The Exotic Traditions of Begur
The history of Begur dates back to centuries but most of the cultural inheritance comes from the 19th century when there’s been an exodus to the remote territories of the New Continent. The distance didn’t matter much. What mattered was the local precarious economical setting and so around five million people emigrated from Catalonia and all the surrounding regions. Playing with their opportunities, their connections, the entrepreneurial temper and many more in between a few of those prospered in their business and amassed considerable wealth. And some came back to Begur from Cuba and Puerto Rico. Nicknamed as “Indianos”, they began investing in the real estate domain, financing casinos, large urbanization areas and hotel construction, all resembling the colonial architecture of the countries in which they travelled. It was a serious contribution to the local community and thus the old town of Begur resembles Havana rather than an European city. Along with the investments came the lifestyle import from the New Continent. Other areas like gastronomy and music were strongly influenced and this influence can be seen today.
Begur is really proud of its cultural inheritance. Each year, in September, “Feria de Indianos” takes place. Everyone is invited to put on a straw hat or a scarf, dress in white linen garments, drink mojitos, coffee and rum, eat the dishes of the Antilles served in public and dance on Cuban rhythms.
So, if you didn’t visit Costa Brava, you can start with a vacation in Begur, where the landscapes are mixed with exotic traditions.
Free parking at Sa Tuna cove – crowded in the summer: 41.960255, 3.227186
Viewpoint: 41.958364, 3.230982