What to do in February in Barcelona
February in Barcelona; generally a quieter tourist month, making it a fine time for visiting the city’s top sights and enjoying the local Carnival, Santa Eulàlia & Llum Barcelona celebrations. Let’s not forget the tradition of barbecuing strange shaped onions in the countryside with friends and loved ones – We would definitely recommend!
As the high season begins to pick up in March, this is your last chance to go sightseeing without tackling big crowds of people. And with Valentine’s Day, Santa Eulàlia, and Carnival all taking place on the weekend of the 14th, there will be plenty to do and see. February really is the perfect time to be a tourist in your own city.
What to do in February in Barcelona?
Events in February
Important dates
Carnival in Barcelona & Sitges
Sitges Carnival ranks among the world’s top 10, drawing over 250,000 visitors during its 7-day celebration with spectacular parades, lively shows, and unforgettable parties. Renowned as Spain’s greatest party, Sitges transforms into a 24/7 fiesta throughout Carnival week.
Sitges Carnival always starts on the Thursday prior to Ash Wednesday. The Carnival ‘officially’ begins when the King of Carnival arrives in town, and ends when he departs on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent).
While the carnival is a beloved event for everyone, it is especially popular within the LGBTQIA+ community, in part because of Sitges’ reputation as Europe’s gay capital. Although Sitges Carnival is not exclusively a queer event, you cannot deny the influence that this community has on the local celebrations. The town proudly embraces its diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
The streets come alive with people of all ages wearing extravagant costumes, socialising, singing, dancing, and partying late into the night. Bars and nightclubs host celebrations from dusk until dawn, alongside drag shows, contests, concerts, fireworks, traditional dances, and much more.
- 7th February - 18th February
- Catalonia
- More info
Saint Eulàlia
The Santa Eulàlia festivities, also known as La Laia, is arguably Barcelona’s biggest Winter celebration and is held around the 12th February each year.
- 12th February
- City Centre
- Website
Valentine's Day
While Catalonia celebrates its own romantic day, Sant Jordi on 23rd April, the global charm of Valentine’s Day is growing. The 14th of February is the perfect occasion to show affection to your loved one in Barcelona.
The city offers a variety of romantic experiences, from a leisurely walk along the beach to a rejuvenating spa day or a cozy candlelit dinner. In Barcelona, the possibilities for a perfect celebration are endless.
- 14th February
- More info
February in Barcelona: Art, Music & Culture
Llum Barcelona
Every February, alongside the Santa Eulàlia festival, Barcelona shines with Llum Barcelona, a fusion of art and technology through luminous installations. The Poblenou neighbourhood transforms into a vibrant canvas of light, illuminating the city’s façades to celebrate its history and culture. Most of the 30+ installations are open-air and free to explore, fostering a festive, participatory atmosphere, with only four set indoors.
Chinese New Year
Being one of the largest and most vibrant events of February in Barcelona, the Chinese New Year celebrations are held annually at the Arc de Triomf. The festival offers activities for all ages and interests, such as a lively parade, a food fair showcasing traditional Chinese cuisine, as well as kung-fu performances, dance, art, and music installations. Simultaneously, the Barcelona Huaxing Arts Group, the Fundació Institut Confuci de Barcelona, and Casa Àsia, offer additional exhibitions, readings, ceremonies and educational events centered around Chinese culture and the New Year all throughout February.
- 7th - 8th February
- Free of charge
- Arc de Triomf
- Website
Black Music Festival
- 6th February - 21st March
- Free - €77
- City Centre
- Website
BCN Sports Film Festival
- 23rd February - 3rd March
- Free of charge
- City Centre
- Website
40th Goya Awards
After more than 25 years, the Goya Awards are returning to Barcelona in 2026, marking the 40th edition of Spain’s most prestigious film ceremony. The Goya Awards, often called the Spanish Oscars, recognize the best Spanish films, directors, actors, and technical achievements each year.
The Goya Awards 2026 will include a rich program of public events – including film screenings, exhibitions, and meetings with industry figures – alongside educational programs for children and underrepresented communities, highlighting Catalonia’s growing film industry. The city will also host urban installations, such as seven giant statues and a City Hall photocall, in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the awards beyond the gala itself.
- 28th February
- Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB)
- Website
International Vintage Car Rally Barcelona-Sitges
Since 1959, this vintage car rally has been held annually, and is one of the oldest and most famous car rallyes in all of Europe, giving collectors and vintage car enthusiasts alike the opportunity to view and participate in the 46km drive along the coastline from Barcelona to Sitges. This year in February, the rally will take place for the 68th time, showcasing over 70 vintage cars and motorcycles produced between 1898 and 1936. Participants are asked to dress up in costumes belonging to the era of their vehicle, thereby creating an atmosphere that invites audiences to immerse themselves fully in this historic event.
- 28th February - 1st March
- Free of charge
- Barcelona - Sitges
- More info
Flavours of February
Barcelona Wine Week (BWW)
Barcelona Wine Week (BWW) is Spain’s premier wine event, bringing together the country’s top wine producers and industry experts. While it’s primarily focused on showcasing wines to local and international media, it also offers a unique opportunity for wine lovers to explore and appreciate wine on a deeper level. With tastings, workshops, and expert-led sessions, BWW provides an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to expand their wine knowledge and indulge in some of the finest selections Spain has to offer.
- 2nd - 4th February
- €50+
- Recinto Montjuïc
- More info
Calçotada
If you live in Barcelona, you’ve probably noticed the arrival of calçots in local markets and grocery stores. Calçotadas are traditional Catalan barbecues that take place from January to April, the focal point being, of course, the fresh calçot course.
Grilled over an open flame, these sweet onions are peeled and dipped in rich romesco sauce, making for a delicious (and messy) experience. While you can find calçotades in Barcelona city centre, the best way to enjoy one is in the countryside (Valls, Sitges, or Castelldefels) where the tradition truly comes to life.
February in Barcelona: Other Events & Activities
Hyundai Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks
Runners from across the globe eagerly sign up to take on this scenic route through the heart of Barcelona. The Hyundai Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks is one of the city’s premier half-marathon events, attracting a diverse mix of participants, from athletes striving for record-breaking times, to amateur runners looking to challenge themselves in a world-class race.
- 15th February
- Sold out
- City Centre
- 21 km
Gaudí Year Activities
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of the famous modernist architect Antoni Gaudí in 1926, Barcelona is organizing many architectural events throughout the year. The large variety of exhibitions invites audiences to connect more deeply with Gaudí’s work and his life, and cast a light onto both his famous and his lesser-known projects.
Both Casa Batlló and Sagrada Família are hosting different interactive events in the coming months. And since the 31st of January, a new contemporary art exhibition, ‘Beyond the Façade’, has opened on the second floor of Casa Batlló, offering the perfect opportunity to visit – or revisit – this work of Gaudí’s in February. The gallery can be viewed both alongside a visit to Casa Battló or separately.
- 31st January - 17th May
- €15
- Barcelona
World Capital of Architecture 2026
This year, Barcelona has also been nominated as ‘World Capital of Architecture 2026’. In order to showcase everything the city has to offer, Barcelona has organised many events, installations, and walking tours that center around creating an awareness of its historic and modern architecture. These projects examine the city’s ever-shifting role in the face of a growing population and the continuous threat and pressures of climate change on urban spaces.
February in Barcelona offers exhibitions, such as ‘Margins. The environmental services of the urban ecosystem’, the ‘Welcome to the World Capital of Architecture’ installations, as well as many other activities throughout the city, which offer a unique opportunity for locals and internationals alike to look past the famous facades of the city and explore the spaces between and beneath what is familiar.
- 2026
- Free of charge
- Barcelona
- More info
Free Museum Days
As a tribute to the Patron Saint of Barcelona (Santa Eulàlia), several local museums are open to the general public for free during the festivities. Not only that, but a select number of museums offer free entry on specific days throughout the week or month. Check out our detailed guide below for more information!
Skiing
Grab your skis and goggles – Barcelona is just a short trip away from some fantastic ski resorts!
During the Winter months, the Pyrenees offer a great alternative to the crowded Alpine resorts, with quieter slopes and a more family-friendly atmosphere. The closest options (La Molina, La Masella, and Port del Comte) are just two hours from Barcelona by car or train. Check out our guide below for more information on Skiing in Catalonia!
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