How to spend a weekend in Penedès (Catalonia) in the rain?

One of the things I appreciate the most with living in Penedès is our climate and weather. We have sun almost all the time which is, in fact, one of the reasons why so many cultural expressions here take place out in the squares and streets and thereby contribute to the fascinating atmosphere which I – a native Swede – associate with the Mediterranean.

Now, while summer rains in Penedès can be intense, they are always rare and do not last for many minutes. But now autumn has started and all of a sudden we can face weather forecasts like the one for this weekend, September 28-30; rain all the time and throughout our territory!

So, let us plan for the worst and start by checking out what you can do out here in spite of the rain.

Fortunately, one of the main events – the September Fair of Igualada (Anoia)– is located indoors and presents a program including cultural activities. On top of that, in case you come from the coast of Penedès or Barcelona, the exhibition halls can be reached without driving through the town centre.

In Sitges (Garraf), most local museums hold and Open Day on Sunday, so take the opportunity indulge yourself in art and local history when - for a change - you are not seduced by the beaches.

Among the other indoor activities we find music concerts in Vilafranca del Penedès (Alt Penedès) and Sitges plus dance and clown performances in Igualada

Having said this, if the weather allows, there will a lot more interesting activities:

The town festival Festa Major de Sant Miquel in Segur de Calafell (Baix Penedès) with a Friday evening correfoc and big Saturday afternoon giant parade.

Human tower (castells) exhibitions in Vilanova i la Geltrú (Garraf) and Sitges on Saturday and in Vilafranca del Penedès and Bisbal del Penedès (Baix Penedès) on Sunday.

Sardana dancing in Sitges and Calafell.

A market with ecological produce and products in Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues (Alt Penedès) on Sunday.

Wine related guided tours in Piera (Anoia) and Vilafranca del Penedès.

Guided tours to the local architectural or historial heritgage in Sant Pere de Ribes (Garraf), Gelida, Olèrdola and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (all three towns in Alt Penedès).

So, let us hope for sun but, as you see, Penedès has things to offer also when it rains!

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Find here detailed Penedès events calendars in English.

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By Erik Wirdheim – your guide to Catalan society and culture with a special focus on the cava and wine region Penedès.