Many popular festivals and events take place in Barcelona throughout the year.
Festivals
Carnival
February-March
Parades and dances characterise the lively carnival of Barcelona, which has its peak in the “Rua", the great parade that starts from Plaça d'Espanya, crosses the centre of the city and ends with the “burial of the sardine” in Montjuic, marking the beginning of Lent.
Festes de Sant Eulalia
February 12
The festival of Saint Eulalia, first patron saint of Barcelona, takes place at the beginning of February and goes on for about ten days. On this occasion, many popular celebrations and cultural events are organised.
Feria de Abril de Cataluña
End of April-beginning of May
Parc del Forum
Underground: El Maresme/Forum
The large Andalusian community living in Barcelona celebrates this famous festival of southern Spain by dancing flamenco and sevillanas and tasting the typical dishes of their land.
Festa dels Cors de la Barceloneta
First weekend of June
Underground: Barceloneta
Groups of inhabitants of the Barceloneta parade in the main streets of this district wearing traditional costumes, playing and dancing as a tribute to a 150-year-old tradition.
Verbena de San Joan
June 23
The longest night of the year is celebrated in all the neighbourhoods of the city. Many young people spend the night on the beach at Barceloneta eating ‘coca’ (typical cake of this celebration) and shooting firecrackers.
Gran Trobada d'Havaneres
Last Saturday of June
Passeig Joan de Borbó
Underground: Barceloneta
Event popular amongst the eldest inhabitants of the maritime district of the Barceloneta that recalls the time when Cuba was a Spanish colony and its trade relations with Catalonia were very intense. The havaneres used to be sung by Catalan sailors to express their nostalgia for the beautiful Caribbean island. During the evening the "cremat", a traditional rum-based drink, is offered.
Festa Major del Raval
Mid July
Main squares and streets of the Raval district
Festa Major de Gracia
Mid August
One of the most beautiful popular festivals of Barcelona takes place in the middle of August in the Gracia district, where many concerts and folk events take place in all the main squares and streets, which are decorated for this occasion.
Festes de la Mercè
Week ending on September 25
Main city squares
The main popular festival of Barcelona takes place at the end of September as a tribute to the second patron of the city. Besides the several concerts, there are also folk events such as the human castles of the castellers, the Sardana dance and the parades of devils, giants and correfocs (fire runs).
Festa Major de la Barceloneta
Last week of September
Barceloneta district
Concerts, dances, tasting of local dishes and fireworks are part of the programme of the festival of this lively maritime district.
Events
Sonar
Mid June
This is the most important festival of electronic music in Europe. It takes place at the “Fira de Barcelona" and in some of the main concert halls of the city.
Festival del Grec
End of June-beginning of August
The "Grec" is the main summer festival in Barcelona and offers a rich programme of music, theatre and dance. It is hosted by many theatres all over the city, including the Grec, a theatre inspired by ancient Greek architecture and built at the beginning of the 20th century, from which the festival takes its name.
Ciutat Flamenco
End of May
Mercat de les Flors
Carrer de Lleida, 59
Underground: Poble Sec
Another festival hosting some of the most famous flamenco dancers and singers. It takes place in some of the main theatres of Barcelona, including Palau de la Musica Catalana, Liceu and Luz de Gas.
Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona
End of October to beginning of Decembe
Amongst the most famous European jazz festivals, it takes place in many concert halls, including Palau de la Musica, L'Auditori and Luz de Gas.