In recent years, Easter in Barcelona has evolved from a simple family holiday into a stage for true gastronomic discoveries. For city residents, this brings not only new flavors, but also support for local artisans shaping today’s traditions. Chocolate figures, appearing in shop windows weeks before the holiday, become a topic of conversation and even spark competitions between neighborhoods.
The shift from a basic sweet pastry with an egg to elaborate chocolate creations is easy to spot. According to El Pais, demand for original Easter treats is increasing, and competition between small patisseries and renowned confectioners is on the rise. This year, special attention went to the works of La Colmena (Ciutat Vella, plaça de l’Àngel, 12), where the winning entry in the competition was a figure of Jack Sparrow the parrot, and L’Atelier (carrer Viladomat, 140), which took second place with a white chocolate egg featuring a Gaudí-inspired salamander. Third place went to Mimpi from Sabadell.
Science and chocolate
Since 2022, Barcelona has embraced a new tradition — the ‘science mona’. This season, it features a white chocolate astronomer gazing at the stars through a telescope. The project is organized in collaboration with the University of Barcelona to promote science among children and teenagers. Each figure comes with a QR code linking to educational astronomy materials, where visitors can learn about the structure of the solar system and the life cycle of stars. This approach not only broadens horizons, but also makes the purchase more meaningful.
Local shops and small workshops like Kina (Gràcia, carrer Santa Eugènia, 29) and Catcao (carrer Rocafort, 9) focus on making their own chocolate—from sourcing cocoa beans to producing the final product. Their treats stand out for their rich flavor and absence of additives, appealing to fans of natural sweets. Right now, you’ll find not only classic eggs but also animal figurines and chocolate brioches made using the bean to bar method.
A celebration of architecture
This year, the Guild of Confectioners of Barcelona is hosting an exhibition of chocolate eggs inspired by the architecture of Park Güell, commemorating the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. The exposition takes place in the Sala Hipòstila until April 9 and features works by ten artisans. Visitors can vote for their favorite figure, with the winner to be displayed at the Chocolate Museum, avoiding the fate of being eaten. The event reinforces Barcelona’s status as the future world capital of architecture in 2026.
Chocolate sculptures are impressive, but many people prefer simple shapes—eggs or animals, made by hand. For those, it’s worth visiting small workshops where the process begins with selecting cocoa beans. This approach is gaining popularity, and the bean to bar movement is thriving among flavor enthusiasts.
Education and workshops
For those who want not only to buy but also to create their own chocolate treat, Barcelona offers chocolate-making workshops. At Kina, visitors can learn the intricacies of working with chocolate and try their hand as a pastry chef. The Chocolate Museum also hosts classes for children, where they decorate Easter eggs and learn about the history of this delicacy. These activities spark interest in the craft and help preserve traditions.
In recent years, interest in unique cultural events in Catalonia has only been growing. For example, an exhibition of rare Salvador Dalí works in Figueres created a major stir among art enthusiasts, as noted by analysis by russpain.com, which points to interest in lesser-known aspects of the artist’s work. Such initiatives, along with modern Easter traditions, foster a new outlook on the region’s cultural heritage.
Easter traditions in Spain have always been remarkably diverse. Each region boasts its own festive treats: in Valencia and Catalonia, it’s ‘mona’; in Andalusia, sweet pies; and in Galicia, special breads. In recent years, chocolate confections have become an essential part of the celebrations, while workshops and exhibitions are drawing more and more families. In 2025, Barcelona also hosted a chocolate sculpture exhibition dedicated to famous Spanish artists, which attracted great interest among tourists and locals. Such events promote gastronomic tourism and support small businesses.
