Month: December 2020

The Barcelona Calendar 2021 is finally here with the dates of all next year’s public holidays, so you can start planning.

The year 2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for many. We’re sure it’s not just us looking forward to bidding this year farewell. So let’s look at the Barcelona Calendar 2021 and discover something to look forward to in 2021!

We’ve put together this Barcelona Calendar with all the city’s public holidays, including local festivities and special events, to ensure you don’t miss out on time with your loved ones, which is more special now than ever.

Bookmark this Barcelona Calendar with all of 2021’s holidays and refer back to it throughout the year.

1 January – New Year’s Day

However you choose to spend the first day of 2021 – whether a meal with your loved ones, going to the cinema, or exploring the city’s festive events – we wish you all the best for the New Year!

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

6 January – Three Kings Day

The day the Three Kings arrived bearing gifts for the baby Jesus is the main gift-giving day in Spain. Celebrated across the country by young and old, be sure to catch this year’s Three Kings Parade broadcast live on TV as the Magi come to Barcelona, as welcomed by the city’s mayor, Ada Colau.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

12 February: Santa Eulàlia

The Day of Santa Eulàlia, co-patron Saint of Barcelona, is celebrated with many cultural events and activities for all ages. Please note this day on the Barcelona Calendar is a working day and all shops are open.

Working day? Yes

Will shops open? Yes

14 February: Carnival

The well-known festival of Carnival (known as Carnestoltes in Catalonia) is celebrated around the world seven weeks after the first full moon following the winter solstice.  Get your costumes ready!

Working day? Yes

Will shops open? Yes

Holy Week: Palm Sunday, 28 March – Easter Saturday, 3 April

A week-long religious celebration, if you happen to be in Barcelona this time of year, get ready to be awed by magical parades and to try the tastiest Easter treats.

2 April: Good Friday

Good Friday marks the start of the long Easter weekend on the Barcelona Calendar. Despite Barcelona not being known for its Easter celebrations, you’ll still be able to catch some spectacular Easter parades in the centre of the city.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

4 April: Easter Sunday & 5 April: Easter Monday

A big event in the religious year, Easter is celebrated in Barcelona with parades, masses and family meals. It’s typical for children receive a “Mona de Pasqua” from their godparents or grandparents. This round sweet brioche cake was traditionally topped with a hard-boiled egg, but now comes in all shapes and flavours.

Working days? No

Will shops open? No

23 April: Sant Jordi

One of the most-awaited days on the Barcelona Calendar is Sant Jordi: the Catalan’s very own Valentine’s Day. Be sure to visit the bookstalls lining the city’s main streets and buy a rose for that special someone.

Working day? Yes

Will shops open? Yes

1 May: Labour Day

Labour Day is celebrated around the world to honor workers and additionally marks the beginning of spring.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

24 May: Pentecost/Whitsun

The Pentecost, or Whitsun, is celebrated 50 days after Easter and is often called Second Easter.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

24 June: Sant Joan

Get ready for fireworks, fun and entertainment: the Summer Solstice, which occurs on the longest day of the year, is known as Sant Joan in Barcelona. This celebration that marks the beginning of the warmer months normally takes place on the beaches with bonfires and live music.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

11 September: The National Day of Catalonia

Known as La Diada in Catalan, this day on the Barcelona Calendar commemorates those who defended Barcelona during the Spanish War of Succession.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

24 September: La Mercè

In this week-long celebration of music and culture, the streets of Barcelona come alive with an array of free concerts and events. Check out last year’s programme to know what to expect.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

12 October: The National Day of Spain

The National Day of Spain commemorates when Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

1 November: All Saints’ Day

The 1 November celebrates all those who are no longer with us. It comes the day after La Castanyada – a day known throughout Catalonia for its roasted chestnuts and other sweet treats. Why not try your hand at making the typical panellets? Check out our recipe here.

Working day? No

Will shops open? Yes

6 December: Day of the Constitution & 8 December: The Immaculate Conception

These two holidays are often combined to form the December long bank holiday weekend. If you’re visiting Barcelona, check out our guide to Eixample for the best sightseeing and accommodation tips.

Working day? No

Will shops open? Yes

25 December: Christmas Day

Celebrated all around the world, if you’re spending Christmas in the city you can check out our handy guide here, with everything you need to know about the local Christmas markets, New Year’s fireworks and nativity scenes.

Working day? No

Will shops open? No

We hope this Barcelona Calendar 2021 comes in useful when planning the upcoming here. And if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in 2021, be sure to check out our blog with all the latest tips for enjoying the city like a local and also check our long term and short term apartment rentals in Barcelona.

Christmas in Barcelona is almost here. With only ten days to go until Christmas Eve, we’ve put together this article bringing you the best that Christmas in Barcelona has to offer.

From traditional Christmas markets and fairs for those last-minute gifts, festive events for all the family and the best Catalan traditions, get ready for a Christmas in Barcelona that you’ll never forget.

This year Christmas in Barcelona is going to be different from past years. Please always check the most up-to-date COVID-19 regulations before visiting and always respect social distancing and capacity limitations.

Christmas in Barcelona: Nativity Scenes

Christmas in Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without visiting the traditional nativity scenes around the city. These scenes that represent the birth of Christ are also very typical in Catalan homes, and you’ll find many market stalls selling delicate, hand-made figures.

This year, as mentioned, Christmas in Barcelona will be a little different. The city mayor has decided not to have the city’s most typical Nativity Scene in Plaça de Sant Jaume to avoid large crowds of people. However, there will be a free photo exhibition of the city’s nativity scenes over the past decade at the City Hall.

Below are some smaller nativity scenes that are open to the public:

Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes

Open from Saturday 12 December to 2 February, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, visit this beautiful nativity scene sculpted by local artists in the heart of this royal monastery. It is closed on Christmas Day and 2 January.

Address: Baixada del Monestir, 9, 08034 Barcelona

Museu Frederic Marés

This classic nativity scene can be visited in the patio of this art and culture museum in the centre of Barcelona. It is open from 28 November to 2 February, and closed on bank holidays. Please check check the exact opening times at the link below, where you can also book advance.

Find more information in English about the city’s nativity scenes and book in advance here.

Address: Plaça Sant Iu, 5, 08002 Barcelona

Christmas in Barcelona: Christmas fairs and markets

Synonymous with Christmas in Barcelona are its fairs and markets selling everything from nativity scene figures, including the famous caganer, and Christmas decorations to homemade crafts and gifts, sweet treats and much more!

This year, there will be a range of local fairs and markets scattered around the city and in spacious squares, all in line with current COVID-19 restrictions, including one-way routes around the stalls and restricted capacity.

Not to be missed is the Sagrada Família Christmas Fair, open every day until 23 December. What’s more, the Santa Llúcia Fair in the Cathedral square is the city’s oldest fair, and dates back to 1786. Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance and visitors contact details will also be taken.

For a list of all the city’s festive fairs and markets, including their exact locations and opening times, click here.

Christmas in Barcelona: Cursa dels Nassos

This Christmas in Barcelona, why not get a kick start to the new year by taking part in one of the city’s most emblematic runs? The Cursa dels Nassos takes place on 31 December for participants to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new with the last run of the year.

This 10 km circular route starts on the Llevant beach and finishes on Passeig Marítim del Bogatell. What are you waiting for? Find more information here.

Christmas in Barcelona’s Plaça Catalunya

This Christmas in Barcelona, find fun and festivities for all the family in the city’s central Plaça Catalunya. From the 19–30 December, enjoy free arts and crafts, workshops, live music and much more.

Don’t miss out on this exciting program activities! Advance booking is necessary to secure your place and comply with COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Find out more and book online here.

New Year in Barcelona

This year’s new year celebrations will be slightly more modest and in line with current restrictions. The city curfew will be extended to 1:30 am to allow for celebrations with no more than 10 people.

Despite there being no large-scale parties to dance away 2020, a spectacular 15-minute firework display will follow the 12 chimes of the bell at midnight. It visible from most parts of the city and will also be shown on TV for everyone to welcome in the new year from home. Find more information here.

The Three Kings in Barcelona

On 5 January 2021, the Three Kings will arrive in Barcelona and receive the keys to the city to make sure they can deliver their gifts to all the children of Barcelona.

Unfortunately, this year the parade will not be open to the public, but the arrival of the Three Kings will be broadcast on TV for everyone to watch in the safety of their own homes. Find more information here.

We wish you all the best this Christmas in Barcelona. Be merry and stay safe!