Parade of the "Laias" & Wreath Laying Ceremony

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During the Santa Eulàlia Festivities, all the giants of Ciutat Vella take on the name “Laia,” in one of the most traditional and emotional moments of the festivities. The Laies will leave Palau de la Virreina in a dance as they head towards Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol in a street parade that has become one of the most anticipated events for children.

After a short stop to rest and gather strength for their walk, the procession will continue with the giantess Laia at the front, leading the other giantesses to Plaça de Sant Jaume. Before arriving, there will be a pause at the Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, in front of the saint’s chapel, for a floral offering and to watch the Vella and Nova giants of Plaça Nova perform the traditional Santa Eulàlia dance.

Upon reaching Plaça de Sant Jaume, the giants will parade under the Santa Eulàlia banner placed on the City Hall balcony earlier that morning. The giantess Laia will perform her short dance, followed by the Plaça Nova giantesses repeating their traditional dance, this time to the long version played by the Cobla Sant Jordi – Ciutat de Barcelona. Finally, all the giants will join in the closing dance, creating a magical and moving image dedicated to the patron saint, a scene seen only at this special moment of the parade.

Route: Palau de la Virreina, La Rambla, Carrer del Cardenal Casañas, Plaça del Pi, Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol, Carrer del Pi, Plaça de la Cucurulla, Carrer dels Boters, Plaça Nova, Carrer del Bisbe, Carrer de Sant Sever, Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, Carrer dels Banys Nous and Carrer de Ferran, arriving at Plaça de Sant Jaume around 20:30.

Program

• 18:30: Parade begins at Palau de la Virreina.
• 19:30: Depart from Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol.
• 20:30: Arrival at Plaça de Sant Jaume for closing dance.

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.