Top 5 Christmas Markets in Barcelona 2024
Every year from the 15th until the 21st of August, the streets of the Gracia neighborhood fill with lots of people. This is due to the famous Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia, which is celebrated not only by the inhabitants of this district, but also by the whole of Barcelona and many tourists.
The district of Gracia is one of Barcelona’s most emblematic neighborhoods. It was once a village in its own right, but with the expansion of Barcelona, it was incorporated into the city. Nevertheless, its independent authenticity still runs through the heart of the neighborhood. Further, Gracia is known for its relaxed bohemian atmosphere, lively squares, and vibrant bar and café life.
The first written record of the Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia dates back to 1817. At that time, the celebration was held on the 15th of May to honor San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers, as the majority of Gracia’s inhabitants were engaged in agricultural activities. As the residents began to work in other areas, they decided to change the date to August 15th, and now it spans an entire week.
The official presentation of the festival poster is eagerly anticipated by all. Various artists submit their designs and hope to be the chosen one. Simultaneously with the announcement of the winning poster, the program will also be revealed. Incidentally, the theme of the festivities changes on an annual basis.
The highlight of the event is without a doubt the outstanding decoration of the whole of the district of Gracia. Each street is characterized by a different scenery, carefully planned months in advance by the inhabitants of each section. The preparations are top secret and very time-consuming as the residents design everything themselves, often using recycled materials such as plastic bottles to add the finishing touches. During the festivities, everyone is invited to vote for their favorite street on the official Gracia Festival app, so that a winner can be determined at the end.
In addition to the extraordinary decorations, there are many other activities and traditions not to be missed. For example, there are various parades and open-air concerts that take place all over the district of Gracia. You don’t have to worry about food either, because there will be several gastronomic stops.
There is no need to buy tickets or plan ahead, as the event is free and completely open to the public. Moreover, the festivities are easily accessible by public transportation.
If you are in Barcelona in the month of August, the Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia is something you simply cannot afford to miss. It is the most important event of the year in the neighborhood of Gracia and is a magnet for a large number of people. Whether you are dancing to the sound of an orchestra, playing bingo, immersing yourself in intense games of dominoes or cards, or just sitting back and enjoying the great atmosphere, fun is guaranteed.
