Barcelona - Regular Events
Carnival
A massive carnival is held in Barcelona just before the traditional Lenten fast to celebrate and indulge in what is to become forbidden. This colourful event involves a procession of floats, fantastic food and a funeral at its climax to bury the king of the carnival!
Pilgrimage to the shrine of Sant Medir
Every March hundreds of people follow the pilgrimage to the shrine of Sant Medir during the Festes de Sant Medir de Gracia. The procession of ornately adorned carriages and riders celebrates the patron saint of fava beans by throwing sweets out into the crowds.
The anniversary of Sant Jordi
The anniversary of Sant Jordi (St George), the patron saint of Catalonia falls on April 23rd. A long celebrated holiday in Barcelona, it is tradition for men to give their lady a rose whilst receiving a book in return. More romantic than Valentines Day, the streets are filled with lovers of all ages.
Three Kings Parade
Christmas is celebrated later in Barcelona than anywhere else in Europe with the Three Kings Parade on January 5th. Arriving by boat, the Three Wise Men tour around the city giving out sweets to children. January 6th is the traditional present giving day in Barcelona.
Carnival
A massive carnival is held in Barcelona just before the traditional Lenten fast to celebrate and indulge in what is to become forbidden. This colourful event involves a procession of floats, fantastic food and a funeral at its climax to bury the king of the carnival!
Pilgrimage to the shrine of Sant Medir
Every March hundreds of people follow the pilgrimage to the shrine of Sant Medir during the Festes de Sant Medir de Gracia. The procession of ornately adorned carriages and riders celebrates the patron saint of fava beans by throwing sweets out into the crowds.
The anniversary of Sant Jordi
The anniversary of Sant Jordi (St George), the patron saint of Catalonia falls on April 23rd. A long celebrated holiday in Barcelona, it is tradition for men to give their lady a rose whilst receiving a book in return. More romantic than Valentines Day, the streets are filled with lovers of all ages.
Celebration of written verse
Every May for one week the city of Barcelona covers its public spaces, trains and buses with poetry in a celebration of written verse. Poetry readings, lectures and workshops are all available to the public during this week.
Corpus Christi
On the 3rd of June Barcelona holds festivities for Corpus Christi when the city’s fountains are decorated with beautiful flowers and empty egg shells dance on the water jets. The festivities culminate with a parade of unusual big-headed carnival figures.
European Balloon Festival
In the town of Igualada, about an hour outside of Barcelona, the annual European Balloon Festival is held. Thousands of people come each year to see the brightly coloured balloons lift up into the sky.
Feast of the Assumption
A week long street party is held in the Gràcia district to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Live music, theatre and dance productions are put on and the streets are specially decorated in bold colours and floral designs.
La Mercè Festival
La Mercè Festival held annually honours Barcelona’s patroness: La Mercè (Virgin of Mercy). A fantastic celebration of Catalan culture the festival hosts street parties, concerts and competitions to build the tallest human towers.
Kosmopolis
The biennial Kosmopolis is a literature festival open to all genres. The week long event is packed with readings, lectures and exhibitions. Kosmopolis is held around a central theme with the most recent being global crisis.