Festes de Santa Eulàlia 2026

×

Expand

Legend talks about Eulàlia, a girl born in the third century here in Barcelona, who was tortured and executed at just 13 years old for refusing to renounce Christianity in the face of Roman persecution. Later, her unwavering faith earned her the title of co-patron saint of Barcelona, making this celebration one of the most special of all Catalan festivals. (See our history feature for more on Santa Eulàlia’s story.)

In Santa Eulàlia's honor, Barcelona celebrates with parades featuring dancing gegants, traditional dance performances, castellers, live music, puppets, correfocs and more all over the city. Plus, open doors at a handful of city museums and historical buildings. Several activities are planned for Feb 7th-12th. You can find the full festival program on the event's official webpage.

Festival Highlights

• Santa Eulàlia Parade, February 12, 2026 at 9:00, Palau de la Virreina.
• Parade of the "Laias" & Wreath Laying Ceremony, February 12, 2026 at 18:30, from Palau de la Virreina to Plaça de Sant Jaume.
• Sardana Dancing, February 12, 2026 at 18:30, Plaça Sant Jaume.
• Els Protocols de l'Àliga (dancing eagle parade), February 13, 2026, at 20:00, Plaça Sant Jaume.
• Ball de Bastons de Catalunya (stick dancers procession), Feb 14, 2026, at 10:00, Plaça Sant Jaume.
• Traditional Folk Dancing, February 14, & 15, 2026, at 12:00, Avinguda de la Catedral.
• Santa Eulàlia Gospel Experience, February 14, 2026, at 19:30, Avinguda de la Catedral.
• Correfoc de Santa Eulàlia (fire run), February 14, 2026, at 20:00, Plaça Reial.
• The Falcons of Barcelona (human towers), February 15, 2026 at 10:00, Plaça Sant Jaume
• Trobada de Gegants & Santa Eulàlia Parade (display of the city's giants & parade), February 15, 2026 at 10:00, Plaça Nova.
• Trobada de Puntaires (lace-making gathering), February 15, 2026, at 10:30, Carrer dels Arcs and Portal de l’Àngel.
• Diada Castellera (human towers), February 15, 2026 at 11:30, Plaça Sant Jaume.

What to Do for Festes de Santa Eulàlia

Celebrated in the days surrounding February 12th, the Santa Eulàlia festival program is packed with things to do and see. From parades and exhibits filled with gegants (giants), capgrossos (bigheads) and fire-breathing beasts to giant castells (human towers), traditional dances and correfocs (fire runs), you're sure to find something to delight and amaze you.

But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break? Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). To make the most of your time, take a look at our interactive map with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free: Free Museums in Barcelona for Santa Eulàlia.

See our page about the Festes de Santa Eulàlia for info on the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.

For more events check our online events calendar.