Carnival

31 January - 16 February

Carnival is a huge event throughout most of Europe, and nowhere more so than in Spain, where the weeks preceding Lent are filled with parties, parades, street festivals and all manner of revelry!

Festival of Saint Medir (Festes de Sant Medir)

1 - 31 March

The neighborhood of Gràcia has celebrated The legend of Saint Medir with choral singing, street parties and parades with colourful floats throwing sweets out to the crowds.

Barcelona Marathon

2 March

Barcelona’s big sporting event. The route, which changes every year, leads them past many of the main historical landmarks of the city. Locals turn up in even greater numbers to show their support to those taking part. The aim is to finish the 42km (26 miles) race in under six hours.

Palm Sunday

16 March

One of the most important events in the Christian calendar, Barcelona marks the occasion with - among other things, a solemn procession which winds its way from the cathedral through the streets of old town.

Barcelona Guitar Festival

March - May

Master musicians gather at various venues throughout the city to perform and teach during this well-established event.

F1 Spanish Grand Prix

27 April

One of the most exciting sporting events in the world, this event sees motor-racing contenders battle it out on the racing circuit for the prestigious F1 Championship title.

Primavera Sound Festival

29 - 31 May

Top class live acts and deejays put the groove into thousands of clubbers and partygoers during this massive festival.

Catalonian Moto GP

6 - 8 June

The Catalonian Moto GP is one of the most popular rounds of the World Championship. Taking place at the Circuit de Catalunya close to Barcelona, this hugely popular round of the world championship is a favourite draw with both dedicated race fans and curious vacationers.

Barcelona Summer Festival

1 June - 31 August

Summertime heat meets its match in the sizzling entertainments available during the city's very popular summer festival.

Tall Ships Races

1 - 31 July

The spectacular Tall Ship Races sees about 40 traditional sailing vessels take to the waters in an awe-inspiring race across the ocean. The ships are manned by crews of experienced sailors and young trainees from over 20 different countries.

Montjuïc Cycling  Challenge

1 - 31 October

This is an exciting event for both those taking part and those watching from the roadside. The competition consists of trials in categories for women, men, children, professionals and tandems.

Barcelona International Book Fair

8 - 10 October

The high-class Passeig de Gracia is given over to books, books and more books during this annual event.

Barcelona International Jazz Festival

1 October - 31 December

One of the longest-running and respected musical events of its kind in Europe, this festival draws hundreds of performers and thousands of listeners to the city during the cool season.

Festival of Pocket Opera and New Creations (Festival d'òpera de butxaca)

1 November - 31 December

This festival offers a rich and varied programme showcasing classical operas in chamber format, and also presenting new European productions in chamber or medium format.

Santa Llucia Christmas Fair

1 - 31 December

In December right up to Christmas Eve, the little square in front of the Cathedral provides a good sample of Catalan festive life and a place to stock up on Christmas decorations and trinkets.