The Festa de la Ratafia in Santa Coloma de Farners is the big celebration of Catalonia’s herbal liqueur. Every November, for four days, the town fills with ratafia stalls, tastings, music and tradition, and at the weekend the central squares become a fair that draws people from all over Catalonia.
Santa Coloma is known as the capital of ratafia: many homes in the area still make it with herbs gathered in the woods, and the Confraria de la Ratafia keeps alive a ritual with torches, a banner and a recipe book. Can Micos is just 5 km away, about 10 minutes by car. We are Carmen and Dani, and we have been hosting groups for over 26 years.
| When | Every November, Thursday to Sunday |
| Where | Centre of Santa Coloma de Farners; the fair is in Plaça Farners |
| Organised by | Confraria de la Ratafia and Santa Coloma town hall |
| Programme | ratafia.cat |
| From Can Micos | 5 km, about 10 minutes by car |
What ratafia is
Ratafia is a dark liqueur made by steeping green walnuts in aguardiente with herbs, flowers and spices: mint, thyme, rosemary, fennel, lemon verbena, orange blossom, cinnamon, cloves… There is no single recipe. Each household balances sweet and aromatic herbs in its own way, which is why every ratafia tastes of the place where it was gathered.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Spring | Herb Market: the plants are bought and gathered |
| Sant Joan (June) | Green walnuts are picked and maceration begins |
| Summer | About 40 days in sun and dew, stirred now and then |
| November | Filtered and ready: festival and contest |
| Christmas | On the table after family meals |
How the festival works
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Thursday | Torchlit procession of the Confraria and opening concert |
| Friday | Nit de la Ratafia: gala with the contest winners |
| Saturday | Fair all day, tastings, castellers, giants and a dance at night |
| Sunday | Ratafia race, fair, family shows and closing ritual |
Saturday morning is the best time to wander the stalls in Plaça Farners, taste ratafias from different producers and chat with the makers. In the afternoon come the human towers (castellers) and giants, and at midnight the Ball de la Ratafia. Sunday is calmer and family-friendly. To taste, you usually buy a festival glass with tasting tokens, and keep the glass as a souvenir.
The homemade ratafia contest
The heart of the festival is the contest of homemade ratafias: hundreds of entries each year from people across the region. The winner becomes keeper of the ratafia banner for twelve months and hands it over at the next year’s closing ritual.
A ratafia weekend from Can Micos
Saturday morning: Farners Castle
- Santa Coloma
- Walk
Before the fair, climb to the medieval castle above the town for views over La Selva in autumn colours.
Midday and afternoon: the fair
- Plaça Farners
- Tastings
Stalls, tastings, herb talks and concerts. Buy a bottle of craft ratafia to take home.
Evening: fireplace at the farmhouse
- Can Micos
- After dinner
Dinner for the whole group and the fireplace lit, with the ratafia you bought at the fair.
Ratafia is strong: if you are tasting, organise transport. From Can Micos it is only 10 minutes, so let someone who is not drinking drive, or take a taxi back. More ideas in our La Selva guide.
Can Micos: a holiday home 10 minutes from the Ratafia Festival
Can Micos is an 18th-century Catalan farmhouse in Riudarenes (Girona) rented in full to groups of 16 to 25 people, between the Montseny and the Costa Brava.
4.8 out of 5 on Google, with more than 220 reviews from groups who have stayed.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Ratafia Festival in Santa Coloma de Farners?
Every November, from Thursday to Sunday. The fair atmosphere is at its best on Saturday and Sunday. Check exact dates on ratafia.cat.
Is there an entrance fee?
Walking around the fair and most street events is free. Tastings are paid, usually with a festival glass and tasting tokens.
What is ratafia?
A Catalan liqueur made by steeping green walnuts, herbs and spices in aguardiente. The walnuts are picked around Sant Joan, the mix rests about 40 days in the sun and is then filtered.
Can we go with children?
Yes. There is a family area with shows, plus giants, castellers and open-air concerts.
Where can a group stay near the festival?
Can Micos is in Riudarenes, 5 km from Santa Coloma de Farners. It is an 18th-century farmhouse rented as a whole to groups of 16 to 25, with fireplace and central heating for November nights.
Shall we send you a quote?
Tell us your dates and how many you are and we will reply in about 30 minutes with the exact price.
Ask for a quote Message us on WhatsApp