The sardana represents the heart and character of the Catalans: passionate, united, fiery, heads held high and hands raised, they express their unity and their identity through this dance, a symbol of their art of living and their pride in being Catalans!

It is danced at any age, on any occasion, in all the squares of Catalonia from north to south, together, regardless of origin, leaving aside all differences. It is transmitted from generation to generation and is also the subject of competitions and studies.

A bit of history, a bit of specific vocabulary…

The origins of the Sardana are very old, probably Cretan. The current sardane was born in the middle of the XNUMXth century. It is danced in a closed circle, alternating if possible between a man and a woman, the woman to the right of her partner. The dancers move slightly to the side and pace the beat with their tiptoes.

The round of the sardanists on the Place Combes in Sorède, during the Pentecost celebrations

First, there is a sardana call introduction. These first bars are played by the flabiola, the musician who plays two instruments: flabiol with his left hand and beats the tambori with his stick “broqueta” with the right hand. These notes give the rhythm of the sardana. It is the invitation to enter the dance.

The sardana includes two different melodic themes. On the first melody, the dancers perform small short steps, and on the second long steps. These themes are repeated several times in a specific order. They are linked by intermediate steps which mark the transitions.

The sardanists in front of the town hall
Sardan dancers in front of the town hall, © OTI PyMed – Bettina Bauer

Today, sardanas are danced everywhere…

… In everyday clothes, at the slightest festive occasion! From the invitation to enter the dance, people put bags and other belongings on the ground in the center of the circle and get in place to dance.
Folk costumes are put on for more traditional exhibitions, especially during Easter festivities, accompanying the “Goigs dels Ous”, Pentecost and Christmas. Festa Major, the village festival.

Want to join the dance?

Our foment “Els Amics Sardanistes de Sorède” around its very dynamic President Roland Llong, brings together Catalan people or not, who love Catalan culture and traditions and want to bring life to the town. Our association offers the discovery of music, initiation to dance and its regular practice throughout the year as well as participation in village events.

Introduction to sardanas, Place Combes, Sorède
Introduction to sardanas, Place Combes, Sorède

From September to June we meet on Fridays from 17:30 p.m. to 19 p.m. at the Salle des Fêtes in Sorède to exchange, dance, learn, improve in all friendship and conviviality.

In July and August, We take part in the summer activities by dancing every Tuesday evening on the Place République in the village for our own pleasure and to introduce the sardana to our summer friends, give them their first notions and invite them to join us in the round.

Introduction to sardanas, Place de la République, Sorède
Introduction to sardanes, Place de la République, Sorède, © OTI PyMed – Bettina Bauer

Our association defends the values ​​of friendship and conviviality around one of the strong symbols of Catalan culture. Come join us, year-round or during a festive summer evening!

Let's dance the sardana!

Themes

Bettina

About Bettina

Travel advisor at the Pyrénées Méditerranée Tourist Office, in charge of publications and the website, based in Sorède.
Hyperactive and always ready for anything, Bettina is fully involved in the life of the Albères region and in numerous activities organized by the PyMed Tourist Office. In love with her adopted home, she proves every day—despite her charming accent—that she is a true Catalan at heart. Her invaluable and insightful advice is a sure bet for discovering the destination.

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