The districts of the Catalan capital are full of life, dynamism, and activity, which is why local festivals are celebrated in each one. One of the best-known is the Saint Eulalia Festival in Barcelona, also known as the Winter Main Festival. If you’re visiting the city, we encourage you to enjoy some of the activities held during that week.
What is its origin?
The origin of this festival dates back to the 4th century when the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered the persecution of all Christians. As a result, most of them hid or fled.
During those years, a 13-year-old girl named Eulalia presented herself to the consul, expressing her disagreement with this decree. For this reason, she was imprisoned and punished, thus becoming a symbol of the defence of justice.
The first activities date back to the 18th century with a series of popular performances, dances, and games. However, it was in 1983 that the foundations of this important festivity for the people of Barcelona were officially established, consolidating significantly in the 1990s due to the large public turnout year after year.
Saint Eulalia Festival Programme in Barcelona
The Saint Eulalia Festival in Barcelona starts on 7th February and ends on 12th February. During these days, culture, leisure, and entertainment combine to ensure everyone enjoys one of the city’s most important festivities. We advise you to read the programme we have prepared at LOCK & enjoy! so you can choose any of the activities.
Municipal Music Schools
On Friday 9th at 18:30, a very special event takes place in Plaça Sant Jaume to recognise the municipal music schools, celebrating their 30th anniversary.
It’s a tribute to their involvement in society, as they have become a benchmark in terms of musical training proposals for students of all ages, as well as hosting music workshops for families.
Eulalia’s Route
If you prefer to learn more about the origins of Saint Eulalia, the Joan Amades Cultural Association organises a series of guided tours through the city corners where the legend originated.
This is a free activity accompanied by a guide at all times. The tours take place on different days and times, starting from the Fossar de les Moreres:
- 9th February at 18:30 and 19:00.
- 11th February at 17:30 and 18:00.
Tradicionàrius
This year marks the 37th International Folk Festival Tradicionàrius at the Saint Eulalia Festival in Barcelona.
It involves a series of concerts with a repertoire of well-known and traditional songs mixed with different musical genres.
Glam Folk and La Cosina will perform in Plaça Sant Jaume on 9th February at 20:15 and 22:00 respectively.
Stick Dancing Groups and Sardanas
On Saturday 10th February at 10:00 in the Avenue of the Cathedral, a typical dance day of the Saint Eulalia Festival begins. The most striking aspect of this activity is that the dances are performed with a series of wooden sticks, and even the youngest participants join in.
Additionally, at 10:30, sardanas, a typical Catalan dance, also take place in Plaça Sant Jaume.
Parades
Giants also play a significant part in this local festivity, hence a parade through the city’s most emblematic streets. Other popular characters such as big-heads, beasts, or small horses also participate.
For this spectacle, head to Plaça dels Àngels on 10th February at 11:30.
The most important is the parade of the giant Laia (as Eulalia is popularly known). It takes place on 12th February at 09:00 at the Palau de la Virreina.
Fire Runs
Fire runs are also an emblem of Catalan culture and therefore cannot be missed at the Saint Eulalia festivities.
The first one takes place on 10th February at 18:30 in Plaça Sant Jaume. It’s a spectacle of light and colour where rockets, firecrackers, and sparks are the main attractions.
Another fire run also occurs at 20:00 in Plaça Reial, featuring legendary characters deeply rooted in local culture such as the Drac, the Tarasca, and the Arpella, among others.
Bobbin Lace Making
On Sunday 11th at 10:30 on Carrer dels Arcs, an activity that pays tribute to the bobbin lacemakers is organised. This was a very important profession for the textile industry in Catalonia during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Hundreds of women from all over Catalonia gather in this street to make bobbin lace using cushions, threads, and needles, among other tools.
Human Towers
The human towers also have a place in the Saint Eulalia festivities in Barcelona. It is one of the highest expressions of Catalan culture, and therefore, we are sure it will amaze you if you have never seen one.
A total of 8 groups of castellers meet in Plaça Sant Jaume on Sunday 11th at 11:30. In one hour, they must assemble the castells simultaneously and without any errors.
Enjoy the Saint Eulalia festivities in Barcelona! Are you familiar with our lockers at Sagrada Familia? Make your reservation with us and enjoy any of the activities in Barcelona without carrying weight. We await you.
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