«Nothing symbolizes Barcelona’s summertime like its district festivals.»

Barcelona’s festes majors are the most authentic parties in town, and completely free to attend. It’s also virtually impossible to find any reliable info on them in English… but that’s where we come in! As the summer inches closer every year, you’ll hear locals talking excitedly about something called a festa major. This Catalan expression translates to “big party”… and that’s exactly what these events are. These events as one part street party, one part neighborhood get-together, one part rock concert, and one part arts and craft fair. Add a generous helping of crazy Catalan traditions and you’ve got the perfect mix for a great time, Barcelona-style.
Throughout the year, the city’s different neighborhoods take turn hosting their own version of the festa major. These festive phenomena are not restricted to Barcelona city, and many nearby towns and villages also have their very own “big party”; so even if there’s not one going on in town when you’re visiting, you may be able to find one in the area. Sant Cugat, Rubi and Palamos all celebrate theirs in June, for instance.