Autumn is almost here. Though in many parts of the world, people will start putting away their blouses, shorts, and dresses, Barcelona weather will allow us to continue to enjoy a slow and warm transition to autumn weather. There are many festivities coming up this month, but also some of the summer activities such as festivals and movie nights are still going on. Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean the party has to!
Activities and events in September in Barcelona
Bank holidays in September in Barcelona
The National Day of Catalonia, also known as ‘Diada Nacional de Catalunya‘ or simply ‘La Diada’, is celebrated annually on the 11th September. This is a day where Catalan nationalists will pay their respects to fallen soldiers who died defending the city of Barcelona during the siege of 1714. Demonstrations in support of Catalonia’s independence are common, in addition to festivities where traditional Catalan cuisine, culture, and music are shared.
This is known to be the festival of all the festivals in Barcelona. It is a macro-festival that includes separate festivals. The intent of these festivals is to showcase the cultural wealth of Barcelona. Creatives from all around Barcelona come together to showcase all the different art forms, old and new.
The festival takes place every year at the end of September. The official feast day is on the 24th of September. The celebration has been an official holiday of the city since 1871. That year the local government put together different special activities to celebrate the Roman Catholic feast day of La Mare de Déu de la Mercè, also known as the Virgin of Grace.
One can find a basilica in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, dedicated to a patroness saint. In 1687 Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts. The Consell de Cent (Governmental Institution of Barcelona) voted to ask the Virgin for help in fighting the insects. After the city was cleared of the insects, the Virgin of Grace was recognized as the patroness of Barcelona.
Like many of the other Catalan festivities, giants known as ‘gegants i capgrossos’ and ‘Castellers de Barcelona’ play an important role in showcasing tradition. Other traditions included in the festival are the Catalan Wine Fair, special correfoc, the pyro-musical and the ‘Cursa De La Mercè‘. There are about 600 activities taking place in the city in honour of this celebration. To bring the people of Barcelona knowledge from other cultures, a different ”Guest City” is invited each year to present its artists and culture.
September in Barcelona: festivities
La Setmana del Llibre en Català
This week is all about… you’ve guessed it; books! More than 200 exhibitors will showcase the diversity of Catalan literature. The first Catalan book week took place in 1983 and has now grown into an amazing weeklong event full of activities for both children and adults. The event is free for everyone and the date and program can be found on the website.
Festa Major d’Horta
The first festivity in the month of September is the ‘Festa Major d’Horta’. It is a party that takes place in the neighbourhood called ‘Horta’. The festivity is celebrated in honour of the patron saint, ‘Saint Gaudentius’, and dates back all the way to 1731. On September 10th of 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, and community meals.
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.
Brunch in the Park
September is the last month to enjoy Brunch in the Park! This amazing festival takes place every Sunday. The festival takes place outside, so it is perfect for catching those late summer sun rays.
Mas i Mas Festival
The same goes for the Mas i Mas festival as it does for ‘Brunch in the Park’; September is the last month where you can visit the festival. This music festival takes place all over the city and showcases an incredibly wide range of musicians and music genres.
BAM Festival
Get in your last summer music festival at BAM (Barcelona Accio Musical) Festival! In celebration of the La Mercè festivities, there is a series of free, outdoor concerts all throughout the city of Barcelona. Not only are the concerts free, there are concerts in every genre of music. From electronic to pop to rock, everyone can find a show for them at Bam Festival!
Other events in September in Barcelona
Work in Barcelona! Job Fair
At Barcelona Expat Life, we connect job-seekers with prominent recruiters through multiple career events each year. The Barcelona job market has a lot to offer to people looking for jobs in their native language who have a variety of skills and interests. At the events, job-seekers can mingle with job market leaders in a casual, comfortable setting in the heart of Barcelona.
Every year, up to 8,000 runners participate in the 10 kilometres route through the streets of Barcelona. The Cursa de la Mercè will take place along with the 2K MERCÈ Inclusive Race. This race is of 2 kilometres for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. The general feel of excitement in the city is magnetic and will without a doubt motivate you to get on those running shoes as well.
European mobility week
Barcelona is taking part in European Mobility Week. Barcelona City Counci, the city’s organisations and associations, have planned over 100 activities. Join in on some fun to raise awareness and create a cleaner urban lifestyle!
Football Matches
To kick off the beginning of the football season, there are a few home matches in Barcelona that you can’t miss! This year in September there will be four matches up against Osasuna, Real Betis, Celta Vigo, and Mallorca. Click here for more information!
Things to do
Add a comment