Here is the Barcelona Calendar 2023, with everything you need to plan the upcoming year, with a total of 14 national holidays to which local councils can add up to four additional holidays.
So whether you’re planning a New Year’s getaway, and Easter break or a summer holiday, don’t forget to check our Barcelona Calendar 2023 to plan your trip in advance and enjoy some of the local festivities the city has to offer.
Table of Contents
Sunday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
Happy New Year!
The first day of the Barcelona Calendar 2023 is normally a family affair – think a large meal or recovering from the night before.
We recommend checking your favourite bars and restaurants in advance to confirm whether or not they’ll be open. If you’re looking for some local recommendations, check out our favourite Catalan restaurants in Barcelona.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Friday, 6 January: Three King’s Day
Three King’s Day celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, bearing gifts for baby Jesus, also known as the Epiphany or Twelfth Night. This day is celebrated throughout Spain with gifts, roscón – a sweet brioche-like pastry seasoned with orange blossom and topped with candied fruit – and a local procession, or cabalgata on 5 January.
Check out our article on Three King’s Day in Barcelona to make sure you don’t miss out on the festivities!
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Sunday, 12 February: Santa Eulàlia
Santa Eulàlia is known as the daughter or second patron saint of Barcelona. She is also the patron saint of sailors and is said to protect against droughts and provide safety when travelling via sea.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Thursday, 16–22 February: Carnival
The dates of Carnaval, or Carnival, change every year as this holiday takes place seven weeks after the first full moon after the winter solstice. Join in the celebrations in Barcelona!
Working day? Yes
Will shops open? Yes
Sunday, 2 April – Saturday, 8 April: Holy Week
Holy Week is celebrated throughout Spain and is a huge event on the Barcelona Calendar 2023. The kids are off school and the city welcomes processions, a range of events and activities, plus exciting sweet treats!
Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Saturday.
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
On the Barcelona Calendar 2023, Good Friday is a national holiday. You will come across Easter processions and shops will be closed.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Sunday 9 & Monday, 10 April: Easter Sunday & Easter Monday
Two of the biggest holidays on the Barcelona Calendar 2023 are Easter Sunday, a national holiday throughout Spain, and Easter Monday, a holiday in Catalonia. Be sure to get your mona de Pascua in a local bakery – these chocolate eggs come in various forms, from animals to popular characters from films and books.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Sunday, 23 April: Sant Jordi (St George’s Day)
Sant Jordi is one of the most cherished holidays in Catalan culture. This eagerly awaited festivity fills the city’s streets with books, roses and romance.
The city’s main streets are lined with book stalls and many book stores welcome writers for book signing events and more.
Working day? No
Will shops open? Yes
Monday, 1 May: Workers’ Day
International Workers’ Day is a holiday in many countries around the world, supporting the rights and fair conditions of all workers, and celebrating achievements in employment law.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Sunday, 28 May: Second Easter
Second Easter is also as the Pentecost and is celebrated fifty days after the resurrection of Christ.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Friday, 23 June–Saturday, 24 June: Sant Joan (St John’s Eve)
Sant Joan celebrations start on the eve of this holiday, on Friday 23 June. Expect bonfires on the beach, fireworks galore on what will be a night to remember!
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Tuesday, 15 August: Feast of the Assumption
In mid-August this much-awaited holiday often coincides with many local festivities and festivals, namely the Festes de Gracia in Barcelona. Find our Top 7 Tips to Celebrating the Festa Major de Gràcia here.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Sunday, 24 September: La Mercè
This festivity on the Barcelona 2023 calendar is to commemorate Our Lady of Mercy. Although the official dates are yet to be confirmed, in the week running up to this holiday, you can expect a plethora of live music events on stages throughout the city.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Monday, 11 September: The National Day of Catalonia
Known in Catalan as the Diada Nacional de Catalunya, this special day celebrates the defence of the right and freedom of the Catalan population.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona around these dates to truly immerse yourself in Catalan culture, find out the best location to stay here.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Thursday, 12 October: The National Day of Spain
This day marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Wednesday, 1 November: All Saints’ Day
All Saint’s Day is a national holiday throughout Spain, and is a time of reflection and remembrance of those who are no longer with us.
On 31 October, the region celebrates La Castanyada – a traditional family event where panellets, roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes are on the table of every home.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
Wednesday, 6 December: Day of the Constitution & Friday, 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception
These two holidays are often grouped together for the perfect pre-Christmas break. Many schools and businesses close on the days in between the two holidays, so be sure to check opening times before planning your visit.
Working day? No
Will shops open? Yes (although double check as some businesses may close)
Monday 25 & Tuesday, 26 December: Christmas Day & St Stephen’s Day
Christmas is calling, and what a year it’s been! We can’t believe it’s over but we’re grateful for everything this year has brought us. Now it’s time to celebrate with our families.
Working day? No
Will shops open? No
We hope you find this Barcelona Calendar 2023 useful! Here’s to our best year yet!
You will also like
8 Secrets about Barcelona that are sure to surprise you