granés vowed to honor Saint Medir, the patron saint of farmers, if he recovered from an illness. He promised to make a pilgrimage to the hermitage of Sant Medir in the Collserola hills. True to his word, after recovering, he made the pilgrimage on horseback, and over the years, he invited friends and neighbors to join him. This tradition grew into the lively festival that we see today.
Festival Highlights
The Parade of Candies
The most anticipated part of the Sant Medir Festival is the parade, where participants on horseback, carriages, and floats travel through the streets of Gràcia, tossing thousands of candies to the cheering crowds. The sight of colorful sweets raining down from the sky is a delight for both children and adults. Local groups, known as "colles," organize the parade, each vying to throw the most and best candies.
The Pilgrimage to the Hermitage
True to the festival’s origins, the day begins with a pilgrimage to the hermitage of Sant Medir. Participants, including the colles, ride from Gràcia to the hermitage located in the Collserola Natural Park. This pilgrimage is a time-honored tradition that connects the festival to its religious roots and provides a moment of reflection before the festivities kick off in full swing.
Community Feasts
No festival in Barcelona is complete without delicious food, and Sant Medir is no exception. Local eateries and street vendors offer a variety of traditional Catalan dishes and sweets. The community feasts are a great way to sample the local cuisine and enjoy the festive spirit with friends and neighbors.