The neighborhoods of Barcelona are full of life, dynamism and activity, hence each one celebrates local festivals. One of the best known are the festivities of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, also called Fiesta Mayor de Invierno (Winter Festival). If you are passing through the city, we encourage you to enjoy some of the activities that are held during that week.
What is its origin?
The origin of this festivity is very old, since it dates back to the 4th century, when the Roman emperor Diocletian ordered the persecution of all Christians. As a result of this decision, most of them went into hiding or fled.
During those years, a 13-year-old girl named Eulalia presented herself before the consul, showing her disagreement with that fact. For this, she was imprisoned and punished and, for this reason, she became a symbol of the defense of justice.
The first activities date back to the eighteenth century with a series of popular performances, dances and games. However, it was in 1983 when the bases of this important festivity for the people of Barcelona were officially established, consolidating in a very important way in the nineties due to the large influx of people who come to this neighborhood year after year.
Program of Santa Eulalia’s festivities in Barcelona
The festivities of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona begin on February 7 and end on the 12th. During those days, culture, entertainment and spectacle combine for everyone to enjoy one of the most important festivities of the city. We advise you to read the program we have prepared in LOCK & enjoy! for you to choose any of the activities.
Municipal music schools
On Friday 9 at 18:30 pm in the Plaça de Sant Jaume a very special act of recognition to the municipal schools of music, as they celebrate 30 years.
It is a tribute to their involvement in society, since they have become a reference in terms of musical training proposals for students of any age, as well as in the provision of music workshops for families.
Eulalia Route
If you are one of those who prefer to know more about the origin of Santa Eulalia, the Joan Amades Cultural Association organizes a series of guided tours through the corners of the city where the legend originated.
It is a free activity in which you are accompanied by a guide at all times. The departures take place on different days and times, with the starting point being the Fossar de les Moreres:
- February 9 at 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.
- February 11 at 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
Tradicionàrius
This year the 37th International Folk Festival Tradicionàrius is celebrated in the festivities of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona.
This is a series of concerts with a repertoire of well-known and traditional songs mixed with different musical genres.
In the same square of Sant Jaume will meet on February 9 at 20:15 pm Glam Folk and La Cosina at 22:00 pm.
Colles bastoneres and sardanes
On Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 am in the Cathedral Avenue begins a day of dances very typical of the festivities of Santa Eulalia. The most striking feature of this activity is that the dances are performed with a series of wooden sticks and, in addition, also involve the little ones.
On the other hand, we would like to mention that at 10:30 a.m. sardanas, a typical Catalan dance, are also performed in Sant Jaume square.
Passacaglia
The giants are also a very important part of this local festivity, hence the parade through the most emblematic streets of the city. Other types of popular characters also participate, such as, for example, cabezudos, beasts or small horses.
To enjoy this show, head to the Plaza de los Angeles on February 10 at 11:30 am.
The most important is the parade of the giant Laia (as Eulalia is known in popular parlance). It takes place on the 12th at 9:00 am at the Palau de la Virreina.
Correfocs
The correfocs are also an emblem of Catalan culture and, therefore, can not miss in the festivities of Santa Eulalia.
The first of them is celebrated on the 10th at 6:30 pm in the Plaza de Sant Jaume. It is a spectacle of light and color where rockets, firecrackers and sparks are the protagonists.
At 8:00 pm there is also another correfoc in the Plaza Real. It is very thematic, with the participation of legendary characters deeply rooted in local culture such as the Drac, the Tarasca or the Arpella, among others.
Bobbin lace makers
On Sunday 11 at 10:30 am in the street of Arcs is organized an activity that pays tribute to the bobbin lace makers. It was a very important profession for the textile industry in Catalonia during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Hundreds of women from all over Catalonia settle in this street to make bobbin lace using cushions, threads and needles, among other tools.
Castells
The castells also have a place in the festivities of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona. It is one of the highest expressions of Catalan culture and, therefore, we are sure you will be surprised if you have never seen one.
A total of 8 groups of castellers will gather in the Plaza de Sant Jaume on Sunday 11 at 11:30 am. In one hour they must assemble the castells simultaneously and without any error.
Enjoy the festivities of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona! Do you know about our Lockers at Sagrada Familia? Make your reservation with us and enjoy any of the following services activities in Barcelona without carrying weight. We are waiting for you.
