Barcelona Festivals
Dia de Sant Jordi (23rd April)
San Jordi (St George) is the patron saint of Barcelona) so this is a wonderful
day to be in Barcelona when the Ramblas becomes a huge flower market and book
stall. Men give women a rose reminiscent of St Valentines Day and women give men
a book in tribute to Cervantes who died on this day in 1616 (Shakespeare died on
the same day).
Festival de Sonar (mid-June)
Barcelona hosts the annual Sonar festival of "advanced music and multimedia art"
according to the brochure. It consists of technology fairs during the day and
music events by night. Hugely popular so book early. [See Sonar Festival
Website]
Festival de Sant Joan (23/24th June)
In the weeks leading up to 23rd June there is a rise in the number of fireworks
being let off around the city then on 23rd it's pyromaniac heaven as everyone
heads down to the beach to celebrate the start of summer with an explosion of
fireworks and bonfires burning on the beaches and all night revellry.
Grec Arts Festival (June-August)
Held at venues all over the city from the end of June through to August this is
the city's largest music, dance and theatre festival. [See
Grecs Arts Festival Website]
Festa Major de Gracia (around 15th August)
This is a week long festival in the streets of the Gracia neighbourhood where a
full scale party takes place with lots of live music, fireworks and heavy
drinking. [See
Festa Major de Gracia Website]
La Diada (11th September)
This fairly subdued affair commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of
Spanish Succession in 1714 resulting in Catalonia losing much autonomy. In 1980
it was officially recognised as Catalonia's national day when political groups
remember those who died in the 1714 siege of Barcelona whilst fighting against
the Bourbon army.
Festes de la Merce (around 24th September)
This is Barcelona's main annual festival with plenty events taking place from
22nd September including competitions to see which group of 'castellers' can
form the highest human tower and processions involving wooden giants. There are
lots of live music events, unbelievable firework displays and heavy consumption
of Cava, the national drink of Catalonia.
[See Festes de la Merce]
Public Holidays in Barcelona (2009)
As well as the festivals listed above there are also local and national
holidays which might take place during your visit. The effect on opening times
of tourist attractions during such holidays will vary so it's best to check the
official websites of these places . The
main shops and banks will close on public holidays though many tourist
businesses will stay open. Most bars and restaurants are unaffected.
1st January - New Year's Day
6th January - Epiphany/Three Kings
10th April - Good Friday
13th April - Easter Monday
1st May - Labour Day
12th May - Pentecost (local)
24th June - Sant Joan (local)
15th August - Feast of the Assumption
11th September - National Day of Catalonia (local)
24th September - La Merce Festival (local)
12th October - Columbus' Day (National Day in the rest of Spain)
1st November - All Saints Day
6th December - Constitution Day
8th December - Immaculate Conception
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day
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