The famous Festa Major has just concluded in Barcelona’s Gràcia district, and now the celebration moves to Sants. From August 23 to 31, the neighborhood will host one of the city’s largest and most vibrant festivities. Organizers have prepared a packed schedule featuring nearly 400 different events for residents and visitors of all ages.
The main celebrations will unfold on the streets of Sants, Badal, Valladolid, and Vallespir, as well as on the boulevards of Badal and Brazil, and in the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. Most concerts, parades, competitions, and traditional performances will take place here.
The official opening will take place on Saturday. The parade will start from the Cotxeres de Sants building and end at Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. Here, visitors can enjoy the colorful show “Expressions del món” organized by local community groups, as well as a performance by the renowned Castellers de Sants — the human tower builders. Afterward, the opening ceremony will be held, this year led by actresses from the theater company La Calòrica — Ester López and Júlia Truyol.
During the day, special attention will be given to children: a separate parade featuring a Chinese dragon, symbolizing good luck, will be organized for them. After the official part, everyone will be able to explore 11 decorated streets, each with its own unique theme. These include Alcolea de Dalt, Alcolea de Baix, Finlàndia, Galileu, and Guadiàna. The results of the street decoration contest will be announced on August 25.
For nine days, the streets and squares of Sants will be transformed into live performance stages. The program features concerts by Brazilian drumming groups such as Bloco Sambara, Batalá, and Tokem x Tu, as well as performances by alternative bands: The Ruralites, Wiwi Rock Band, Sobre mi gata, Disco cocodrilo, and Salsa Punk Orkestra. On Valladolíd and Vallespir de Dalt streets, traditional dance troupes Bastoneres de Sants and local ensembles Bocs de Can Rosés, Ara i aquí, and Glosa de Sants will take the stage.
Parque España Industrial will be one of the main music venues. Performers include Dr. Rumbeta, Potser Dimarts, Pedrera 3.8, and Roba Estesa, who will give their final concert this year. The lineup also features DJ sets and ballroom dance workshops, where everyone can join a dance marathon.
Sports competitions will play a special role in the program. Local sports clubs and associations have organized football and basketball tournaments at Plaça de la Farga, chess matches at Cotxeres de Sants center, and competitions in table football, board games, and sports video games. From August 22 to 31, the district will host chess tournaments under the supervision of the Catalan Chess Federation. On the final day of the festival, August 31, some streets will be closed off for mass runs and cycling races.
As part of the fiesta, free guided tours of historic sites in Sants are organized. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the district’s past, visit seven key locations, and discover the history of the festival itself. The program also includes a ceremonial mass in honor of Saint Bartholomew, bell ringing, and a floral tribute. Some tours and events require prior registration.
The festival in Sants is not only about concerts and entertainment, but also offers a chance to explore the culture, traditions, and history of one of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Organizers invite everyone to join the celebration and promise something of interest for every visitor.
