Barcelona Festivals

Carnaval dances through Barcelona in February just before Lent, most flamboyantly in Sitges, though Barcelona's Carnestoltes are also wild and colorful.

Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week before Easter, is Spain's most important celebration everywhere but Barcelona, where the city empties.

La Diada de Sant Jordi is Barcelona's Valentine's Day, fused with International Book Day, celebrated on April 23 to honor the 1616 deaths of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare.

La Fira de Sant Ponç brings farmers to town with produce and natural remedies on May 11.

La Verbena de Sant Joan celebrates the summer solstice and Midsummer's Eve with fireworks and all-night beach parties on the night of June 23.

La Festa Major de Gràcia Barcelona's village-turned-neighborhood, Gràcia celebrates its fiesta in honor of Santa Maria with street dances and concerts in mid-August.

Festes de La Mercé celebrates Barcelona's patron saint, Nostra Senyora de la Mercé (Our Lady of Mercy) for a wild week beginning September 24.