arts & culture

As the long Barcelona summer winds down, the city shifts from rooftop parties and music festivals to something far more local and deeply rooted: the festes majors. These much-loved neighbourhood celebrations - literally meaning “big party” in Catalan - transform each barrio into a stage for tradition, community and fun. This month, it’s Poblenou’s turn to take the spotlight with its Festa Major, one of the city’s most eagerly awaited celebrations.

Once an industrial hub on the city’s edge, Poblenou has reinvented itself while holding firmly onto its community spirit. For nine days, its streets fill with live music, dancing, art installations, workshops, sporting events, kids’ activities, and food stalls serving local flavours. It’s a true mix of old and new Barcelona, open to all ages and tastes.

Alongside the concerts and street parties, expect the typical Catalan traditions that make these festivals unique: correfocs (fire runs), fire-breathing beasts, castellers (human towers), towering gegants (giant figures), and the grand finale of fireworks that lights up the neighbourhood sky.