The best street and neighbourhood Festivals in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city of celebration. With over 90 Festes Majors taking place throughout the year, there is always a festival, holiday, or parade to find. Showcasing festive elements such as human towers, giants, and traditional Catalan and Spanish music, the street and neighbourhood celebrations are a beautiful example of Barcelona’s year-round lively, passionate, and vibrant atmosphere.
Most festivals take place in late summer and fall, and each neighbourhood in Barcelona hosts a signature Festa Major for its residents. Each Festa Major is unique, boasts with its own special history and traditions, and is definitely worth experiencing.
Check out our comprehensive list of some of the most spectacular celebrations below!
Festa Major in Barcelona
January
Festa dels Tres Tombs
The Tres Tombs Festival is celebrated on 17th January every year, and pays homage to Saint Anthony (Sant Antoni), the patron saint of animals. In his honour, a musical parade featuring horses and other animals, called a cavalcade, winds through Barcelona’s city centre (specifically in the Sant Antoni and Sant Andreu areas). The parade is recorded as having taken place since 1825.
A key part of this tradition is the religious element, where participans of the parade stop in front of the Escola Pia de Sant Antoni or at the church in Plaça d’Orfila (Sant Andreu). Here, the animals receive a special blessing. This blend of cultural, historical, and spiritual significance makes the Tres Tombs Festival a cherished event in the city’s calendar.
- 17th January
- Sant Antoni neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major de Sant Antoni
The Festa Major de Sant Antoni is Barcelona’s first major celebration of the year, bringing vibrant energy to the Sant Antoni neighbourhood. This week-long festival marks the start of the city’s annual cycle of events, blending tradition, culture, and community spirit.
One of its most beloved highlights is the Giants Parade, where towering, colourful papier-mâché figures, the ‘gegants‘, representing historical and mythical characters, march through the streets to the sound of music and dance. As night falls, the ‘correfoc’ takes over, with participants dressed as devils lighting fireworks and running through the streets in a thrilling “fire run,” filling the air with sparks, drums, and excitement.
The festival is a celebration of Catalan culture and local traditions. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, live music, and community meals, while the Sant Antoni Market buzzes with tastings of local delicacies and artisan crafts. Religious elements also play a key role, with a blessing of animals in honour of Sant Antoni, the patron saint of animals. It’s a lively, family-friendly event that kicks off Barcelona’s year of festivities.
- 16th - 25th January 2026
- Sant Antoni neighbourhood
- More info
Foguerons de Gràcia
The Foguerons de sa Pobla de Gràcia is an annual event in Barcelona’s Gràcia neighbourhood, celebrating the Mallorcan tradition of honouring Saint Anthony (Sant Antoni). Established in 1993 by Mallorcan native Antoni Torrens, the festival brings the vibrant customs of Sa Pobla to Barcelona, featuring bonfires, traditional music, and dances. Mallorcan foods are also consumed, and there are a variety of different workshops to attend. Typically held during the last weekend of January, the 2026 edition took place the weekend of the 31st January.
The festivities include lighting bonfires in various streets and squares, such as Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and Plaça del Diamant, accompanied by performances from ‘xeremiers’ (traditional Mallorcan bagpipers) and other folk groups. This event fosters cultural exchange and community spirit through its joyous and celebratory atmosphere.
- 31st January - 1st February 2026
- Gràcia neighbourhood
- More info
February
Santa Eulàlia
The festival of Santa Eulàlia, also known as ‘La Laia’, is one of Barcelona’s largest winter celebrations. Held every year around the 12th of February, this Festa Major honours one of Barcelona’s two patron saints, Eulàlia, who, according to legend, became a martyr for standing up for her religious beliefs in the 4th century. Throughout Catalonia, she still serves as a symbol of justice and solidarity to this day. Her festival includes typical Catalan traditions, such as the ‘sardana dance’, the procession of ‘gegants’ through the city streets, and the human towers, also known as ‘castellers’.
Read more about the festival and the legend of Santa Eulàlia below.
- 12th February
- Barcelona
- More info
March
Festa de Sant Medir
Festa de Sant Medir is one of the most beloved and unique celebrations in Gràcia. Known as the sweetest of the festivals, it features a lively parade, where thousands of candies are tossed into the crowd from horses, floats, and wagons. The highlight of the event is a traditional pilgrimage from Gràcia and Sant Gervasi de Cassoles to the hermitage of Sant Medir, nestled in the Collserola Mountains.
The origins of this festivity date back to 1828, when a local baker, Josep Vidal i Granés, made a promise. Hoping to recover from illness, he vowed to make a pilgrimage to the Ermita de Sant Medir if he were healed. When his health improved, he fulfilled his promise, joined by family and friends. Upon returning, he distributed beans to the crowd waiting for him. Over time, the beans were replaced with sweets, and the tradition grew into the vibrant festival it is today.
- 3rd March
- Gràcia neighbourhood
- More info
Festes de Santa Madrona
Held from the 13th to the 15th of March, this Festa Major honours the almost forgotten third patron saint of Barcelona, Santa Madrona. The entire weekend offers events and activities throughout the Poble-sec neighbourhood, such as the performance of ‘castellers’, or human towers, as well as a ‘botifarrada’, which is a traditional Catalan gathering centered around grilled pork sausages called ‘botifarra’. The festival also includes dances, a chocolate party for children, theatre, music, and workshops of various kinds.
- 13th - 15th March
- Poble-sec
- More info
Festa Major del Pi (Festa de Sant Josep Oriol)
The Festa Mayor del Pi, or Sant Josep Oriol Festival, is a traditional neighbourhood festival held every March in honour of Saint Josep Oriol, known for his humility and dedication to helping the poor. The festivities take place in the area around the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
The event is a vibrant mix of culture, history, and fun, featuring parades with traditional dances and theatrical reenactments, like Perot lo Lladre, the tale of a local thief turned legend. One of the most anticipated moments is the giants’ parade, where the iconic Gegants del Pi (must-see symbols of Barcelona’s folklore) march through the streets, accompanied by traditional music.
The reenactment of the ‘miracle of the coins’ is a family favourite, recreating the saint’s legendary act of turning a radish into coins and distributing them to those in need. Visitors can also enjoy chocolate giveaways, children’s activities, and local dances. The festival culminates in a large gathering celebrating the neighbourhood’s history and its connection to the saint.
Dating back to 1995, the festival has grown into a cherished cultural event for locals and visitors alike. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience Barcelona’s deep-rooted traditions, connect with the Gothic Quarter’s history, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- 23rd March
- Streets surrounding the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi
- More info
June
Festa Major del Casc Antic
The Festa Major del Casc Antic, also known as the Festival of the Old Town, is hosted in the neighbourhoods of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and La Ribera to celebrate their Saint, Sant Pere. Sant Pere (or Peter) is known to guard the gates to heaven, and is portrayed holding the keys to heaven in his hand.
One of the features of this street festival is a large communal meal, serving traditional Catalan food and drink. The traditional Barcelona neighbourhood festival events, such as the ‘castellers’ (towers of people), ‘gegants’, and ‘correfocs’ (fire parades), also take place during this celebration.
- 29th June
- Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and La Ribera
- More info
July
Festa Major del Poble-Sec
The Poble Sec neighbourhood festival is held in mid-July and consists of similar festivities to the other street and neighbourhood festivals in Barcelona. It is coordinated by the Coordinadora d’Enitats del Poble-Sec, and the activities are divided among spaces such as Plaça del Sortidor, Plaça de les Tres Xemeneies, and the Molino Theater. There are plenty of shows, events, and activities for people of all ages. The festival has been celebrated since the 1990s, and it is known for its dancing and music, as well as its ‘castellers‘ (human towers).
- Mid-July (exact dates to be announced for 2026)
- Poble Sec neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major del Raval
If you’re looking for a way to immerse yourself in a wide variety of cultures, then visit Festa Major del Raval. The entire neighbourhood participates in a multitude of cultural activities that are meant not only for adults but also for children. You can find shops, restaurants, communal meals, music, dancing, and art from a multitude of cultures and countries.
The festival is celebrated from the Thursday to the Sunday that fall closest to the day of the Mare de Déu del Carmen (16th July), and spans more than twenty streets and squares in the Raval area.
While the festival is traditionally an homage to the patron saint of the neighbourhood’s main parish, the Mare de Déu del Carmen, it is the intercultural mix that especially characterises the neighbourhood and the festival for decades.
- Weekend before 16th July
- Raval neighbourhood
- More info
August
Festes de Sant Roc
Located at the heart of the oldest neighbourhood in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, it is no wonder that this Festa Major is also the oldest surviving in the city. The Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova have been held every single year since 1589. Due to its extensive history, the organisers of the festival are very passionate about preserving its traditions and sharing them with new generations. Activities include street processions, a greasy pole climbing contest, drinking wine from a special pitcher, called a ‘porrón largo’, and eating ‘pannelets’.
- To be announced for 2026
- Plaça Nova, Gothic Quarter
- More info
Festa Major de Gràcia
Gràcia’s festa major is regarded as the ultimate representation of the neighbourhood’s identity, and one of the biggest street and neighbourhood festivals in Barcelona. The festival consists of a number of events that bring together traditional and popular culture. A portion of the celebration is organised by residents’ groups, each of which is in charge of a particular street or plaza. Due to the involvement of the people of Gràcia, there are now a week’s worth of events taking place in every nook and cranny of the ancient town.
The Fundació Festa Major de Gràcia brings together all of the associations throughout the neighbourhood that decorate the streets and squares, and is the best place to find any specific details about the festival. Each area has its own theme and decorations, and the residents are not afraid to go all out. This is definitely not a festival to miss!
- Week of the 15th August
- Gràcia neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major de Sants
Festa Major de Sants takes place right after Festa Major de Gràcia. The celebration is similar to the one in Gràcia, with residents decorating the streets and organising activities. Festa de Sants celebrates the feast of the patron of the district, San Bartolomé. Activities include ‘bastoners’ (groups of dancers who perform balls de bastons, or stick dances), concerts, workshops, dances and games.
- Week of 24th August
- Sants neighbourhood
- More info
September
Festa Major de Poblenou
Just like most other neighbourhoods in Barcelona, the people of Poblenou also organise different festivities for the whole neighbourhood. There are many different activities one can participate in, as well as cultural events and concerts to attend, all throughout the neighbourhood. Some notable events include community meals, sports competitions, and art shows.
- To be announced for 2026
- Poblenou neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major D’Horta
The Festa Major d’Horta is a festival that takes place in honour of the patron saint, Sant Gaudentius, and dates back all the way to 1731. Each year, the people of Horta take part in a special ceremony in front of the Sant Joan D’Horta parish church. There are concerts taking place, a wide range of children’s activities, sports events, community meals, as well as many of the typical Barcelona street and neighbourhood festival events.
- To be announced for 2026
- D'Horta neighbourhood
- More info
La Mercè
La Mercè is one of the most extensive festivals that takes place in Barcelona every year. Offering over 500 different activities and events, it turns the entire city into one enormous celebration of art, music, tradition, and contemporary culture. The festival pays homage to one of Barcelona’s two patron saints, La Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy), while also showcasing the ongoing creative and vivacious spirit of the city, thereby making it a Festa Major you should not miss!
Read more about the festival and its history below.
- 23rd - 28th September
- Barcelona
- More info
Festa Major de la Barceloneta
Barceloneta is a neighbourhood that has played a very important role in the history of Barcelona. Back in the day, it was a seafarers’ and fishermen’s neighbourhood, but it also had a significant history of workers and craftsmen. The land where Barceloneta is now located was reclaimed from the sea. The Festa is held in honour of Sant Miquel del Port, who was chosen as the neighbourhood’s saint by Sant Miguel, the captain-general of Catalonia.
- 27th - 29th September
- Barceloneta neighbourhood
- More info
October
Festa Major de Sarrià
In the first week of October, the neighbourhood of Sarrià comes alive with its annual Festa Major, a festivity certainly worth attending. The entire community participates, adorning their balconies and building façades with colourful decorations. The streets of the historic centre are filled with the aroma of communal dinners, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A highlight of the festival is the parade, featuring towering giants and other iconic figures.
This festivity is more than just a celebration – it’s a proud affirmation of Sarrià’s unique identity. The Festa Major offers a wide range of activities, from lively musical parades and friendly competitions to breathtaking fire spectacles. It’s a joyous occasion with something for everyone, no matter your age.
- First week of October
- Sarrià neighbourhood
- More info
Festes del Roser (La Rambla en Flor)
The Festes del Roser, or Festa Major de la Rambla, is celebrated on the day of the Mare de Déu del Roser (Our Lady of the Rosary). Dating back to 1962, this beloved tradition is often referred to as the “Flower Festival” due to the abundance of floral displays that fill the city’s streets.
As part of the festivities, several iconic landmarks, including Palau Güell, Palau Moja, and Gran Teatre del Liceu, open their doors to the public for free. This is a unique opportunity to explore some of Barcelona’s most stunning buildings, such as the Museu Marítim, Arts Santa Mònica, Palau de la Virreina, and the Columbus Monument. It’s a celebration that blends culture, history, and beauty, inviting everyone to experience the charm of the city.
- First week of October
- La Rambla
- More info
Festa Major de les Corts
This festivity has already been around for 216 years, and takes place on the second weekend of October. Culture, music, poetry and an array of wonderful activities make this festivity an amazing celebration for the neighbourhood of Les Corts.
While tradition holds deep significance for the Catalan people, this celebration also embraces a modern touch, reflecting the neighbourhood’s cultural diversity. To fully experience the festivities, be sure to visit the three central squares: Can Roses, Comas, and Concòrdia. Like many Catalan festivals, the event revolves around a lively parade featuring the iconic giants. The celebration kicks off with a grand bonfire, followed by a colourful parade and a host of activities for all ages, making it an unmissable event for anyone visiting Les Corts.
- Second weekend of October
- Les Corts neighbourhood
- More info
November
Festa Major del Clot - Camp de l’Arpa
This festival, organised by the neighbourhood El Clot and Camp de l’Arpa, is celebrated in honour of Sant Martí. El Clot, the oldest area in the Sant Martí district, evolved from medieval vegetable gardens and beehives into a 19th-century industrial center. Many of its cultural organisations stem from this era. The Festa Major del Clot reflects this heritage. Festival highlights include the human tower event by ‘Castellers de Barcelona’, cercaviles (a parade of papier-mache giants), and the infamous ‘correfoc’ (fire run) led by the ‘Diables del Clot’.
- First 2 weeks of November
- Sant Martí neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major de la Verneda i Sant Martí
La Verneda, originally part of the ancient village of Sant Martí de Provençals, dating back to the 11th century, remained rural until the 1950s when urbanisation began. The neighbourhood’s festival, organised by the coordinator of Entitats Vern, honours Sant Martí with two weekends of activities in early November. Highlights include ‘cercaviles’ (a parade of giants), ‘castellers de Barcelona’ (human towers), and the traditional Havaneres singing, the ‘cantada d’havaneres’. Sant Martí is celebrated as this neighbourhood’s patron saint, due to the area’s historical link with the Sant Martí de Provençals parish church, named after Saint Martin of Tours.
- First 2 weeks of November, Sant Martí: 11th November
- La Verneda neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major de la Sagrera
Sagrera, historically linked to Sant Martí de Provençals and now part of the Sant Andreu district, began as a small cluster of fortified country houses in the 10th century. It remained sparsely populated until rapid industrialisation in the late 19th century. The neighbourhood’s Festa Major, organised by the Comissió de Festes de la Sagrera, reflects this recent history. Similar to Festas in other neighbourhoods, key events include the procession of giants, dance performances by Esbart l’Estel, and the ‘correfoc’ by the Colla del Drac i Diables de la Sagrera. The festival aligns with the Festa del Crist Rei (Christ the King festival), marking the start of Advent.
- 12th - 22nd November
- Sagrera neighbourhood
- More info
Festa Major de Sant Andreu de Palomar
The Festa Major de Sant Andreu de Palomar starts with a festive ‘explosion’ that showcases the neighbourhood’s rich culture. Included in this celebration are the parade of the giants (cercavila gegantera), the group of trabucaires, with their blunderbusses, the demons (diables), the dancers of the Esbart Maragall and the fire run (correfoc).
On the first day of the festival, a procession takes place around the neighbourhood (cercavila), which is followed by a parade with lights (passada lluïment) and traditional dances. This festivity, similar to those in other neighbourhoods, is one that represents the rich culture of Catalonia.
- To be announced for 2026
- Sant Andreu de Palomar
- More info
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