Local festivals and popular culture
Experience Barcelona like a true local
Barcelona is a city with a lively calendar of festivities and cultural events, where traditions are woven into everyday life. Popular festivals are open gatherings for everyone, the perfect chance to discover the cultural identity of each neighbourhood, join in community life and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and backgrounds.
The city’s major festivals
La Mercè (September)
La Mercè, in honour of Barcelona’s patron saint, is celebrated around 24 September, filling streets and squares across the city with concerts, street arts, castellers (human tower builders), correfocs (fire runs), giants, fireworks and much more. It’s the ultimate celebration of Barcelona’s popular culture.
Christmas (December–January)
At Christmas, Barcelona sparkles with lights, markets and beloved traditions such as the nativity scene and the tió de Nadal – the famous little log in a red Catalan hat that “poops” sweets and presents when children tap it with a stick while singing a festive song.
Barcelona City Council also organises major events such as the Festival in Plaça de Catalunya, featuring music, dance, theatre and circus performances; the spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display above Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina; and the Cavalcada de Reis, when the Three Kings parade through the city on their colourful floats before delivering presents to children.
Santa Eulàlia (February)
Barcelona’s winter festival, dedicated to the city’s co-patron saint, takes place around 12 February. It features family activities, parades of giants, traditional dances, and the dazzling Light Arts Festival Llum BCN.
Sant Jordi (23 April)
One of Catalonia’s most cherished days, when the streets fill with books and roses to celebrate love, literature and Catalan culture. Major avenues across the city are lined with bookstalls and flower stands, with authors signing copies and everyone exchanging roses.
Sant Joan (23 June)
The revetlla of Sant Joan welcomes the summer solstice with community suppers, bonfires, and firework displays all over the city. It’s a night of music, festivity and tradition that marks the official start of summer.
Neighbourhood and district festivals
Every neighbourhood in Barcelona holds its own festa major, with activities that showcase its unique character and community spirit. One of the most famous is the Gràcia neighbourhood festival, renowned for its elaborately decorated streets. The festivals of Sants, Poblenou and Sant Andreu are also much loved, brimming with concerts and popular events.
Highlights of popular culture
Castellers
These breathtaking human towers are a symbol of collective effort and teamwork. In 2010, they were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Sardanes
Catalonia’s traditional dance, performed in a circle to the music of a cobla band. Dancers join hands and alternate short and long steps in graceful patterns.
Correfocs
In these fiery spectacles, groups of devils and dragons charge through the streets with all kinds of fireworks and pyrotechnics, igniting the night with sparks and energy.
Gegants and capgrossos
These giants and big-headed figures represent kings, queens and popular characters, and parade through the streets to the sound of music during traditional festivities.
Balls de bastons
Another of Catalonia’s popular dances, where performers strike sticks to the beat of the music in choreographies full of energy and rhythm.
The role of popular culture in Catalan identity
Popular culture is a vital part of Catalan identity. Festivals and traditions celebrate shared history and collective memory, while also creating inclusive spaces for community life and participation. Joining in is a way to immerse yourself in the life of the city and gain a deeper understanding of the values of community and diversity that define both Barcelona and Catalonia.
You can find more information at Popular Culture.