Every year, the picturesque little village of El Lloar, nestling in the Priorat mountains in Catalonia, celebrates the Festa de Sant Antoni with great fervour. This celebration in honour of the patron saint of animals is an emblematic event that brings the local community and visitors together in an atmosphere of joy and conviviality.
The Festa de Sant Antoni has its origins in the region’s ancestral traditions, where people used to come to ask Sant Antoni’s blessing for their animals and crops. Today, this tradition lives on, but it has also been transformed into a joyous celebration of local culture.
A rich programme of festivities
The festivities of the Festa de Sant Antoni begin early in the morning, when the locals gather in the village square to attend mass in honour of the saint. The festivities then continue with a colourful procession through the streets of the village, accompanied by traditional dances, folk music and impressive equestrian displays.
Gastronomy and traditions
The Festa de Sant Antoni is also an opportunity to sample traditional local dishes, prepared with care by the locals. Visitors can enjoy Catalan specialities such as calcotada, succulent grilled meats and typical desserts, all washed down with delicious local Priorat wines.
Among the emblematic Priorat wines you can discover :
Clos Mogador: A complex and elegant red wine, with aromas of ripe black fruit, spices and mineral notes, produced by the famous René Barbier estate.
Clos Erasmus: A powerful, concentrated red wine, offering a palette of rich, intense flavours, with a fine tannic structure and a long finish, produced by Daphne Glorian’s eponymous estate.
Alvaro Palacios L’Ermita: A red wine of great finesse and depth, with notes of red fruit, flowers and spices, from century-old vines in the village of Gratallops.
Beyond the official festivities, the Festa de Sant Antoni is above all a time for sharing and conviviality, when locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate their cultural heritage and traditions. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity and hospitality of the Priorat region.
An unforgettable experience
Whether you’re passionate about culture, gastronomy or simply looking for new experiences, the Festa de Sant Antoni in El Lloar promises total immersion in the life and traditions of the Priorat region. It’s a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories and experience moments of joy and sharing in the heart of a warm and welcoming community.
