NEWS

October, november and december

Barcelona is a vibrant city during the whole year, but in the last few months it offers a special mix of culture, gastronomy, festivities and other activities. These months are perfect for enjoying art, food and the festive atmosphere without the summer heat. Here are some of the best plans to make the most of your visit in autumn and winter.

From October 18th to 20th, El Mercat de Mercats gathers the city's best producers and chefs for a unique culinary experience. The event takes place at Avinguda de la Catedral, where you can savour tapas, local dishes, and purchase fresh and gourmet products.

If you’re passionate about architecture, don’t miss the 48h Open House Barcelona 2024. On October 26th and 27th, iconic buildings around the city, some of which are normally closed to the public, will open their doors for free. It’s a chance to explore modernist palaces and hidden historical corners.

October, november and december

On October 31st and November 1st, coinciding with All Saints' Day, Catalonia celebrates La Castañada, a popular tradition where the streets of Barcelona fill with stalls selling roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to try the traditional panellets, sweets made from almonds, sugar, and pine nuts.

In November, music lovers can enjoy the Barcelona International Jazz Festival, one of the most prestigious in Europe, held in venues like L’Auditori and Palau de la Música.

In December, Christmas arrives in the city, filling it with Christmas markets and a cozy atmosphere. The Fira de Santa Llúcia, located just in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, is the city's most traditional Christmas market. You can fins nativity scene figures, decorations and artisanal products. The Sagrada Familia Market, situated in front of the iconic basilica, is perfec or buying Christmas gifts, from handcrafted items to traditional sweets, and stands out for its unique location.

Passeig de Gràcia, Portal de l’Àngel, and Rambla de Catalunya offer a display of lights to spark the holiday spirit. A walk through the city center on December evenings is a highly recommended activity.

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You can find all kinds of events in Barcelona all year long.

La Mercè is the patron saint of Barcelona, it is an annual festival and popular celebration held in public places all over the city, it has a huge program of events and traditional activities such as human castles, street parades or concerts.

You can enjoy this traditional festival between September 22nd and 25th.

Distance view & sunset setting on the Barcelona city at Almanac Barcelona

During this month, visitors can enjoy the different Christmas markets that the city offers, the most relevant are Santa Llúcia Market and Sagrada Familia Market. 

People can visit the Barcelona traditional Christmas nativity scene, which is held in Marès Museum.

If you visit Barcelona during this month, it is a must to go for a walk around its streets to see the Christmas lights and decoration. You will find ice skating rinks, one of them located in the iconic Modernist enclosure of Sant Pau, where a Christmas light spectacle takes place.

Bundt cake on a table next to a vase at Almanac Barcelona
What to do in Barcelona

Barcelona has a lot of activities to offer during the whole year. If you plan to visit on the first month of the year, here are some things that you might not want to miss: 

In February we celebrate Carnival in Barcelona. This year, it starts on February 8th, the so-called "Dijous Gras" with the "Arribo" (arrival), when the Carnival King presents himself to the crowd and, with the help of his 7 ambassadors, spreads his carnival spirit to the population. This act is followed by the parade of the Carnival King, the most important event of this festivities. From February 8th to 14th, Barcelona will be full of cavalcades, parades, parties and fun.

On February 11th, on Sant Jaume square, you will find the most typical Catalan tradition: castellers. Castells are human towers between six and ten people high, it is originally from Catalonia and was declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO. If you are in Bacelona on February 11th, it is worth a visit to immerse yourself in the local culture. 

People celebrate in the streets with confetti & a parade near Almanac Barcelona