In Catalonia, food and drink are not just for sustenance – they have become an integral part of the culture. The result is a year-round calendar packed with gourmet events: fairs, festivals and themed celebrations that add a playful dimension to the world of food and wine, where gastronomy becomes a great reason to celebrate life. The weekly markets that dot the region are excellent places to get a feel for the towns and villages, many of which have stalls where farmers sell their produce directly to consumers. Celebrations, festivals and fairs centred around food often combine music, art, theatre or literature with the culinary experience. Wine also has its own events, from new-wine festivals to long-established fairs, where visitors can discover the unique characteristics of each wine region and witness the thriving state of the Catalan wine sector.