April
Sant Jordi
Barcelona celebrates a unique cultural and literary event on the day of Sant Jordi, or Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, as it coincides with World Book Day.
May - June
Primavera Sound
Barcelona's music scene cannot be fully understood without this grand festival, one of the best of its kind in Spain, which now has a twin event in Portugal.
June
Sonar
Barcelona's International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art is a must for anyone interested in electronic music, urban art and multimedia technologies.
July
Cruïlla BCN
Lovers of music in general will always find interesting bands at this diverse festival.
July
Grec Festival
The Grec is an international theatre, dance, music and circus festival that has a long tradition in Barcelona.
August
Festa Major de Gràcia
The raison d'être of the Gràcia Festa Major, the district’s main festival, is the competition between the neighbouring streets. Around twenty of them spend all year preparing for this momentous occasion.
August
Festa Major de Sants
The most popular main festival, after Gràcia's Festa Major, is the one in the Sants neighbourhood.
August
Circuit Festival
For ten days in August, Barcelona becomes the gay capital of the world.
September
Festes de la Mercè
Every year, on and around La Mercè, on 24 September, Barcelona celebrates its Festa Major, or main festival.
October
48H Open House Barcelona
This is the city's main architectural event; an open-doors weekend featuring over 150 buildings of all kinds, shapes and sizes.
November
Manga Fair
The Barcelona fair is the key event for Manga enthusiasts and fans of Japanese culture in Spain
November
Festa Major de Sant Andreu
This old town, which was annexed to Barcelona in 1897, celebrates its traditional Festa Major, the main festival, in honour of its patron saint, Sant Andreu.
December
Fira de Santa Llúcia
Founded in 1786, the city's oldest Christmas market is a must for both Barcelona residents and visitors to the city.
January
Cavalcada dels Reis
In Catalonia, the Christmas festivities end with an event that is eagerly awaited by both young and old: the Three Kings' Parade.
January
080 Barcelona Fashion
The 080 fashion parade is Barcelona fashion's big event. It takes place in January and July.
February
The Santa Eulàlia Festival
Barcelona's winter Festa Major, or Big Festival, is held in January in honour of the city's co-patron saint, St. Eulàlia.
February - March
GSMA Mobile World Congress
Since 2006, the most important mobile telephony fair in the world has been taking place in Barcelona .
March
Zurich Marató de Barcelona
The Barcelona Marathon has become established as one of the big European marathons, together with the ones held in London, Paris and Berlin.
March
BCN Guitar Festival
This is a classic among European music festivals, with an imaginative programme that is rich in contrasts.
Must see
See all events
Festivals
Guitar Festival BCN
This is a classic among European music festivals, with an imaginative programme that is rich in contrasts.
Fairs
Earth Day Market and Fair
This ecological fair aims to support local production and the direct exchange of products and services that respect people and the environment.
Sports
Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Conde de Godó Trophy
This is Barcelona's big annual tennis tournament, where Rafa Nadal is still the undisputed king.
Children
Món Llibre
Founded in 2005, Món Llibre, or Book World, is a children's book festival. There are lots of activities designed to familiarise younger children with books.
Festivals
Modern Circus
World Circus Day is on 19 April. On and around that date, Mercat de les Flors holds a three-week festival packed with a variety of circus acts.
Fairs
Alimentaria: International Food and Drink Fair
This is one of the most important food and drink fairs in the world.
Sports
Barcelona International Polo Tournament
The best polo players and teams from around the world take part in this international tournament.
Popular festivals
April Fair of Catalonia
At the end of April, Parc del Fòrum becomes a little corner of Andalusia for ten whole days.
Festivals
D’A International Auteur Film Festival
The Barcelona International Auteur Film Festival (D’A) is one of Barcelona's top spring cultural events.
Popular festivals
Sant Jordi
Barcelona celebrates a unique cultural and literary event on the day of Sant Jordi [St. George's day], the patron saint of Catalonia, as it coincides with World Book Day.
Festivals
Mecal
Mecal is an annual national and international short-film festival which has grown and grown over the last sixteen years.
Sports
El Corte Inglés Race
Popularly known as La Cursa, this free street-circuit fun run has been held every year since 1979.
Festivals
OFFF Barcelona Festival
Barcelona's International Culture and Digital Art Festival was founded over a decade ago. It focuses on post-digital culture and free contemporary creation.
Theatre and dance
Dansat Festival
Dansat is Barcelona's most important contemporary dance festival.
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Moving around the city
The city has an extensive public transport network connecting its districts.
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Experience Barcelona
In every story, every person. Come and experience it, and fall in love.