The best street and neighbourhood Festivals in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city of celebration. It feels as if there is always a festival or holiday or parade to find, full of passion and joy and rich with cultural elements. From human towers to giants to traditional Catalan and Spanish music, the street and neighbourhood festivals in Barcelona are no exception. Most taking place in late summer and fall, a signature Festa Major in Barcelona is hosted by each neighbourhood for its residents. Each Festa Major in Barcelona is unique and definitely worth experiencing. Check out the comprehensive list below!
- Festa Major de Gracia
- Festa Major del Raval
Festa Major in Barcelona
January
Festa Major de Sant Antoni
Festa Major de Sant Antoni is the biggest festival meant to celebrate the Sant Antoni neighbourhood in Barcelona. The main party is meant to kick off the start of the all of the celebrations and festivals in Barcelona in the upcoming year. The festivities include a Giants parade and a Correfoc- a group of individuals that dress up as devils and go on “fire runs,” parading through the streets lighting fireworks after dark.
- Date: January 13th to 29th
- Location: Sant Antoni neighbourhood
- Website
Festa Major in Barcelona: Tres Tombs
Tres Tombs festival is one that is deeply rooted in Barcelona’s history. It was started to continue the celebration in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood and to celebrate Sant Antoni himself, or Saint Anthony, who is known as the patron saint of animals. So in his honour, a musical parade of horses and other animals takes place around the central roads of Barcelona. The celebration also has some religious aspects. During the parade, there is a stop at the church in Plaça d’ Orfila and the animals are blessed.
- Date: January 17th
- Location: Sant Antoni neighbourhood
- Website
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, Saint Pedro. Saint Pedro (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. There are also all of the traditional Barcelona neighbourhood festival events- castellers (towers of people), giants, correfocs (fire parades), and more.
- Date: June 29th
- Location: Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and La Ribera
- Website
July
Festa Major Poble Sec
The Poble Sec neighbourhood festival is held from the 14th to the 21st of 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 Castellers (the human towers).
- Date: July 14th to 21st
- Location: Poble Sec Neighbourhood
- Website
Festa Major del Raval
If you’re looking for a way to immerse yourself in not only Catalan culture, but a larger variety, then visit Festa Major del Raval. The whole neighbourhood participates in a multitude of cultural activities that are meant for not only adults but also children. You can find shops, restaurants, communal meals, music, dancing, and art from a multitude of cultures and countries. While the festival is traditionally an homage to the patron saint of the neighborhood’s main parish, the Mare de Déu del Carme, it is the intercultural mix that has characterized the neighbourhood and the festival for decades.
- Date: the weekend before July 16th
- Location: Raval Neighbourhood
- Website
August
Festa Major de Gracia
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 organized 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!
- Date: Week of August 15th
- Location: Gràcia Neighbourhood
- Website
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 organizing 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.
- Date: Week of August 24th
- Location: Sants Neighbourhood
- Website
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.
- Date: September 8th to 17th
- Location: Rambla del Poblenou 49
- Website
Festa Major D’horta
‘Festa Major d’Horta’ is a party that takes place in honour of the patron saint, ‘Saint 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.
- Date: September 10th
- Location: D'Horta Neighbourhood
- Website
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 also has an important past 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 St Michael; the captain-general of Catalonia.
- Date: September 29th
- Location: Barceloneta neighbourhood
- Website
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 worthy of 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.
- Date: First week of October
- Location: Sarrià Neighbourhood
- Website
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.
- Date: October 7th to 9th
- Location: La Rambla
- Website
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 neighborhood 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.
- Date: Second weekend of October
- Location: Les Corts neighbourhood
- Website
November
Festa Major del Clot - Camp D L’arpa
This festivity, 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 bee hives 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 (human towers), cercaviles (a parade of giants), and the infamous correfoc (fire run) led by the Diables del Clot
- First 2 weeks of November
- Location: Sant Martí district
- Website
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. Sant Martí is celebrated as the 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
- Location: La Verduna neighbourhood
- Website
Festa Major de la Sagrea
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.
- Date: November 16th to 26th
- Location: Sagrea neighbourhood
- Website
Festa Major De Sant Andreu De Palomar
The Festa Major de Sant Andrei de Palomar start off with a festive ‘’explosion’’ that showcases the neighbourhood’s rich culture. Included in this festive ‘’explosion’’ are the parade of the giants (cercavila gegantera), the group of trabucaireswith their blunderbusses, the demons (diables), the dancers of the Esbart Maragall and the fire run (correfoc). On the first day, there is a procession 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.
- Date: November 30th
- Location: Sant Andreu de Palomar
- Website
Add a comment