Experience the Great Calçotada Festival in Valls with BusPlana

Valls, the birthplace of calçots and the undisputed capital of one of Catalonia's most emblematic gastronomic traditions, is preparing to celebrate its eagerly awaited Gran Fiesta de la Calçotada. Much more than a gastronomic event, this celebration is a true celebration of the authentic identity of Valls, attracting thousands of visitors every winter who come to enjoy the flavour, tradition and festive atmosphere that envelops the city.

On the last Sunday in January, this great festival becomes a meeting point where gastronomy, popular culture and street life come together. From Saturday 24 January, the events and activities of one of Valls' most significant festivals begin. The smoke from the grills, the aroma of roasted calçots and the tables full of people set the pace for a celebration that is lived intensely, amid conversation, tradition and a welcoming atmosphere that fills the streets and squares.

You can get to Valls from Tarragona with BusPlana. Check all timetables on our website. Remember that, as we are the official transport provider for Barcelona Airport, you can purchase official tickets online for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona.

Calçots, the gastronomic pride of Valls

Calçots take centre stage. this unique product grown using a traditional technique found only in this area, is much more than just a spring onion; it is a symbol of local identity and pride.

On the last Sunday in January, restaurants and popular venues offer traditional calçotada menus with calçots roasted over an open fire, romesco sauce, grilled meat, bread, wine and typical sweets.

Eating calçots is a shared, informal and joyful ritual, where hands get dirty and laughter accompanies every bite. The big day of the festival brings together locals and visitors in the city centre with popular tastings, competitions and activities that showcase this seasonal product with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

Contests, tradition and entertainment

There will be various events to enjoy throughout the weekend, but Sunday 25th is the big day. From 10 am onwards, the streets and squares of Valls will be the setting for several popular events. In the car park on Carrer de Sant Antoni (near Plaça del Oli), there will be demonstrations of how to grill calçots, and bunches of calçots, meat and salchichón will be on sale. and in Plaza del Blat there will be two big competitions, one for Calçot Growers and one for Calçotada Sauce from Valls, with demonstrations of how the typical sauce is prepared.

At the Valls Agricultural Society, opposite the cooperative, from 11 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., tastings will be available. There will be a space with tables for tasting and grills will also be provided for those who prefer to cook their own meat. From 2 pm there will be live music with Miquel del Roig and El Artriste.

At 1 pm, the Calçots Eating Contest will begin in the Pati square to see who can eat the most in a given time. At the start of the contest, the Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls and the Colla Vella de los Xiquets de Valls will raise their traditional pillars, and at 2 p.m. the awards will be presented for the Calçots Growers Contest, the Calçotada de Valls Sauce Contest and the Calçots Eating Contest.

In the courtyard, there will also be a sales and tasting area with products from Salses Fruits and Europastry, official sponsors of the Grand Festival. You will also find calçotada tastings and the DO Tarragona wine area. The festival is rounded off with cooking demonstrations, local produce markets and activities explaining the origins of calçots and their importance in the economy and culture of the Alt Camp region.

Popular culture and a festive atmosphere

The Calçotada de Valls would not be the same without its rich popular culture. During the big weekend, the streets are filled with music, parades and Catalan traditions that bring the celebration to life. Giants and big-heads, castellers, entertainment groups and marching bands accompany the day, creating a festive and participatory atmosphere that invites you to stay and enjoy the city.

The Plaça del Blat and the historic centre become authentic living stages, where tradition and gastronomy blend naturally. Neighbours and visitors share spaces, emotions and customs, offering an authentic experience both for those discovering Valls for the first time and for those who return year after year to relive this deeply rooted festival.

Valls, much more than calçots

Beyond the main event, the city offers visitors an ideal setting to round off their getaway with cultural and tourist attractions to suit all tastes. The Museu Casteller de Catalunya, the old town and the various cultural routes allow visitors to discover the history and traditions of the region, while the shops and craft stalls showcase local products and trade.

During the calçotada season, local bars and restaurants expand their gastronomic offerings with special menus that allow you to enjoy calçots in a more relaxed atmosphere over several weeks. This way, you can enjoy the calçotada experience calmly and without rushing, not only on the big day of the festival, but throughout the entire season.

Experience the tradition with BusPlana

From Tarragona, getting to Valls is easy with BusPlana, so you can enjoy the calçotada in comfort. You can check the timetables for regular services on our website and plan your visit in advance. What's more, if you're arriving at Barcelona Airport, remember that BusPlana is the official airport transport service and you can buy your official tickets online for the transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona.

The Calçotada de Valls is much more than just a meal: it is a cultural, gastronomic and social experience that connects tradition, territory and people. Valls awaits you... and so does the calçot.