Catalonia is a region renowned for its gastronomy, on the last Sunday in January the Gran festa de la Calçotada sees the streets and squares of the town of Valls filled with calçots (a type of spring onion), colours and sounds.
A Catalan tradition, the calçotada consists of meeting friends and family to eat calçots grilled on the barbecue and dipped in a romesco sauce, and eaten wearing a bib to avoid any unwanted messiness.
The festival includes contests for the finest calçots and also for the best sauce, both are held in the Plaça del Blat, which is in front of the town hall. You might even join in the calçot eating competition where you consume as many onions in 45 minutes as you can. The record is some 4kg.
Alternatively, watch the calçot grilling demonstrations, where the onions are cooked over a fire. There are also many shops and restaurants where you can pause and try out the many calçot creations.
By the end of the day you’re sure to be an expert in everything there is to know, about calçots. You can also discover the secret to the calçot salsa sauce.
Things To Do in Catalonia
Catalonia is a wonderful region full of the most remarkable festivals, stunning beaches and in Barcelona, one of the most vibrant cities in mainland Europe. If you would like some ideas as to what to do when in the region, why not visit the official visit Catalonia website.
When is the Gran Festa de la Calçotada 2025
The festival is held on the last Sunday in January each year.
Where is Gran Festa de la Calçotada 2025
The festival is held in the town of Valls in the province of Catalonia, Spain.
Accommodation in Catalonia
If you are looking for accommodation for the festival, make sure you book well in advance.
Further information
Click here for the official festival website.
