La Sardane
The traditional Catalan dance is performed in Sainte Marie la Mer.
The sardana is a well-established tradition in Catalan towns and villages, and Sainte Marie la Mer is no exception.
The sardana is both the traditional Catalan dance in which dancers hold hands in a circle, taking small, counted steps as they slowly circle each other, and the music that accompanies it. The traditional musical group that plays the sardanes is called the Cobla.
A symbol of freedom and fraternity, the sardana is now danced by everyone, in squares all over Catalonia, from north to south, on many festive occasions. Dancers wear "vigatanes" espadrilles laced up to the knee.
In Sainte Marie la Mer, you can watch and dance the sardana at traditional local festivals, such as Saint Jean's Day on June 23 by the sea, or the village fête on August 15 in Place Pierre Roig.
Every Sunday in summer, in the late afternoon, a cobla sets up in Place Agora on the seafront and invites you to dance.
Every summer, the village invites you to try your hand at the sardana, every Friday early evening (6.30pm), in the shade of the mulberry plane trees.
Artichoke
A typical local product
In terms of terroir and gastronomy, the artichoke is the emblematic flowering vegetable of the Salanque region, which includes the commune of Sainte Marie la Mer.
The Salanque region is fertile land for artichoke growing. The artichoke has been celebrated here on May 1st for the past 30 years (and for the past 10 years in Sainte Marie la Mer). A large farmers' market awaits you on the seafront, along with other entertainment. Restaurateurs also offer special artichoke menus for the occasion.
Traditional local festivals
ST. JOHN'S DAY BONFIRES
A fairly recent Catalan tradition, St. John's Day is celebrated throughout North and South Catalonia on June 23, with bonfires and large gatherings. Its symbol is thehe Canigou flame, which carries a message of brotherhood and love.
In Sainte Marie la Mer, Saint John's Day is celebrated on the beach with a ball, sardanas, the arrival of the flame and fireworks: Discover.
Fête de la Mer et des Marins.
Sainte Marie is also strongly linked to the sea. That's why, among local traditions, the Fête de la Mer et des Marins is celebrated every year on August 16 at the port. On this occasion, you can attend a blessing of boats and sailors, and a procession of boats with wreath-laying at sea, in honor of sailors lost at sea.
August 15th
Finally, the Assumption is celebrated every August 15 in the heart of the village. This is the occasion for an open-air mass, a Marian procession through the village streets, and sardana dancing: it's the village festival.
