Top Festivals in Catalonia
There’s always reason to celebrate in Catalonia (Catalunya), with hundreds of annual festivals held in Barcelona and smaller villages. Here are some of our favorite Catalonian celebrations, featuring everything from dazzling fireworks dances and acrobatic feats to street food fests and Flamenco showcases.
Festes de la Mercè
This week-long festival in September marks the height of festivity in Barcelona. Fireworks, parades, races, human towers, and papier-mâché giants energize public squares and parks during the free annual celebration.
Human Tower Festival
Gravity-defying human towers, known as castellers, are a favorite part of many Catalonian festivals. Watch brave, nimble climbers create a multitiered tower atop a sturdy base of other community members in this balancing feat that’s listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Correfoc Festival (Fire Running Festival)
With medieval roots dating back to the 12th century, Catalonian fire-running festivals represent a rolicking battle between good and evil. Participants dressed as devils run through the streets carrying giant sparklers and fireworks, while surrounding crowds beat drums and dance in a high-energy, luminous spectacle.
Gran Festival Flamenco
Each summer, Barcelona celebrates the passionate art of flamenco with this dance and music festival held at the grand Palau de la Música Catalana. See top Catalan artists perform authentic Flamenco acts surrounded by the splendid decor of a historic
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