Barcelona Events Calendar

bizFlats covers the special events and holidays in Barcelona in our Barcelona Events Calendar to get the best enjoyment out of your stay with us

Top 7 Tips to Celebrating the Festa Major de Gràcia

Natàlia Gibernau

Every one talks about the Festa Major de Gràcia. When you think of August in Barcelona, what comes to mind is sunbathing on sandy beaches, splashing around in the sea, taking a stroll down La Rambla with an ice-cream, and enjoying an ice-cold beer in one of the city’s shaded squares. 

It’s the quintessential Barcelona experience for which everyone comes. And yet, venture north of the city centre, and you might just stumble across something unique.

From 15–21 August, the neighbourhood of Gràcia celebrates its Festa Major. This week-long festival sees the streets of Gràcia come alive with decorations in every colour imaginable and events for all the family.

With concerts, workshops, cultural activities, food and drink stalls, here you’ll find locals and tourists alike celebrating this unmissable event of Catalan culture. Here are our top seven tips to ensure you are part of the festivities!

1. Marvel at the street decorations

If there’s one thing that sets this festival apart from other local festivals in Barcelona, it’s the unique street decorations.

Each street decides on a theme — ranging from historical periods, popular books and films to regions of the world — and competes for the annual prize. What’s more, all decorations are recycled from used materials: strips of plastic bags, cut-up plastic bottles, painted egg boxes and juice cartons, the result is a unique and sustainable work of art!

Festa Major de Gràcia
Festa Major de Gràcia

2. Catch a local concert

Every evening during the festival various streets host live concerts. From local groups, cover bands, karaoke and folk, there’s something for everyone to dance the night away into the early hours of the morning.

Festa Major de Gràcia - Concerts in Barcelona

3. Stroll the streets during the day

Some might think the magic takes place only at night, but take a stroll around Gràcia during the day and you will discover the delights without the crowds. 

With the locals all recovering from the night before, it’s a perfect opportunity to get lost in this picturesque neighbourhood and snap some stunning photographs of the decorations.

Gràcia neighbourhood

4. Visit a war bunker

If you’d like to learn a bit more about the history of the neighbourhood, during the week of the festival you can take a guided visit to one of Gràcia’s 90 air-raid shelters, for only 3 euros per person.

Located in Plaça del Diamant, this shelter is one of the biggest of the city and harboured more than 200 people during the many air raids Barcelona was subject to during the Spanish Civil War.

War bunkers in barcelona

5. Try drinks and food

Gràcia is the ideal place for browsing the local markets and trying homemade delicacies during the day or sipping mojitos at night.

Or if you fancy meeting some locals, why not grab a ticket for a street barbecue (botifarrada)? Here theyserve traditional Catalan sausage and other local dishes. Just fill your plate, pull up a chair, and practice your Catalan!

butifarrada in Festa Major de Gràcia

6. Immerse yourself in Catalan culture

In the heart of Gràcia is the square Plaça de la Vila where locals come together to do castellers and correfocs.

Perhaps not for the faint-hearted, let yourself be amazed by the human towers (castells) and the fire dances with fireworks and dragons (correfocs).

Castells festa major de gràcia

7. Watch and dance!

Just like other regions, Catalonia is no exception when it comes to a traditional dance.

La Sardana is a humble dance performed hand in hand in a circle in representation of Catalan union. But that’s not all; the streets will be buzzing with batucada, swing, and much more!

Sardanes in Barcelona

If you’re looking for something different this summer in Barcelona where you can discover the city’s more traditional side, head to the Festa Major de Gràcia. Just like us, you’re sure to fall in love with this neighbourhood and its marvellous festivities.

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Revetlla de Sant Joan in Barcelona – The most magical night

Natàlia Gibernau

Come to Barcelona on the eve of the 23rd June and you won’t be able to miss the spectacular celebrations happening for the Revetlla de Sant Joan. Considered to be one of biggest holidays of the year in Barcelona, the streets come alive with people and the constant crack of fireworks spiralling overhead throughout the city.

The origin of the Revetlla de Sant Joan

Whilst the actual holiday falls on the 24th June, a bank holiday in Catalonia, the celebrations all happen the night before. This is in order to celebrate the longest day of the year – otherwise known as Summer Solstice and considered to be the start of summer. Summer Solstice has always been an important tradition dating back to ancient Pagan rituals when people believed in the spiritual importance of both fire and the sun. Here in Catalonia we combined that with the celebration of the birth of Sant Joan, meaning it is still marked by symbolic customs.

As well as fire, people believe in the special powers of water and herbs on this night. For this reason you may see people going for a midnight dip in the sea as it’s thought to keep you healthy all year round. Herbs are also thought to become more powerful in their curative features on Sant Joan, especially Thyme, Rosemary and Verbena.

A night of firecrackers and bonfires

As mentioned above, fire is believed to have an extraordinary power on this night of the year, being thought to chase away evil spirits. This means the city comes alive with loud firecrackers and bonfires going on until the early hours. In fact, each city neighbourhood creates their own bonfire in which they throw old furniture, another old tradition that is thought to bring you good luck over the year. In the days leading up to the Revetlla de Sant Joan, little firecracker stands pop up all over the city for people to buy their supplies.

Celebrate la Revetlla de Sant Joan in Barcelona

Whilst there are many celebrations happening throughout the city, the neighbourhood of Barceloneta has an especially wide array of activities. Here you will find people partying until dawn, amidst an array of live music, banging firecrackers and bright burning bonfires. Beach bars set up temporary stands for revellers to stock up on food and drink over the night, and you can also find activities around the neighbourhood. These can include anything from fireworks displays with “diables” (dancing devils) and “dracs” (dragons) to beautiful orchestras getting people in the mood for a great night. If you head down to Barceloneta beach you can be guaranteed to find plenty of things to entertain you for the night.

Revetlla de Sant Joan - Where to celebrate it

You can check the program of Revetlla de Sant Joan 2018 in Barceloneta here

Don’t forget to try the Coca de Sant Joan!

To mark the occasion, people eat Coca de Sant Joan, the traditional food of the celebration. A cake that can be topped with a variety of different things including candied fruit, pine nuts or crackling.

Sant joan in Barcelona 2018 - Coca de Sant Joan

There’s no doubt about it, the Revetlla de Sant Joan is one of the most magical nights of the year to be in the city of Barcelona. If you want to make that night even more special why not check out www.bizflats.com to book yourself the perfect accommodation in Barcelona.

The Barcelona Calendar 2023 – Holidays and festivities to plan your year

Natàlia Gibernau

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.

Barcelona calendar 2023

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!

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Everything you need to know about Three Kings Day 2023 in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Three Kings Day 2023 is almost here, and soon the streets of Barcelona will come alive with music, colour and of course, the biggest parade on the calendar – this year with a new route!

We’ve put together this article to bring you the best that Three Kings Day 2023 in Barcelona has to offer, to make sure you don’t miss a thing. So be sure to keep this short guide handy when you going to see the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Barcelona.

Three Kings Day 2023
Three Kings Day 2023

When is Three Kings Day 2023 in Barcelona?

Three Kings Day is one of the most celebrated holidays throughout Spain and takes place on 6th January every year. This date is also known as the Epiphany of Twelfth Night. It’s common for families to get together and for children to open the gifts brought to them by the ‘Reis Mags’.

As is custom, the Three Kings, or Three Wise Men – Melcior, Gaspar and Baltasar –arrive in Barcelona the day before the Epiphany, on 5 January 2023, after a long, tiring journey from the East.

After docking at the Moll de la Fusta, they will arrive in Portal de la Pau at 4pm, where the mayor of Barcelona will welcome them. She will offer the Three Kings bread and salt as a sign of hospitality, before giving them the keys to the city. It is thanks to these keys that they’ll be able to deliver their gifts to all the children in Barcelona.

The Three Kings Day 2023 Parade

Then, from 6pm onwards, the Three Kings and their entourage will begin the Three Kings Parade 2023, known as the Cavalcada del Reis Mags in Catalan.

This year due to construction work taking place on Via Laietana, the parade will take a different route, passing by Passeig de Colom. The colourful procession will then pass by Avinguda del Paral.lel, Carrer Urgell and Carrer Sepúlveda, before ending at the Montjuïc Magic Fountain around 9pm.

The following times are given as a guideline, but you can check out the complete route here.

6.15 pm – Passeig de Colom

7.30 pm – Ronda de Sant Pau

8:45 pm – Plaça Espanya

9:15 pm – Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina

Expect to see fantastical floats belonging to the Three Wise Men themselves, plus themed floats decorated with toys, and with themes of dreams and sleep, and coal.

Three kings parade in Barcelona – Three Kings Day 2023

Sweet treats this Three Kings Day 2023

You will be delighted to hear that after two years of restrictions, this year the floats have been given permission to share sweets and candy galore with the crowds.

So get ready to catch and collect the sweets tossed into the crowds for children and adults.

Also don’t forget to get your Roscó de Reis – this round brioche-like pastry filled with cream and topped with candy is typically eaten on 6 January. Miniature figurines are hidden inside the cake, each with their own special meaning. Get the king and this may be your lucky year. However if it’s the bean you find inside your piece of roscó, you’ll have to pay for the dessert!

Tips for the Three Kings Day 2023

Although we’ve had a very mild Christmas in Barcelona with record temperatures of 22 degrees, we recommend wrapping up when going to see the cabalgata as temperatures do drop at night in the city. Gloves, a hat and scarf will certainly come in handy!

If you’re going to see the parade with young children, we recommend always holding their hands – above all in the most crowded, popular spots. Be sure to keep an eye on them when they are collecting sweets!

And remember, at all times stay behind the safety rails and don’t climb onto or over the rails into the road where the floats are to collect sweets. Visitors are also prohibited from crossing the streets during the parade for safety reasons.

Bank holiday for the Three Kings Day 2023 in Barcelona

The bank holiday for the Three Kings Day 2023 will be 6 January. All shops and businesses will be closed. We recommend checking with local bars and restaurants before visiting.

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

The Three Kings Day in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

The Three Kings Day is one of the highlights of the Barcelona Christmas Season.  Its name in Catalan is Dia dels Tres Reis d’Orient, and is also known as The Epiphany in religious terms, and happens on the sixth day of January.

It is a major event in the Catholic Church’s Nativity agenda. Three Kings Day marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men of the Orient to the birthplace of Jesus at his stable in Bethlehem.  They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn messiah, but in Barcelona, they arrive to give gifts to the city’s inhabitants.

For local kids here in Barcelona, Three Kings Day is even more special, as the focus of the day is on them and not really the grown-ups.  Rather like the traditional Father Christmas character in Northern Europe, children only receive gifts if they have been good all year long!  The city’s children also have to write a letter to the King’s Pages ahead of the Three Kings arrival to ensure they get the gifts they desire.

On the 5th of January, the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona with a spectacular street parade called La Cavalcada dels Reis d’Orient – which is a procession to symbolise the arrival of the Three Kings into Bethlehem mounted on their camels, each bearing their gifts for the baby Jesus.

Three Kings Day

This year, the royal entourage sets off at 6.15 pm and will cover a distance of 5 km, from Av. Marquès de l’Argentera (with Pg. Circumval·lació) to the Font Màgica de Montjuïc, passing through the following points at the following planned times:

  • 6.15 pm: Av. Marquès de l’Argentera
  • 6.35 pm: Plaça Antonio López
  • 7.05 pm: Plaça Antonio Maura
  • 7.33 pm: Plaça Urquinaona
  • 7.45 pm: Plaça Catalunya
  • 8.20 pm: Plaça Universitat
  • 8.35 pm: Carrer Sepúlveda with Urgell
  • 8.50 pm: Pl. Espanya
  • 9.10 pm: Av. Reina Maria Cristina

Check here their route.

The Three Kings parade features the Three Kings in their carnival style float among a whole collection of other floats and musical attractions, where the performers are laden with candy and sweets to throw at the children who catch them, normally in umbrellas that are held upside down.

Three kings day in barcelona - Reis Mags
After the parade has finished and before the children go to bed, they have to prepare some food and water for the Three Kings and their camels to take refreshment.  Normally unable to sleep with excitement, contemplating the next morning, the children will eventually settle to sleep and wake early the following morning, when they can see and open their gifts on Three Kings Day.

After the morning’s activities are over, the whole family will settle down for a very special lunch.  It is normally a four course sitting and traditional menus will begin with a buffet of tapas followed by a special soup and then a third course of meat or freshly cooked fish.

Then the pièce de résistance is served – Tortell de Reis (King’s Cake) – a puffy, circular, marzipan sponge cake filled with cream, resembling a King’s crown.  In fact there will be a crown in the centre and the cake is topped off with dried fruits symbolizing a crown’s jewels.

Tortell de Reis - Three kings day

But the King’s Day tradition doesn’t stop there, because inserted into the cake are two objects – a bean and a figurine of the baby Jesus.  Whoever recovers the figurine gets to wear the crown and is called King for the day (also signaling that that person will have a very lucky year) and whoever gets the bean unfortunately has to pay for the cake!

As you can see, Three King’s Day will be a very special day indeed for the city’s children. So why not make your stay in Barcelona just as special by renting a luxury apartment during your stay.  We have a wide selection of apartments to rent all over the city, so why not opt for one on the Three Kings parade route?  See here for our selection of beautiful places to rent during these unique celebrations.

7 fun things to do in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Looking for fun things to do in Barcelona? Barcelona is a fun city, there’s no denying it! And with so many fun things to do, you can often be spoiled for choice. It’s got both mountains and sea, a great cultural scene, shopping options for all budgets – and not to mention its amazing restaurants and trendy bars.

However we’ve come up with a list 7 really fun things to do in Barcelona you might not have thought of before. Planning a hen or stag do in Barcelona? You’ve come to the right place! Or looking for a way to surprise your other half on a weekend getaway? We’ve got you covered.

These are our favourite fun things to do in Barcelona with friends or family, when we just want to have a really good time!

Fun things to do in Barcelona
Fun things tot do in Barcelona – Play padel in Barcelona

1. Wine tasting at one of Barcelona’s wineries

You may or may not know that the area of Catalonia is famous for its wine regions. From Empordà, Penedès, to Alella, Montsant, Terra Alta and Priorat ­– wine lovers are truly spoiled for choice.

For this reason we 100% recommend a fun trip to one of the region’s gorgeous wineries. An easily accessible option from Barcelona on public transport is Alella – this small town boasts several vineyards and wineries, some with sea views! At Bouquet d’Alella there’s the option to enjoy a tour of the winery and a wine tasting session, or to splash out on a private sunset picnic! Penedès is also reachable by train, with over a dozen wineries offering bespoke activities, including bike tours, taster menus and wine pairings, and more!

2. Play padel in Barcelona

Where tot play padel in Barcelona? Padel lovers will love the app Playtomic. Simply sign up and enter your level then search for matches to join nearby or set up a match with friends or new people. You can book a spot for one person or more, depending on the slots available. You don’t need to be a member of the clubs that appear to join the match so this makes easier the booking of the court and the availability to play. You will have also the possibility to find tennis matches.

With many great padel clubs in Barcelona, you’re sure to find a match to suit your level. We highly recommend it, is one of our favourite fun things to do in Barcelona.

3.  Play lasertag in Barcelona

More fun things to do in Barcelona? The vintage game is back in vogue! We all remember playing laser tag as a kid ­– the smoke machines, the music and the lights – so what could be more fun than a laser tag match in Barcelona?

Challenge your friends or family at Play Point with two centres in Barcelona: one Carrer Comte Borrell, 88 and the other on Carrer Cartagena, 329-331. We loves its adventure-themed mazes and impressive decoration. They also offer indoor paintball and virtual reality activities for true thrill seekers.

4. Paddle boarding in Barcelona

If you’re visiting Barcelona in the warmer summer months, what better way to cool off than one of the trendiest water sports activities?

We love SEA YOU paddle surf school on Platja de Sant Sebastià. It’s as simple as booking online and dropping by to grab your paddle board. This centre also offer surf lessons for those who want to learn how to hit the waves on a more traditional board, and paddle board yoga for those who want to put their balance to the test.

5. Try get out of an escape room in 60 minutes

Barcelona is brimming with escape rooms for all ages, tastes and abilities. This activity is perfect with groups of friends or colleagues as it really encourages team work, communication and working together under pressure.

Our favourites with clues and puzzles available in English are Lock Clock (Passatge del Patriarca, 4-10) – with a Gaudí themed room – and Xcape Room Barcelona (Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 258) with the genres of crime and thriller.

6.  Marvel at the heights of the city from the Montjuic cable car

Get ready to enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona for 750 metres along this wonderful cable car route. It runs from the Parallel metro station to the top of the Montjuic Mountain – where you’ll find the city’s castle dating back to 1640.

While you’re there, why not visit the Fundación Joan Miró, el Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya or Poble Espanyol with its artisan stores and traditional bars. We recommend going at sunset for breathtaking views!

7. Get creative at a drink and draw session

Paintbrush at the ready! The latest craze in the city involves wine and painting, and we have to say we could not be more onboard. No experience is needed, just eagerness to get creative. Drink and draw classes at Art Wine include all the painting materials you’ll need (paint, brushes, canvas and an easel), plus wine and water.

Join one of their regular sessions and get ready to make news friends and socialise over art, or book a class for a private group with your very own teacher to guide you through the steps. At the end don’t forget to take home your masterpiece.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our tips about fun things to do in Barcelona!

And if you need to book an apartment in Barcelona, let us know and we will help you 😉

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Your Complete Guide to La Mercè 2022

Natàlia Gibernau

La Mercè 2022 is here and that means this rather sticky summer has almost come to end. Yet what better way to beat our blues than with a grand celebration of everything musical in the form of the city’s festa major?

As we’ve mentioned to you in our past articles about this event, La Mercè is celebrated in honour of one of Barcelona’s patron saints: Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy). In this 151st edition of the festival, we’re bringing the best La Mercè 2022 has to offer.

This year’s poster was designed by Bilbao-born artist, David de las Heras, who has called the Catalan capital his home for almost a decade. Capturing three generations of women in Barcelona towering above the city and its most monumental structures, the poster was inspired by all the versions of La Mercè that have been, that are, and that will be in the years to come.

La Mercè 2022 will run from Thursday 22 September to Monday 26 September, with the official day of celebration being Saturday 24, promising to be one of the biggest events of the year. Rooted in music and tradition, the programme is brimming with activities, performances and, of course, live music concerts in the city’s streets, squares and venues.

Get ready for La Mercè 2022!

La Mercè 2022
La Mercè 2022

Covid restrictions for La Mercè 2022

Unlike in past years following the Covid-19 pandemic, it will no longer be necessary to book your ticket online. All the events and activities during La Mercè 2022 are free and open to all.

The final line-up will be released on 12 September featuring more than 500 activities. Promising a total of 100 groups and artists, 80 companies at a range of 26 venues.

Regarding Covid-19 restrictions, this year La Mercè is celebrating a return to normal, with no masks and no capacity restrictions as in the past two editions. However, activities and concerts will be spread throughout the city to avoid huge crowds forming in central locations, with a focus on outdoor events.

Live music concerts at La Mercè 2022

La Mercè 2022 will host a diverse range of artists from Spain and around the globe for the BAM, Cultura Viva and Música Mercè programmes. With stages returning to Bogatell beach and Rambla de Raval, new additions at Ronda de Sant Antoni and Zona Universitària, plus all the usual venues throughout the city, including Teatre Grec, Moll de la Fusta and Plaça Joan Coromines.

This year’s BAM events, promoting alternative music, identities and genres will come jam-packed with interesting proposals from emerging groups and artists that include Fotos de la Novia, La Queency and AL-V at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm; Luna Ki, Molly Nillson, and Bones of Minerva at Moll de la Fusta; and Cartel Madras and Pedro Mafama at Rambla de Raval.

Other confirmed highlights include the much-loved Catalan group Els Catarres on Friday 23, the legendary La Oreja de Van Gogh, also on Friday, La Pegatina on Saturday 24 and Lola Índigo on Sunday 25. Remember the full line-up will be released on 12 September, so keep your eyes peeled for more announcements.

Another new addition to La Mercè 2022 is the Jazz & Food Festival at Moll de la Fusta on Monday 26th. With a focus on local talent and female musicians, it promises to be the perfect plan to bring this brilliant festival to a close.

Tradition at La Mercè 2022

Just like in past years, Catalan traditions and customs will play a huge part in La Mercè 2022. Expect to see traditional dances such as la sardana, the wildly entertaining fire run – correfoc –parades of immense hand-crafted giants (capgroços) and falcons, and performances of the UNESCO-recognised castellers, or human towers.

What’s more, the guest city of La Mercè 2022 is Rome. Find influences of the Italian capital throughout the festival, with an open-air cinema at Plaça de la Mercè showing films by Italian directors, in addition to performances by Italian artists over the four days.

Be sure to check out the full programme on the official La Mercè 2022 website when it is released on 12 September for times and locations.

Closing ceremony La Mercè 2022

On Monday 26, the last night of La Mercè 2022, the festival will be brought to a grand close with the stunning Piromusical firework display to a curated soundtrack. And this year, it will take place at its usual location of l’Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, by the Magic Montjuic Fountain.

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Can’t wait to see you there!

What to do in Barcelona in June – Discover the best plans

Natàlia Gibernau

Wondering what to do in Barcelona in June? We’ve got you covered with the best plans in this article. The summer is here and you’ll be delighted to know, after two years of pandemic, it’s packed with amazing plans for all tastes, ages and budgets. Find out how to make the most of the longest days of the year!

From outdoor events, traditional festivities, art exhibitions, and – above all – an eclectic mix of music festivals and concerts, there’s something for everyone who doesn’t know what to do in Barcelona in June.

So here’s our list of what to do in Barcelona in June with our top 8 plans!

Barcelona in June - Primavera Sound
Barcelona in June – Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound ­– 1 June to 12 June

Parc del Fòrum, Carrer de la Pau, 12

Kicking off the month is Primavera Sound. After being postponed for two years, Barcelona’s biggest festival is back with two weeks packed full of the best music. Expect innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking beats signed by Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, The Strokes, Gorillaz, Massive Attack, Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more big names. Parc del Fòrum will come to life with buzzing live performances.

Fito & Fitipaldis – 4 June

Palau Sant Jordi, Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, 08038

The amazing Fito and his band take to the stage at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi, performing songs from their latest album alongside some of their biggest hits. An unmissable date for fans and a must on our list of what to do in Barcelona in June.

Festival dels Jardins de Pedralbes – 7 June to 24 July

Avinguda Diagonal, 686, 08034

We couldn’t not include one of the most-awaited music events of the year on our list of what to do in Barcelona in June. This festival here with big names in jazz, pop, rock and more, in the most magical setting that is the Pedralbes gardens. Kicked off on the 7 June by James Blunt, this year will feature live performances by Simply Red, Crystal Fighters, Madness and more. See you there!

Sónar – June 16 to June 18

Avda. Reina Maria Cristina, s/n, 08004 and Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908

A ground-breaking electronic music festival that since 1994 has been bringing together creativity, business, technology and music in Barcelona. With nearly 200 activities, this is not your average music festival and is among the best plans for what to do in Barcelona in June. Sónar Day will take place at Fira de Montjuïc from 1pm to midnight, and Sónar Night at Fira Gran Via l’Hospitalet from early evening to the early hours. Highlights include The Chemical Brothers, The Blaze, Bonobo and Barcelona’s own Maria Arnal i Marcel Bagés.

Verbena de Sant Joan – night of 23 June

As the month comes to a close, if you’re still wondering what to do in Barcelona in June, Sant Joan is a celebration you can’t miss. The night of the 23rd–24th June is the shortest night of the year, and everyone in Barcelona gets together to celebrate the magical summer solstice. Expect fireworks, bonfires, and beach parties until dawn. Don’t forget that the 24th is a bank holiday and many shops and stores will be closed.

Gay Pride Barcelona – 23 to 26 June

After two years without Pride in the city, the much-awaited extravagant, colourful and eclectic parade will take place on Saturday 25th at 5pm, starting at Placa Universitat and ending at Passeig Lluís Companys. This year’s incredible line-up will be released shortly, so keep your eyes peeled for fabulous events taking place throughout the city. Pride 2022 features top on our list of what to do in Barcelona in June!

World of Banksy – throughout June until December 2022

Espai Trafalgar, Carrer de Trafalgar, 34, 08010

After its success Paris, this exhibition with work by the mysterious Bristol-born urban artists hits Barcelona. Featuring some of the renowned street artist’s most popular pieces, including Girl With Balloon and Girl Frisking Soldier.

Festa Major del Casc Antic – end of June

The central old quarter, known as the Casc Antic in Catalan, celebrates a week of festivities every year at the end of June. Although this year’s date has yet to be confirmed, expect correfocs (fire runs), giants and live music in Barcelona’s most central and – arguably most beautiful – neighbourhood steeped in history.

We hope you enjoy our list of what to do in Barcelona in June! With tonnes of things to see and do, you’re sure to make the most of your stay in this fun-packed city.

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