Barcelona Festival Calendar

Barcelona continues to be one of the world’s most vibrant cities with its year-round festival program. In 2025, the city will host a rich calendar of events ranging from traditional celebrations to modern music festivals, from religious ceremonies to neighborhood festivities. These festivals not only offer entertainment but also provide unique opportunities to explore the depths of Catalan culture, get to know local traditions up close, and truly feel the spirit of the city.

Starting in January and continuing until December, this festival marathon spreads throughout every corner of the city. From Barcelona’s historic squares to modern concert venues, from narrow streets to beaches, every location becomes a stage for a different festival. Most of these festivals are organized free of charge and take place outdoors, making them accessible to both locals and tourists.

Barcelona 2025 Festival Calendar

Barcelona’s 2025 festival calendar includes contemporary art and music events alongside traditional celebrations. While music festivals like the world-famous Primavera Sound and Sónar transform the city into an international cultural center, local festivals such as La Mercè and Festa Major de Gràcia keep the Catalan identity and community spirit alive.

Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

One of Spain’s most deep-rooted traditions, Three Kings Day transforms Barcelona’s streets into a magical atmosphere. The festival begins with the spectacular “Cabalgata de Reyes” (Kings Parade) on the evening of January 5th. The three kings representing Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar travel through the city on specially designed, illuminated floats, while their helpers distribute candies to children. Starting from Port Vell and passing through the city’s main streets, this magnificent parade brings thousands of people to the streets. On the morning of January 6th, eagerly awaited by children, the day is celebrated with gift-opening ceremonies at homes and sharing of the traditional “Roscón de Reyes” pastry. This ring-shaped sweet, with small surprises and figures hidden inside, adds a special meaning to the festival.

Date: 5-6 January 2025
Website: barcelona.cat

Calçotada

One of Catalan cuisine’s unique delicacies, calçot, is celebrated with a special festival during winter months. This gastronomic feast, lasting from January to March, marks the busiest period for local restaurants and traditional masias (farmhouses) in rural areas. Specially grown calçots, which taste like a cross between leeks and sweet onions, are grilled over open fire and served wrapped in newspaper. The way of eating calçots becomes a ritual itself – they are eaten standing up while wearing a special bib, accompanied by specially prepared romesco sauce. Throughout the festival, large calçotada celebrations are organized in regions surrounding Barcelona, especially in the city of Valls. These celebrations offer not just calçots but also grilled meats, local wines, and other Catalan specialties.

Tarih: Ocak – Mart 2025
İnternet sitesi: calsotadafest.com

Carnaval de Barcelona

Barselona Karnavalı, büyük perhiz döneminden önce şehri renkli bir parti atmosferine bürüyen yedi günlük bir festival. Şehrin farklı semtlerinde düzenlenen geçit törenleri, dans gösterileri ve kostüm yarışmaları ile karnaval ruhu tüm şehre yayılıyor. Festival, “Dijous Gras” (Yağlı Perşembe) ile başlıyor ve geleneksel olarak bu günde botifarra (Katalan sucuğu) ve tortilla yeniyor. Karnavalın en dikkat çekici etkinliği olan “Rua de Carnaval” geçit töreninde, yaratıcı kostümleriyle yarışan gruplar, dans gösterileri ve canlı müzik eşliğinde şehri dolaşıyor. Festival, “La Taronjada” adı verilen ve portakal renkli balonların, konfetilerin havada uçuştuğu eğlenceli bir savaşla devam ediyor. Son gün ise “El Entierro de la Sardina” (Sardalyanın Gömülmesi) töreniyle karnaval resmi olarak sona eriyor.

Date: 27 February – 7 March 2025

Semana Santa

Semana Santa creates a profound spiritual atmosphere in Barcelona as one of the Catholic world’s most important religious ceremonies. Religious processions and rituals organized in the city’s historic center, especially in the Gothic Quarter, over eight days keep alive a centuries-old tradition. During the daily “procesiones” (religious processions) organized by different churches, valuable religious statues and artworks are carried through the streets by bearers in special costumes. Candlelit processions held in the evening hours create impressive scenes in the medieval narrow streets. Special services and concerts are held in important religious buildings like Santa Maria del Mar and Barcelona Cathedral. During the festival, special Easter sweets and traditional chocolate cakes called “mona de Pascua” are sold throughout the city.

Date: 13-20 April 2025

Feria de Abril de Catalunya

The Feria de Abril, Andalusian culture’s biggest celebration in Catalonia, takes place in Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum area. Temporary tents called “casetas” set up in the festival area are each operated by different associations and groups. These tents feature flamenco dancing, live sevillanas music, and traditional Andalusian food. Throughout the festival, visitors can taste traditional flavors like Spanish wines, tapas varieties, and paella. In the festival area, which becomes especially lively during evening hours, professional flamenco dancers perform shows and live music performances are organized. The festival also includes special entertainment areas for children and traditional fairground activities like carousels.

Date: April 2025

St. George’s Day

Sant Jordi Day, Catalonia’s most romantic and cultural festival, is a unique celebration centered around the exchange of books and roses. On this date, recognized by UNESCO as “World Book and Copyright Day,” Barcelona’s streets and squares overflow with book stalls and rose sellers. Traditionally, men give red roses to their loved ones, while women give books to men. Hundreds of stalls set up along La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, and other main streets sell new books, second-hand books, and publications of all kinds. Many authors meet with their readers for book signings. Throughout the day, literary talks, reading events, and special activities for children are organized at different points across the city. Sant Jordi day is also considered the most important sales day of the year for many publishers.

Date: 23 April 2025

Primavera Sound

One of the world’s most prestigious music festivals, Primavera Sound brings together alternative music enthusiasts in the enormous space of Parc del Fòrum. The festival offers performances across a wide spectrum from indie rock to electronic music, from experimental music to hip-hop. With its multiple stage system allowing different concerts to be watched simultaneously, the festival features both world-famous artists and rising new talents. Food and beverage stalls, rest areas, record sales points, and DJ booths set up in the festival area provide visitors with a complete music experience. Thanks to its Mediterranean coastal location, the festival, where sunset concerts take place in a unique atmosphere, continues until late into the night.

Date: 4-8 June 2025
Website: primaverasound.com

Sónar Festival

Sónar, the meeting point of electronic music and digital arts, is a unique festival that blends technology and creativity. Divided into two main programs, “Sónar by Day” and “Sónar by Night,” the festival offers different experiences during day and night. The daytime program at Fira Montjuïc features innovative digital art installations, technology workshops, and experimental performances. The night program continues at Fira Gran Via with performances by world-famous DJs and electronic music producers. The festival also brings together professionals from creative industries and the technology world through a conference program called “Sónar+D.”

Date: 12-13-14 June 2025
Website: sonar.es

Share Festival

The Share Festival, hosting stars from the pop and urban music world, offers a program full of performances appealing to young audiences over two days. The festival isn’t limited to just musical performances; it also stands out with its social responsibility projects. Aiming to raise awareness around a chosen social theme each year, the festival sets an example with its environmentally friendly practices and sustainability principles. Interactive stands, art installations, and workshops set up in the festival area offer visitors a rich experience beyond music.

Date: 20-21 June 2025
Website: sharefestival.org

Barcelona Rock Fest

Barcelona Rock Fest, held at Parc de Can Zam, hosts the biggest names in rock and metal music. Running for four days, the festival offers a wide musical spectrum from classic rock to heavy metal, from progressive rock to punk rock. Concerts take place across two main stages and one side stage, featuring both legendary bands and new generation rock groups. The festival grounds include specially designed themed areas dedicated to rock culture, vintage record sales stands, and rock memorabilia exhibitions. Offering camping facilities, the festival becomes a meeting point for rock enthusiasts from around the world.

Date: 26-29 Haziran 2025
Website: barcelonarockfest.com

Vida Festival

Held in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Vida Festival offers a boutique music experience in a natural setting. Hosting distinguished names from the indie and alternative music scene, the festival differentiates itself with its location within Mediterranean forests, away from the city center. Besides the main stage, acoustic performances take place in historic mansion gardens and specially designed intimate spaces. Local gastronomy experiences, wine tastings, and art installations stand out as elements complementing the music program.

Date: 3-5 Temmuz 2025
Website: vidafestival.com

Cruïlla Festival

Held at Parc del Fòrum, Cruïlla Festival stands out with its eclectic program blending different music genres. Bringing together various styles such as rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, and world music, the festival features both international stars and local artists on its stage. Besides musical performances, the festival area includes circus shows, street theater, and interactive art installations. Standing out with its family-friendly atmosphere, the festival organizes special activity areas and workshops for children.

Date: 9-12 Temmuz 2025
Website: cruillabarcelona.com

Grec Festival

Grec, Barcelona’s most important performing arts festival, takes its name from Teatre Grec, which serves as the center of its events. With its extensive program covering theater, dance, music, and circus arts, the festival continues for a month at various venues throughout the city. The festival, which stages both international productions and local performances, gives special place to open-air performances. Shows taking place in the enchanting atmosphere of Teatre Grec add unforgettable moments to summer evenings. The festival program also includes workshops, meetings with artists, and educational programs.

Date: July 2025
Website: barcelona.cat/grec/

Brunch Electronik

Brunch Electronik, where electronic music meets gastronomy, is one of summer’s most enjoyable outdoor events. Held in Parc del Fòrum’s outdoor venue, the festival starts during daytime hours and continues until sunset. Offering brunch pleasure accompanied by DJ performances, the festival provides a gastronomic experience with special menus prepared by local and international chefs. Lounge areas set up in the festival grounds, poolside activities, and entertainment sections for children promise all-day fun.

Date: 8-10 August 2025
Website: brunchelectronikfestival.com

Festa Major de Gràcia

The Festa Major de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most colorful neighborhood festivals, transforms the district’s streets into an open-air art gallery. As a result of months of preparation by neighborhood residents, each street is decorated with a different theme. Decorations are typically made from recycled materials and know no bounds in creativity. Throughout the festival, street concerts, traditional Catalan dances, castellers (human tower) demonstrations, and food events are organized. Continuing with street parties and live music performances in the evenings, the festival creates a strong community spirit between neighborhood residents and visitors.

Date: 15-21 August 2025
Website: festamajordegracia.cat

Festa Major de Sants

The traditional festival of the Sants neighborhood is a colorful celebration marked by active participation from neighborhood residents. Streets are decorated with different themes each year, with competition for the best decoration. The festival program includes important elements of traditional Catalan culture such as castellers (human towers), gegants (giant puppets), and correfocs (fire runs). Community dinners and concerts organized in different streets each evening reinforce the festival atmosphere. Activities and competitions specially organized for children also form an important part of the festival.

Date: 19-27 August 2025

Festa Major del Poblenou

This festival, the most important event in the Poblenou neighborhood, reflects the cultural richness of this district famous for its industrial heritage. Parades, street performances, and live music shows organized along Rambla del Poblenou further enliven the district’s vibrant atmosphere. The festival program includes traditional Catalan dances, children’s activities, and sports competitions. During the festival, when local restaurants and bars prepare special menus, the district’s gastronomic richness also comes to the forefront. Cultural events such as open-air cinema screenings and art exhibitions add color to the program.

Date: September 2025

Festa Major de la Barceloneta

The traditional festival of Barceloneta, the old fishing neighborhood, celebrates maritime culture and neighborhood life. Maritime traditions hold an important place in events organized along the beach and in the neighborhood’s narrow streets. Events such as water sports demonstrations, sailing races, and traditional fishing boat parades emphasize the festival’s connection to the sea. Evening seafood festivals and street parties bring together neighborhood residents and visitors. Children’s activities, sports competitions, and cultural events organized throughout the festival strengthen the neighborhood’s community spirit. Local music groups perform at open-air concerts, especially in the beach area.

Date: September 2025

Festival La Mercè

La Mercè, Barcelona’s largest and most important street festival, is held in honor of the city’s patron saint Mare de Déu de la Mercè. More than 600 free events take place throughout the city over five days. All important elements of traditional Catalan culture – castellers (human towers), gegants (giant puppets), sardana dances, and correfocs (fire runs) – are displayed throughout the festival. Shows organized at Plaça Sant Jaume, especially the performances where castellers groups compete, attract great interest. Free concerts are held at different points across the city as part of the BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical) events organized within the festival. The music and light shows at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the spectacular fireworks display organized on the final night are among the festival’s most popular events.

Date: 20-24 Eylül 2025
Website: barcelona.cat/lamerce

Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona

The Barcelona International Jazz Festival, one of Barcelona’s most established music festivals with over 50 years of history, hosts leading names from the world jazz scene. Throughout the festival, concerts are held at the city’s prestigious venues such as Palau de la Música Catalana, L’Auditori, and Harlem Jazz Club. The program isn’t limited to traditional jazz but also includes fusion, world jazz, and experimental projects. The festival features masterclasses, workshops, and jam sessions for young musicians. Additionally, free street concerts and special performances are held at jazz clubs across different parts of the city.

Date: 23 Kasım 2024 – 23 Mart 2025
Website: jazz.barcelona

Festival de Cinema de Sitges

The Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious fantastic film festivals, is held in the picturesque town of Sitges on Barcelona’s southern coast. The festival brings together the newest and best productions in fantastic cinema, horror, and science fiction genres with film enthusiasts. Hundreds of films are screened during the ten-day festival, with world premieres taking place and leading industry figures being hosted. The festival program includes short film screenings, retrospectives, and special screenings alongside feature films. Additionally, panel discussions, director talks, and networking events for industry professionals are organized.

Date: 9-19 October 2025
Website: sitgesfilmfestival.com

Fira de Santa Llúcia

The Fira de Santa Llúcia, organized since 1786 and one of Barcelona’s oldest Christmas markets, is set up in the square in front of Barcelona Cathedral. Running for approximately three weeks, the market sells handmade Christmas decorations, traditional “pessebre” (Nativity scene) figures, and “caganer” figures that are important parts of Catalan Christmas traditions. One of the market’s most striking products is the decorated logs called “tió de Nadal,” which Catalan children believe brings Christmas gifts. Throughout the festival, workshops for children, live music performances, and traditional Christmas carol choir shows are organized. Local food and beverage stalls sell mulled wine, churros, and traditional Christmas sweets.

Date: 9-19 October 2025
Website: firadesantallucia.cat

When we examine Barcelona’s 2025 festival calendar, we see that there’s a major event almost every month in the city. This is a significant advantage for both those planning vacations and those living in the city. Especially during summer months, consecutive music festivals attract music lovers from all around the world.