What holidays, celebrations and festivals can you look forward to in Barcelona in 2026?

The Spanish are a nation very careful about their traditions and Catalans in this they are no exception. Whenever there is an opportunity for celebration or exuberant revelry, they wait for nothing and take advantage of this opportunity. During each year, several celebrations, holidays or festivals take place in Barcelona, ​​which you as a tourist can also join. 

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Feast of the Three Kings

The first major holiday after the beginning of the year in Barcelona is the celebration of the Advent of the Three Kings associated with the worship of Jesus Christ (sometimes also called the Epiphany or Epiphany). The whole event in Barcelona starts on the evening of January 5, when a ship with three wise men from the East appears in Port Vell (usually around 16.30:XNUMX p.m.). From where a long procession full of acrobats, clowns or elves, who carry goodies for children, will set off on a sleepy ride through the city. 

The procession normally starts at the lower entrance to the city park (Parc de la Ciutadella) and continues along Carrer de Marques de l'Argentera and Via Laietana and ends at Pl. de Carles Buïgas, on the square not far from Barcelona's Magic fountain. More information and program 2024.

February

Llums Barcelona

An annual three-day festival of light art that you can enjoy in Barcelona under the cover of darkness in several places. It takes place at the beginning of February, this year 2-4. February Learn more

Carnival in Barcelona

It is far from being as popular as the one in Rio, but even so, the Barcelona Carnival is getting more and more attention every year. The history of the Carnival in Barcelona goes back to the distant past – the first mention of it appeared as early as 1333! For the inhabitants of the city, this is the last chance to "snort" a little before the upcoming fast, which ends with the Easter holidays. 

If you happen to be in Barcelona during Carnival (February 8-14), it's probably clear what you can expect: music, exuberant merriment, dancing and, of course, long mask parades or popular balls. At the beginning, you can traditionally meet here with the election of the king and queen, and at the end of the carnival event with the burial of the sardine (Burial of the Sardine). Yep, you heard that right – the Spanish hold parades to mourn the death of a fish. Needless to say, the whole thing is a bit of exaggeration and theater, a bit in the style of our burying the bass. Seeing the procession of people in black carrying a fish (often larger than life) is really worth it! There is usually a lot of eating (e.g. tapas) and drinking, so people are in a good mood and it's fun for the onlookers. 

The main procession usually goes through Av. Parallel 

The date of the carnival changes every year because it depends on the lunar calendar: it is held seven weeks after the first full moon after the winter solstice. The carnival festivities begin on the so-called Fat Thursday and end on Ash Wednesday, when the sardine is said goodbye, usually by burning it. Learn more

Carnival in Sitges

February is carnival season, and it's not just for Barcelona. If you would like to take a trip, I recommend the dates 8-14. February look to Sitges to the local traditional carnival. It is one of the oldest in the whole Catalonia and according to many it is one of the events of this type in Europe. Every year there are over 40 allegorical chariots, 2500 dancers and masks and over 300 spectators from all over the world. You can see one main parade on Sunday, the other on Tuesday. Learn more

Celebrations of St. Eulalia

Saint Eulalia is considered one of the patrons of Barcelona (she has "her own" in the city Cathedral). In the first half of February (February 9-12), big winter celebrations dedicated to this saint are held in the city, and an unusual spectacle awaits you with parades, a display of local traditions such as giant figures (gigantos), running with fire (correfoc), dance ensembles with a demonstration of sardana, human towers (castellers), masks of dragons, devils and many other things. Part of the celebration is the Day of Open Doors to Lots museums, monuments and other iconic buildings in Barcelona. Be sure to find out where you can peek everywhere for free. Large attractions such as Sagrada Família... Learn more

March

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Duben

Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter

In Barcelona, ​​like here, they commemorate the last week of Jesus' earthly life, his death on the cross and his resurrection. Spain is a very religious country, so if you're walking around the city during Holy Week, you're bound to come across one of the local ceremonies.

Holy Week traditionally begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter. In this period, the processions of penitent brotherhoods are typical for all of Spain, including Barcelona. You won't be mistaken for them, because they are wearing a long hood and a mask transitioning into a non-traditional pointed cap. If you watch it with children, it's quite possible that the scene will scare them...

During Easter there are a lot of people in Barcelona who have come to enjoy the holidays or to join in one of the celebrations. They culminate on Easter Sunday, and the center of all events is the local area Cathedral on Pla de la Seu.

Public holidays in Barcelona are on Good Friday and Easter Monday. On these days, all large shops and centers are closed (Maremagnum in the harbor is partially open). Restaurants and bars operate normally throughout the holidays, monuments and attractions mostly too - but always better to check their website.

Saint George's Day

In the second half of April, namely April 23, you can look forward to another nice holiday. It is the Festa de Sant Jordi, the feast of the patron saint of Catalonia, which is considered a kind of day for lovers. On this holiday, don't miss a walk along the La Rambla, where there are many more stalls and traders than on usual days.

If you discover the beauty of Barcelona in April, you can let yourself be carried away by early music concerts in Barri Gotic, flamenco, jazz music or guitar solos.

May

Spanish Grand Prix

May in Barcelona traditionally belongs to motor sports - the circuit in nearby Montmeló is held every year Spanish Grand Prix. If you want to see Formula 1 or motorcycle races with your own eyes, definitely don't hesitate and go to this traditional circuit to see for yourself...

June

Primavera Sound music festival

The Primavera Festival is one of the most popular music events that takes place in Barcelona every year at the beginning of summer. A huge music festival that lasts several days and takes place by the seas of the Parc del Forum, hosts the big stars of world pop and rock. Over the years that Primavera has been held, stars such as Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Blur, Cure or Pixies have taken turns here. 

Each year, the festival also includes a rich accompanying program, which takes place directly on the festival grounds or in one of the clubs around the city. 

More information can be found at festival website.

A night of bonfires

If you visit Barcelona during the summer months, be sure not to miss the "Night of Fire" (la Nit del Foc) held every year on June 23, when the whole city is lit up with fireworks, bonfires on the beaches, drums and general merriment.

Sonar Festival

Sonar – a festival of music, technology and creativity, June 16-18

July

Festival del Grec

In July, you can enjoy the Festival del Grec, which is the biggest summer festival in the area. Theater performances, dance performances and musical evenings are included. The festival takes place at the Théâtre Grec on Montjuic hill.

Feast of Sant Jaume (Sant Joan)

It is a celebration of the summer solstice and one of the most important holidays in Catalonia. Most of the celebrations take place from June 23 to 24, sometimes even a day later (e.g. island Formentera, where Jaume is the patron saint of the island). During the holidays, various celebrations, processions and events are held and organized as needed running with fire, fireworks, concerts and other cultural entertainment. 

August

August in Barcelona is marked by folk dances, concerts and parties in the district Gràcia (Festa Major d Gràcia), it usually takes place in the third week of August, in 2024 it is from August 15 to 21. 

September

September 11 is the National Day of Catalonia (Diada Nacional de Catalunya) commemorating the defeat of Catalonia in 1714 by Spanish and French troops. Expect celebrations and lots of closed shops and other establishments as it is a public holiday.

Favorites start in the week of September 24 La Mercè celebrations (Festa de la Mercè), festivities in honor of Barcelona's patron saint. Colorful processions of giants, masks, giant heads, fire-breathing dragons and dancers of the traditional Catalan sardana dance go through the city, or you will come across parades human towers (castells).

October

The first week of October begins the Festa Major de Les Corts. So the main celebrations in barcelona district Les Corts. Everything will take place between October 4 and 13, and you can look forward to more than 200 cultural, historical, musical and sports activities at 30 different locations. The program will tell you more. 

November

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December

They are mainly in December Advent, Christmas and Christmas Day celebrations and also the upcoming arrival of the new year. All monuments are open with the exception of reduced opening hours on Christmas Day and the closing days of December 25 and January 1. So if you're heading to Barcelona at the end of December, you definitely don't have to worry. 

List of all other festivals and celebrations