What's on in El Vendrell

El Vendrell is the capital of the Baix Penedès, a working Catalan town a little back from the Costa Daurada coast, with its beach district out at Coma-ruga and Sant Salvador. It's the birthplace of the cellist Pau Casals, and it takes its music and its festivals seriously — it's also one of the great human-tower (castells) towns of Catalonia.

The events run year-round and a bit off the usual tourist track. La Capital del Foc ties in with a children's book launch, El Remolí showcases young contemporary art, and out on the coast the Turismar fair at Coma-ruga marks the start of the seaside season. Here's what's on while you're here.