Winter Festival in Vila-seca and La Pineda

Vila-seca experiences one of the most special moments of its festive calendar with the Winter Festival, dedicated to Sant Antoni Abat, the town's patron saint. Far from being a quiet period after the Christmas holidays, this place comes alive with music and tradition during this festival. It is one of the oldest celebrations in the region, connecting the past and the present, and every year it brings together residents, families and visitors in a festive atmosphere full of identity. 

For several days, the town is transformed into a large open-air stage where centuries-old traditions, popular shows and activities for all ages coexist. This festival is an excellent opportunity to discover this place from an authentic and intimate perspective, participating in celebrations that form part of the collective soul of the town. 

Thanks to good public transport connections, getting to Vila-seca is easy and convenient. At BusPlana you can check all the timetables for regular bus routes and easily reach Vila-seca from Salou, Cambrils, Tarragona and other parts of the Costa Dorada. We are also the official transport provider for Barcelona Airport. You can purchase official tickets online for transfers  between Barcelona Airport and the Costa Dorada.  

A tradition born of history and customs

Sant Antoni Abat is traditionally recognised as the guardian of animals, a strong bond that has profoundly defined the character of this important celebration. In times past, the festival was closely linked to the rural world and the great importance of livestock in everyday life. Over time, this great event has evolved, but it has managed to keep intact that original spirit that honours the cultural heritage of the town and reinforces the sense of collective identity. 

The Cós de Sant Antoni: pride and excitement in Vila-seca 

Without a doubt, the star of the Winter Festival is the Cós de Sant Antoni, an event that sets Vila-seca apart from any other municipality. These are galloping horse races, held in the natural surroundings of the Parc de la Torre d'en Dolça, which attract thousands of spectators every year, both locals and visitors from all over the region. This event has become one of the main attractions of the Festival and an essential experience for those who visit Vila-seca during the month of January. 

Tradition fills the streets of Vila-seca 

During the festivities, the streets are filled with colour, music and joy thanks to the participation of the town's cultural associations and groups. The popular procession is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the festive programme, with the presence of devils, giants, grallers, trabucaires and other elements that form part of the Catalan cultural imagination. Each parade allows you to experience the energy of the festival up close and discover how traditions are kept alive and passed down from generation to generation. Residents and visitors mingle in a participatory atmosphere, where popular culture becomes the true thread of the local festival, fostering coexistence and shared pride. 

Among the most emblematic figures is the Cavall Alat, a unique festive element that symbolises Vila-seca's historical relationship with the world of horses. This figure brings a unique and distinctive character to the festival and reinforces the local identity, passed down from generation to generation. The connection with the animal world is made even more visible with Els Tres Tombs, one of the most representative events, which combines devotion, tradition and popular participation, filling the streets with colour, music and a deep sense of collective belonging. 

In Els Tres Tombs, animals and carriages parade through the streets of the municipality in a procession steeped in symbolism, recalling the fundamental role they have played in local history. It is an event particularly enjoyed by families and children, who love seeing horses and other animals up close in a festive, respectful atmosphere steeped in history, connecting the present with the agricultural and rural past of Vila-seca. 

A programme for all audiences 

The Vila-seca Winter Festival is designed so that no one is left out. The programme includes a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes and ages, making the celebration an inclusive and diverse experience. During the festivities, children's shows, workshops, family activities, concerts, folk dances and cultural events are organised, filling the agenda with options and encouraging citizen participation and encounters between residents and visitors in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. 
The evenings are enlivened with live music and celebrations that invite you to enjoy the festive atmosphere, while during the day there are traditional events and outdoor activities. This combination allows each visitor to find their own rhythm and enjoy the Fiesta Mayor according to their preferences, whether it be actively participating in the popular events or simply strolling around and observing the festive atmosphere. 

A different kind of getaway with BusPlana

Visiting Vila-seca at this time of year is an excellent way to discover the town during a quieter period, far from the summer crowds. January is the ideal time to explore and enjoy the local heritage and natural surroundings at your leisure. What's more, Vila-seca's proximity to other points of interest on the Costa Dorada means you can round off your visit with cultural, gastronomic or leisure activities. From coastal routes to visits to nearby cities such as Tarragona or Reus, the Fiesta Mayor is the perfect excuse for a complete and varied winter getaway. 

To experience this unique festival in complete comfort, BusPlana offers connections to Vila-seca from La Pineda, Salou, Cambrils, Tarragona and more. On their website, you can check all the timetables and plan your trip in advance. And remember, BusPlana is also the official transport to Barcelona Airport, and you can purchase official tickets online for transfers from Barcelona Airport to the Costa Dorada and continue your journey to Vila-seca.