Salou has been designated as the Capital of Catalan Culture, a recognition that celebrates its rich history and vibrant cultural life. This title not only highlights its heritage but also boosts a diverse programme that ranges from ancient traditions to contemporary artistic expressions.
Throughout the year, Salou becomes a dynamic stage where popular festivals, concerts, exhibitions and educational activities intertwine. Emblematic events such as the Winter Festival, the Nits Daurades and the Squid Festival reflect the identity and community spirit of the city, attracting residents and visitors alike.
Salou invites everyone to immerse themselves in an unforgettable cultural journey, celebrating its heritage and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm. Shuttle2Sun takes you to Costa Dorada, with low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Popular festivals: Salou’s festive identity
Salou’s popular festivals are a living example of its rich cultural heritage and its strong roots in Catalan traditions. Throughout the year, the city celebrates numerous events that combine history, religiosity and community involvement, reinforcing the link between past and present.
Among the most outstanding celebrations is the Winter Festival, which takes place around the 30th of January in honour of Sant Antoni Abat, patron saint of the city. This event is distinguished by its extensive programme of activities including parades, concerts, fairs, children’s shows and the eagerly awaited Cós Blanc, a night-time parade with decorated floats, music and confetti showers, which has become one of the most popular events in the municipality.
For its part, the Summer Festival (Nits Daurades), held in August, incorporates open-air concerts, fireworks and religious events that mark the high tourist season with a balance between devotion and entertainment. Another of the most emblematic events is the Festa Major del 30 d’Octubre (30 October Festival), which commemorates Salou’s segregation as an independent municipality in 1989.
Also of note is the King Jaume I Festival, a historical celebration commemorating the departure of King Jaume I from the port of Salou on his way to conquer Mallorca in 1229.
The festive calendar also includes traditional celebrations such as the night of Sant Joan, which marks the beginning of summer with bonfires on the beach, fireworks and live music; as well as the Squid Festival, which completes a rich and diverse cultural offer.
With Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to Salou and Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Get to know the Seguici Popular of Salou
Among the most representative characters of the Seguici Popular de Salou are the Giants of Salou, who embody King Jaume I and Queen Violant, created in 1987. In addition to this royal couple, there are other endearing characters such as Ramon and Maria del Mar, who represent the fisherman’s trade, and the Harlequins, colourful characters inspired by carnival.
Also, the Gralleta, a smaller giant who brings closeness and friendliness; and the Xaloc, a unique figure who can transform into a creature of fire. Alongside them are Pentabrut and Negrito, who complete this festive imaginary with their character and originality.
The procession is enriched with traditional dances such as the Ball de Bastons, the Ball de Panderos, the Ball d’Espases, the Ball de Nanos and the Ball de Pastorets; as well as the Mulassa and the fire shows by the Diables Maleïts, the Bruixes Latemó and the Morena de Salou.
The sardana group Contrapunt d’Onades is also part of the Seguici, as is the musical accompaniment by Grallers La Tarota.
Concerts and performances in Salou: a year of music and shows
In 2025, Salou consolidates its position as the cultural epicentre of the Mediterranean, offering a diverse musical and stage programme ranging from established artists to emerging talents. The Salou Auditorium Theatre (TAS) is the main stage for this offer, hosting high quality shows that enrich the cultural life of the city.
In addition, the summer of 2025 promises to be vibrant with the arrival of the Festiuet on 18 and 19 July.
This festival will feature performances by top artists such as Oques Grasses, Camela, Buhos, Green Valley, Julieta, Figa Flawas and King África, among others, offering a variety of musical styles that will appeal to a diverse audience.
Salou’s cultural programme extends beyond these events, with an agenda that includes weekly concerts, dance shows, theatre and activities for all ages. This cultural offer reflects the city’s commitment to promoting the arts and culture, consolidating its status as Capital of Catalan Culture 2025.
Cultural venues
In addition to the Salou Auditorium Theatre (TAS), the epicentre of local stage life, the city has a valuable set of cultural spaces that enrich its identity. One of the cultural emblems of the municipality is the Torre Vella, a 16th century building built as a defence tower against pirate attacks. Today, this refurbished space hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, institutional events and small concerts.
Next to this historic enclave are the archaeological remains of Kal-lípolis, a site dating from between the 7th and 3rd centuries BC that documents the Iberian origins of present-day Salou. The Villa Romana de Barenys, for its part, preserves the remains of an ancient Roman farm specialising in ceramics. Finally, the Passeig Jaume I, with its monuments, sculptures, ornamental fountains and references to the landing of King Jaume I, serves as a symbolic space blending culture, history and leisure, and often becomes the festive heart of the city.
Salou, as Capital of Catalan Culture 2025, offers a rich and diverse programme that blends tradition and modernity. Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can move to Salou and Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
