The Barcelona Calendar 2021 – Holidays and festivities to plan your year

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.

Barcelona Calendar - Calendar of holidays and festivities in Barcelona 2021
Barcelona Calendar 2021

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.

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