Source: Bert Kaufmann
People travel from far and wide all round the year to visit one of the world’s most famous cities, Barcelona. For a city, Catalonia’s largest metropolis has it all: food, culture, art, architecture, sport and a whole lot more. It’s a city that prides itself on its own unique identity, and there are events throughout the year that mirror this. Barcelona is a city loved by travellers of all ages, who come to experience everything from local fiestas to internationally renowned music festivals. Whatever time of year it is, Barcelona will not disappoint.
Barcelona in Spring – March to May
Source: robin robokow
The season of birth and renewal in Barcelona is full of things to see and do. With Easter right in the middle of spring, this has always been a special season in the city. There are both traditional festivities that have been celebrated for centuries and more modern events, such as the Primavera Sound festival which attracts music lovers from all over the world. The city’s special cultural mix is on show, meaning that there are a great many things going on that appeal to young and old, and all kinds of interests are catered to.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Source: Sergio Uceda
The spectacular Semana Santa festival runs for eight days around Easter. There are a number of processions that you can watch or get involved in, such as the Virgen de la Macarena parade which runs up to Barcelona Cathedral. It is colourful, decorative, and jovial, and if you are lucky enough to be travelling to Catalonia at this time of the year, you will enjoy the community feel. Everywhere you go there will be religious imagery, and stalls selling goods and food such as sweets.
Other Spring Events
Information
- Name: Primavera Sound Music Festival
- Event Date: Between the end of May and the beginning of June
- Place: the Sound Festival Venue: Parc del Forum
Information
- Name: La Diada de Sant Jordi or ‘Lovers’ Day’
- Event Date: April 23rd
- Place: All over the city
Barcelona in Summer – June to August
Source: Sayamindu Dasgupta
With it being situated on the coast, Barcelona is famous during the summer for its beaches on the Mediterranean, which is unusual for a city of its size and reputation. It’s hot but not overbearing, and although it is a relaxed place, there are plenty of lively events and festivals to get involved in. One of the most anticipated nights of the year falls during this season; the party night of Sant Joan.
Sant Joan
Source: Gràcia Decideix
From June 23rd to June 24th, the city comes alive. There are fireworks, performances, and all kinds of celebrations as people take to the streets to celebrate the feast of St. John. Locals can be found reveling pretty much everywhere as the whole city lets its hair down. There is drinking, singing and dancing, and if you are in Barcelona at this time, it’s unmissable.
Other Summer Events
Information
- Name: Sala Montjuïc Cinema and Music Festival
- Event Date: July 6 – August 8
- Place: Montjuïc Castle
Information
- Name: Sonar Music Festival
- Event Date: Mid-June
- Place: Fira Montjuïc
Barcelona in Autumn/Fall – September to November
Source: Nicolas Vigler
With the summer disappearing, the temperatures at this time of year go down. It is a comfortable time to visit Barcelona, but it’s still warm enough to visit the beach. There are still lots of great events to see and do, with more religiously focused festivals and also international cultural festivals happening. There’s the fun party week of La Merce for example, and there’s also the traditional event of La Castanyada, which dates back hundreds of years.
La Castanyada
Source: Lali Masriera
The day after Halloween, November 1st, sees one of Catalonia’s more interesting festivals. The event takes place of over the province, and is centered around one main theme: sweet food. There are cakes and pastries being sold, but what you should really look out for are the roasted chestnuts, from which the festival gets its name, and the small cakes called panellets. If you like the smell and taste of sweet things, then on this day you can experience both all over Barcelona.
Other Autumn/Fall Events
Information
- Name: Catalan Region National Day
- Event Date: September 11th
- Place: Rafael Casanova to Ronda Sant Pere
Information
- Name: La Merce
- Event Date: September 24th
- Place: All over the city
Barcelona in Winter – December to February
Source: Ernst Moeksis
Winter is a festive season all across Europe, and there are few places better to go to than Barcelona. With Christmas and New Year within a week of each other, it is that magical time of year that is impossible not to love. There are great Christmas markets and events across the city, so although it’s not hot, it is well worth visiting during the coldest season of the year. One such market is the Santa Llucia, which runs annually in December.
Santa Llucia Christmas Market
Source: OK Apartment
The backdrop to the market is the beautiful cathedral, which adds to the atmosphere of Santa Llucia. There are many gifts on offer from many different stalls, and it is an aesthetic pleasure to walk around and see all the goods on offer. There are a lot of hand-made items on offer, so if you want to buy a gift there is a personal touch. The narrow lanes and centuries old surroundings make it particularly special, and it’s not to be missed if you’re in Barcelona at this time of year.
Information
- Name: Placa Catalunya Ice Rink
- Event Date: Placa Catalunya
- Place: November to January
Information
- Name: Plaça Sant Jaume Nativity Scene
- Event Date: December
- Place: Plaça Sant Jaume
Have a good trip and travel!
