When To Go To Barcelona Festivals

It´s well known that the people of Spain like a fiesta, and it seems that at many times of the year there are fiestas every other day in different towns in the country. Catalunya, or Catalonia- a fiercely independent autonomous region in the north-east of Spain- is no different. Here fiestas are called ´festas´. It´s easier to say that way when you have had too much wine.

Barcelona is the self styled capital of Catalonia, and here is where the action gets very busy, as all of the districts in the town hold ´festas´- plus you have the Spanish holidays, the Catalan holidays and the Barcelona holidays. you can start to see why the diary starts to get a little busy.

With Barcelona being such a popular tourist destination, it surprises me that more visitors don´t plan ahead and aim to arrive on a fiesta day. Maybe most people don´t know the dates- so here is a guide to the best days to be visiting Barcelona.

If you stay in the city, we´d recommend renting out one of the many Barcelona flats that are available for rent in the city. For families and friends staying together it´s better value and you´ll end up staying in an apartment with lots of character, rather than a "run of the mill" hotel.

Barcelona Fiestas

Sant Jordi (23rd April)
San Jordi (St George) is the patron saint of Barcelona so this is a great day to be in Barcelona. Men give women a rose and women give their menfolk a book. (Cervantes AND Shakespeare died on San Jordi). Head to Rambla de Catalunya for the busiest action.

Festival de Sant Joan (23/24th June)
This is the Spanish fiesta. Wear earplugs! Fireworks will be being let off around the city on the run in to the 23rd and then on the day you´ll think you are on the set of Apocalypse Now.

Festa Major de Gracia (around mid August)
The Gracia fiesta is the big one. Live music, fireworks, eating and drinking.

(11th September)- Catalunya´s national day
Lots of flags and speeches. Intersting to get an understanding of the Catalan psyche.

Festes de la Merce (around 24th September)
Barcelona's main festival with loads of events. if you go to one fiesta in Barcelona, make it this one. Watch human towers or 'castellers' , live music, firework displays and Cava drinking. There is a great wine tasting festival by the port.

Those are the main ones. Christmas and New year are also fun times to be in the city. And King´s Day, of course, at the beginning of January. This is when all the Catalan kids get their presents from "Els Reys de Orient". There are also plenty of holidays scattered in between so don´t be surprised if there are lots of siesta going on!

Barcelona Flats
Rent a flat with a garden in central Barcelona