“Beard Week” in Barcelona: Warm Up and Get Wise!
Friends, it’s time to embrace the Setmana dels Barbuts—the coldest week of the year, dedicated to saints with epic beards! 🧔✨
Why the name “Beard Week”?
This frosty stretch, kicking off around January 15th, is linked to three calendar-famous bearded saints:
🧔 San Mauro (Jan 15)
🧔 San Pablo Ermitaño (Jan 15)
🧔 San Antonio Abad (Jan 17)
But wait, there’s more! Other hirsute saints—like San Benito, San Efigio, San Facio, and San Canuto—join this chilly lineup too.
Catalan proverbs spill the tea (or snowflakes):
❄ “When the three bearded saints arrive—San Pablo Ermitaño, San Mauro, and San Antonio Abad—the harsh cold follows.”
❄ “Between San Antonio and San Sebastián, it’s the coldest time of the year.”
❄ “San Antonio and his piglet bring the first frosts.”
This week also brings the feast of San Antonio Abad, famed for the Tres Tombs Parades, where animals (think horses, mules, donkeys) are blessed. It’s one of Catalonia’s most must-see traditions! 🐴🎉
Where to enjoy Beard Week in Barcelona?
Forget freezing—explore the city’s cozy and inspiring spots:
📖 Civic Centers—Cultural hubs with exhibits, yoga classes, and even terraces with stunning views:
🌳 Centre Cívic Vallvidrera—perfect for mountain strolls
🌊 Centre Cívic Barceloneta—where the sea meets the city
📚 Libraries—Discover new worlds:
✨ History vibes at Biblioteca de Catalunya
🛠 Innovation at Biblioteca Montserrat Abelló
🌱 Uniqueness at Biblioteca de Semillas
📲 Share your Beard Week adventures! Are you team cozy libraries or rugged mountain walks? Or perhaps blessing donkeys is your jam? Let us know!
