Barcelona in 2024: A Guide to the Best Festivals and Events Happening in 2024.
Barcelona is a city rich in cultural traditions and fiestas, and that is especially true in 2024, when the Catalan capital will host a variety of festivals, concerts, fiestas, carnavals and events that will appeal to all tastes and interests. So, if you are looking for culture, music, art, gastronomy, or just some great fun, you will find something to enjoy in Barcelona in 2024. Here are some of the best festivals, fiestas and events in Barcelona in 2024 that you should not miss.
New Year’s Eve and Three Kings’ Day
The year starts with a bang in Barcelona, as thousands of people gather in Plaça de Catalunya to celebrate the arrival of the new year with fireworks, music and champagne. The party continues until dawn in the many bars, clubs and restaurants that offer special menus and entertainment for the occasion.
On January 6th, Barcelona celebrates the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, which is the traditional day for exchanging gifts in Spain. The night before, the three kings (Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar) arrive in the city on a boat and parade through the streets on floats, throwing sweets to the children. The next morning, the kids wake up to find their presents under the tree or in their shoes, and enjoy a special cake called “roscón de reyes”, which has a hidden surprise inside.
Barcelona Carnival 2024
In February, Barcelona turns into a colorful and festive city, as it celebrates Carnival, the period before Lent. The main event is the arrival of the Carnival King, who brings joy and mischief to the city, and challenges the authorities with his witty speeches. The king is accompanied by a parade of floats, dancers, musicians and performers, who fill the streets with music and confetti.
Another highlight of Carnival is the orange fight, or “taronjada”, which is a symbolic battle between the king and his followers, using orange balloons and confetti. The Carnival ends with the burial of the sardine, a mock funeral that marks the end of the festivities and the beginning of Lent.
Easter in Barcelona 2024
Easter, or “Semana Santa”, is a religious and cultural celebration that takes place in March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. It commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and involves a series of processions, ceremonies and traditions.
One of the most impressive processions is the one of the “Crist de Lepant”, a wooden statue of Christ that is said to have moved its arm to avoid a cannonball during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The statue is carried by members of a brotherhood, who wear hooded robes and walk barefoot through the streets of the Gothic Quarter.
Another tradition is to eat “mona de pascua”, a cake decorated with chocolate eggs and figures. This is given by godparents to their godchildren on Easter Monday.
Sant Jordi 2024
Sant Jordi, or Saint George, is the patron saint of Catalonia. His feast day, on April 23rd, is one of the most romantic and cultural events in Barcelona. It is also known as the Day of the Book and the Rose, as it is customary to exchange books and roses with your loved ones.
The streets of Barcelona are filled with stalls selling books and roses. During Sant Jordi many authors and celebrities sign their works and greet their fans. The most emblematic place to visit on this day is the Casa Batlló, a modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudí. The house is decorated with roses and inspired by the legend of Sant Jordi and the dragon.
Sónar and Primavera Sound Festivals 2024 Barcelona
Barcelona is a music lover’s paradise. In May and June, it hosts two of the most important and popular music festivals in Europe. Sónar and Primavera Sound.
Sónar is a festival of electronic music and digital culture. This summer festival features both established and emerging artists, as well as exhibitions, workshops and conferences. Sónar is divided into two parts. The first is Sónar by Day, which takes place in the Fira Montjuïc.The night concerts are Sónar by Night, which takes place in the Fira Gran Via.
Primavera Sound is a festival of indie, rock, pop and alternative music. This festival attracts some of the biggest names in the international scene, as well as new and emerging talents. Primavera Sound takes place in the Parc del Fòrum. This is a large venue by the sea, which offers several stages, food trucks, markets and chill-out areas.
Sant Joan 2024
Sant Joan, or Saint John, is the summer solstice, and the shortest night of the year. It is celebrated on June 23rd, and it is one of the most festive and lively nights in Barcelona. It is also known as the Night of Fire, as it involves bonfires, fireworks, sparklers and firecrackers. The fireworks are meant to scare away the evil spirits and welcome the new season.
The best places to enjoy Sant Joan are the beaches, where people gather to light fires, dance, drink and swim. Another option is to go to the Montjuïc hill, where there is a spectacular pyrotechnic show at the Magic Fountain.
Grec Festival Barcelona 2024
The Grec Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in July, and offers a wide range of shows and performances, such as theater, dance, music, circus and cinema. The festival takes its name from the Teatre Grec, an open-air theater inspired by the ancient Greek theaters, which is the main venue of the festival.
The Grec Festival also uses other spaces around the city, such as museums, parks, gardens and theaters, to showcase the best of the local and international artistic scene. The festival is a great opportunity to discover new and innovative proposals, as well as to enjoy some of the classics of the stage.
Festa Major de Gràcia
The Festa Major de Gràcia is the biggest and most colorful street festival in Barcelona, which takes place in August, in the neighborhood of Gràcia. The festival is a celebration of the local identity and culture, and involves the participation of the residents, who decorate their streets with recycled materials, creating amazing and creative themes and scenes.
The festival also offers a variety of activities and events, such as concerts, dances, workshops, games, contests and exhibitions. The most popular events are the “castellers”, or human towers, and the “correfocs”, or fire runs, which are typical Catalan traditions that involve skill, courage and teamwork.
La Diada and La Mercè 2024
September is a month of national and local pride in Barcelona, as it hosts two important festivals: La Diada and La Mercè.
La Diada, or the National Day of Catalonia, is on September 11th, and commemorates the fall of Barcelona to the Spanish troops in 1714, after a long siege. The day is marked by political and cultural demonstrations, as well as floral offerings to the monuments of the Catalan heroes.
La Mercè, or the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, is on September 24th. La Mercè is the patron saint of Barcelona. The festival is a tribute to the city and its people. There are a wide range of events and activities, such as concerts, parades, shows, exhibitions and sports. Some of the highlights are the “gegants”, or giant figures, the “sardana”, or Catalan folk dance, and the “piromusical”, or fireworks and music show.
Conclusion
Barcelona is a city that is buzzing with life, and that is especially true in 2024. This year it will host a variety of festivals, concerts, fiestas, carnavals and events. All are sure to add some fun and excitement to your visit. The above are the regular fiestas and events. We will add more festivals, fiestas, concerts and exhibitions as they are announced.
