Looking to explore Barcelona’s top festivals? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, Barcelona’s festivals offer the perfect way to discover the city’s vibrant culture and rich history.
You don’t have to navigate this experience alone—let us guide you through the best events and make sure you don’t miss out.
With our help, you can easily plan your trip:
- Enjoy events like the Three Kings Parade and La Mercè.
- Participate in local traditions, including music, dancing, and festive activities.
- Plan so you won’t miss the top celebrations.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of Barcelona’s festivals, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Let’s begin!
Festivals in Barcelona from January to March
Festivals in Barcelona during this time are filled with celebrations and traditional events that highlight the city’s culture and history.
1. Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes)
Time & Location: The Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) in Barcelona takes place every year on January 5th, the day before Epiphany. The event starts in the afternoon when the Three Kings arrive by boat at Port Vell, around 4:30 p.m. After that, they start their big parade.
Event Details: In Spain, the Three Kings bring gifts to children on January 5th. This is the big gift-giving day. The Kings wear fancy costumes and travel in a parade called the “Calvacada del Reis”. The parade has floats, acrobats, clowns, and elves. The Kings throw candy and small gifts to kids in the crowd.
The parade starts at Parc de la Ciutadella and goes up Carrer de Marques de l’Argentera and Via Laietana, ending in the city center. Music and dancing fill the streets, making the event fun and magical. People of all ages come to enjoy this special tradition in Barcelona.
2. Barcelona Carnival
Time & Location: The Barcelona Carnival takes place every year in mid-February, but the dates change each year. It happens just before Lent begins, a time when people fast for 40 days.
Event Details: Barcelona’s Carnival is becoming more popular every year. Like in other Catholic countries, it’s the last big party before Lent starts. After being banned for many years, the festival is now back and better than ever.
The main event is La Gran Rua de Carnaval, a big parade with people in fancy costumes, floats, and fireworks. The parade usually goes down Av. Paral·lel, one of Barcelona’s busiest streets. It’s a time for everyone to dance and celebrate.
But the wildest party is in Sitges, a small town near Barcelona. It’s famous for its fun nightlife. Many people from Barcelona, especially students, go there in costumes. It’s a crazy party, so be ready for anything! While Barcelona has a great carnival, many people think Sitges has the best one.
See Also Spanish Folklore
Festivals in Barcelona from April to June
Festivals in Barcelona from spring to early summer bring exciting outdoor events, live performances, and colorful parades, showcasing the vibrancy of Spanish culture.
3. Sant Jordi’s Day
Time & Location: Sant Jordi’s Day is on April 23rd every year. It is celebrated in Barcelona and all over Catalonia. The day honors Saint George (Sant Jordi), the patron saint of Catalonia.
Event Details: Sant Jordi’s Day is like a mix of Valentine’s Day and World Book Day. Saint George is famous for fighting dragons and lizards, which made him the patron saint of Catalonia. On this day, men give roses to women as a sign of love. In return, women give men a book to remember the famous writer Miguel Cervantes, who died on this day.
Las Ramblas fills up with flower stalls selling roses. There are also lots of book stalls, and many authors do book signings. The whole city feels lively, with people enjoying the flowers, books, and the celebration of love. Sant Jordi’s Day is one of the most colorful and romantic events in Barcelona.
4. Primavera Sound
Time & Location: Primavera Sound takes place every year from late May to early June in Barcelona. The exact dates change each year, so it’s best to check the schedule.
Event Details: Primavera Sound is a big music festival in Parc del Fòrum, on the northern edge of Barcelona. It takes place in late spring or early summer.
The festival has many famous bands like Radiohead, Arcade Fire, The Pixies, and The Cure. It also has cool indie and dance acts like Tame Impala, Warpaint, and Chromeo. The event attracts people from all over the world. There are also extra concerts in clubs and public places around the city. Some of these are free, and some need tickets.
In 2023, the festival will feature big names like Pet Shop Boys, Blur, New Order, Depeche Mode, Rosalía, and Calvin Harris. It’s a great event for music fans.
5. Sónar Festival
Time & Location: The Sónar Festival takes place every year in June in Barcelona. The dates change each year, so be sure to check for the latest information.
Event Details: Sónar Festival is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world. It’s a huge rave with lots of energy. The festival used to be at the MACBA museum, but it moved to La Fira Montjuïc because it got so popular.
At Sónar, you can see both unknown artists and big names like Chemical Brothers, Pet Shop Boys, and Skrillex. Tickets can be a bit expensive, but it’s still worth coming to Barcelona. The whole week is filled with parties and events.
There are also unplanned concerts and performances in bars, clubs, and even on the beach. It’s perfect for anyone who loves music and fun!
6. Sant Joan Festival
Time & Location: The Sant Joan Festival takes place on June 23 every year in Barcelona.
Event Details: Sant Joan (also called Sant Juan or St. John) is the biggest party night in Spain. This midsummer festival is known for its fireworks and wild celebrations. Since June 24 is a public holiday, everyone parties all night. By morning, only Granny will be asleep!
The best place to celebrate is at the beach. People gather for bonfires, music, and dancing. It’s a night full of fun that everyone in Barcelona enjoys.
See Also Spanish Wedding Traditions
Festivals in Barcelona from July to August
Festivals in Barcelona during the summer focus on music, arts, and local traditions, with events all around the city.
7. La Mercè Festival
Time & Location: La Mercè Festival happens in late September every year in Barcelona.
Event Details: La Mercè celebrates the Virgin of Mercy, who is the patron saint of Barcelona. The festival started in 1687 after the city was attacked by locusts. People prayed to the Virgin, and when the locusts disappeared, they named her the city’s patron saint.
The festival has fireworks, music, and lots of fun activities. One of the main events is human towers (Castells), where people build tall towers with their bodies. Some devils are chased away by the crowd. Many concerts and events happen throughout the festival, making it a lively time for everyone.
8. Festa Major de Gràcia
Time & Location: Festa Major de Gràcia happens every year in mid-August.
Event Details: Festa Major de Gràcia is the most famous neighborhood festival in Barcelona. For more than a week in August, the streets of Gràcia are decorated with colorful paper statues, wooden decorations, and lanterns. Each street tries to have the best decorations.
During the festival, every square becomes a spot for concerts. People enjoy live music and performances. There is also a lot of drinking. Bars and cafes are filled with people, while others drink sangria outside from cartons. The festival has a lively, carnival vibe that everyone can enjoy.
9. La Tomatina
Time & Location: La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday of August.
Event Details: La Tomatina is one of Spain’s most famous festivals, and it’s completely wild. It happens every year in Buñol, near Valencia, about a 4-hour drive from Barcelona. The event starts at 11 am, and buses leave from Barcelona early in the morning to take people to Buñol just in time.
Once the festival starts, people throw tomatoes at each other in a huge, messy battle. It’s like a fruity version of chaos. Many locals from Barcelona travel to Buñol to join the fun, making it one of the most exciting events of the year.
See Also Museums in Spain
10. Grec Festival
Time & Location: The Grec Festival takes place from mid-June to early August each year.
Event Details: The Grec Festival is one of Barcelona’s most important arts events. It showcases theater, dance, music, and more. Performances take place in various venues across the city, including the famous Grec Theatre.
Built-in 1929, this theater is a replica of the ancient amphitheater in Epidauros and offers a beautiful setting for performances. Many shows are in English, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Festivals in Barcelona: A Recap
Festivals in Barcelona are full of energy and fun. They highlight the city’s culture, history, and traditions. From the lively La Mercè festival to the colorful Festa Major de Gràcia, each event is a unique experience. Sant Joan is known for its fireworks and bonfires, while La Tomatina is all about a massive tomato fight.
These festivals let you connect with Barcelona’s past and present. There are celebrations for everything, from religious events to modern music festivals like Primavera Sound. Every festival shows how much the people of Barcelona care about their city and its traditions.
Attending these festivals is a great way to enjoy the art, music, and excitement of Barcelona. It’s a chance to be part of something special and feel the spirit of the city.
