Catalonia is basically one giant party calendar, and honestly, you’re gonna want to book your trip around at least one of these epic festivals. From fire-running devils to human towers and logs that poop presents (yes, really), the Catalan festival scene is unlike anything else in Europe. Whether you’re into wild beach parties, flower-filled streets, or just want to see locals doing absolutely mental things with fireworks, 2026 has got you covered.
This guide breaks down the best festivals month by month so you can plan your Catalonia adventure around the celebrations that match your vibe. Trust me, you’ll want to experience at least a few of these.
January Festivals in Catalonia 2026
January kicks things off with one of the most magical events for families: the Cavalcada de Reis (Three Kings Parade) on January 5th. This is when the Three Wise Men arrive in Barcelona and cities across Catalonia, throwing sweets to kids from elaborately decorated floats. It’s like Christmas part two, and the atmosphere is absolutely electric.
You’ll also catch Festa Major de Sant Antoni around mid-January in various towns, celebrating Saint Anthony with animal blessings, bonfires, and traditional dancing. January in Catalonia can be chilly, so pack layers—but the festival spirit will keep you warm.
February Festivals in Catalonia 2026
February is when Catalonia goes absolutely wild with Carnival celebrations. The star of the show is Sitges Carnival, running from February 10-18, 2026, which attracts over 300,000 visitors with its outrageous parades, drag queens, and non-stop beach parties. Fat Tuesday (February 17th) is the biggest party night.
Barcelona also celebrates the Santa Eulàlia Festival in early February with parades, castellers, and traditional Catalan culture. Don’t expect warm weather—it’s still winter—but the party atmosphere makes up for it. Pro tip: Book accommodation in Sitges months in advance if you’re planning to hit that carnival.
March Festivals in Catalonia 2026
March brings the charming Sant Medir Festival around March 3rd. This Barcelona tradition involves a pilgrimage to the Sant Medir chapel, followed by candy-throwing parades through the Gràcia neighborhood. Literally thousands of kilos of sweets get tossed to crowds—wear comfortable shoes and bring a bag.
Spring starts showing up by late March, making it a lovely time for exploring local food fairs and smaller village celebrations without the summer tourist crowds. The weather’s getting better, and Catalans are ready to spend more time outdoors.
April Festivals in Catalonia 2026
April 23rd is Sant Jordi’s Day, and it’s honestly one of the most romantic and culturally significant days in Catalonia. The tradition? Men give roses to women, women give books to men (though everyone’s pretty flexible about this nowadays). La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia transform into open-air bookshops and flower markets. It’s also UNESCO World Book Day, celebrating the deaths of Shakespeare and Cervantes.
Easter (Semana Santa) also falls in early April 2026, with Good Friday on April 3rd. You’ll see religious processions, especially in smaller towns, and bakeries sell special Easter sweets called monas de Pasqua.
May Festivals in Catalonia 2026
May is all about Temps de Flors in Girona, running from May 9-17, 2026. The entire historic center transforms into a floral wonderland with art installations in courtyards, on staircases, and throughout medieval streets. The cathedral steps alone use thousands of blooms. Best part? It’s completely free.
Spring is prime festival season, with food and wine events popping up across Catalonia. The weather’s perfect—warm but not scorching—making May ideal if you want to avoid peak summer crowds while still enjoying outdoor celebrations.
June Festivals in Catalonia 2026
Sant Joan (June 23-24) is the absolute wildest night of the year. Celebrating the summer solstice, Catalans hit the beaches for bonfires, fireworks, and all-night parties. In Barcelona, beaches like Barceloneta host massive gatherings with live music and correfocs (fire runs where people dressed as devils chase you with fireworks—it’s insane but so much fun).
The tradition involves jumping over flames, eating coca (a sweet flatbread), and staying up until sunrise. Fair warning: it gets crazy crowded, and the city basically doesn’t sleep. June 24th is a public holiday in Catalonia, so everyone’s out celebrating.
July Festivals in Catalonia 2026
July brings countless Festa Majors (neighborhood festivals) across Barcelona and coastal towns. You’ll find open-air concerts, street parties, and traditional celebrations everywhere. Music festivals like Festival Cruïlla (July 8-11) bring international artists to Barcelona’s seaside Parc del Fòrum.
Summer’s in full swing, which means peak tourist season and higher prices. But the beach vibes, long daylight hours, and non-stop festival atmosphere make it worth dealing with the crowds. Book accommodation early and stay hydrated—July gets hot.
August Festivals in Catalonia 2026
Festa Major de Gràcia (August 14-20, 2026) is Barcelona’s most impressive neighborhood festival. Around 23 streets and squares in the Gràcia district get completely transformed with elaborate decorations created by residents competing for prizes. We’re talking full-on themed street art made from recycled materials—it’s absolutely stunning.
There’s also live music, traditional dancing, and plenty of vermouth drinking. August is peak tourist season and blazing hot, so arrive early in the day to beat crowds and heat. The decorated streets are the main attraction, but the community atmosphere is what makes it special.
September Festivals in Catalonia 2026
La Mercè (September 20-24, 2026) is Barcelona’s biggest festival, honoring the city’s patron saint. Over 500 activities include castellers (human tower competitions), giant parades with massive puppets, correfocs, concerts, and traditional dances. Most events happen around Plaça de Jaume in the Gothic Quarter.
The human towers are genuinely incredible—teams build 6-10 story human pyramids, with a small child climbing to the top. It’s both terrifying and mesmerizing to watch. September is perfect weather-wise: still warm but not oppressively hot, and tourist crowds are thinning out.
October Festivals in Catalonia 2026
La Castanyada is Catalonia’s autumn tradition, celebrated around All Saints’ Day (November 1st). Families gather to eat roasted chestnuts (castanyes), panellets (sweet marzipan balls), sweet potatoes, and drink sweet wine or Muscatel. Street vendors set up chestnut-roasting stalls, filling the air with that amazing autumn smell.
Wine harvest festivals also happen throughout October, especially in regions like Penedès and Priorat. It’s grape-crushing season, making it perfect for wine tourism. October weather is mild, and you’ll experience authentic Catalan traditions without summer crowds.
November Festivals in Catalonia 2026
November is quieter festival-wise, but All Saints’ Day (November 1st) brings families to cemeteries to honor deceased relatives with flowers and candles. It’s a more solemn, reflective tradition, but you’ll still find local food fairs and autumn celebrations.
This is off-season for tourism, which means better deals on accommodation and a more authentic local experience. The weather’s cooler, so pack warm layers if you’re visiting in November.
December Festivals in Catalonia 2026
December brings magical Christmas markets throughout Barcelona and Catalonia, with the most famous at Fira de Santa Llúcia near the Cathedral. You’ll find traditional nativity figurines, including the hilariously unique Caganer (a pooping figure hidden in nativity scenes for good luck).
Caga Tió is the weirdest, most wonderful tradition: families “feed” a log from December 8th onward, then on Christmas Eve, kids hit it with sticks while singing songs until it “poops” out presents and candy. New Year’s Eve (Cap d’Any) features the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. Barcelona’s main celebrations happen at Plaça d’Espanya with fireworks and parties.
Tips for Planning a Festival Trip to Catalonia in 2026
Book accommodation early for major festivals like Sant Joan, Festa Major de Gràcia, and La Mercè—hotels fill up months in advance. Consider staying in nearby neighborhoods or towns and taking public transport to festival areas.
Transportation during festivals can be packed. Barcelona’s metro runs extended hours during major events, but expect crowds. Walking is often faster for shorter distances.
Cultural etiquette: Catalans take their traditions seriously, but festivals are welcoming to visitors. Don’t be shy about participating, but be respectful during religious processions. For correfocs, wear old clothes and cover exposed skin—those sparks are real.
Budget wisely: Major festivals mean higher accommodation prices. Eating at local spots away from festival centers saves money, and many festival activities are completely free.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Catalonia for festivals?
May, June, and September offer perfect weather and incredible festivals without peak summer crowds. Sant Joan (June 23-24) and La Mercè (September 20-24) are absolute must-experiences.
Are Catalonia festivals family-friendly?
Most festivals welcome families, especially the Three Kings Parade, Sant Jordi, Temps de Flors, and Festa Major de Gràcia. Correfocs can be intense for young kids, but designated “children’s” fire runs are safer and gentler.
Do festival dates change each year?
Some festivals have fixed dates (Sant Jordi is always April 23rd), while others like Carnival and Easter shift based on the lunar calendar. Check specific 2026 dates when planning your trip, as this guide provides confirmed dates where available.
Catalonia’s festival calendar is packed year-round, offering everything from ancient traditions to modern celebrations. Whether you’re watching human towers defy gravity, dodging firework-wielding devils, or simply enjoying books and roses on Sant Jordi, you’ll experience the heart of Catalan culture. Pick your festivals, book early, and get ready for some seriously unforgettable experiences in 2026.
