The murmur of water in the stone cloisters and the intense aroma of fresh petals are about to take over the oldest streets of Barcelona. One of the longest-running festivals in the Catalan capital returns to fill the courtyards, squares, and gardens of the historic center with life, color, and collective memory.
From June 4 to 7, 2026, the Barcelona City Council, the Cathedral, and the Federation of Popular and Traditional Cultural Organizations of Old Barcelona are reviving this historic celebration. Through its most participatory and popular elements, the festival invites residents to enjoy ephemeral traditions, parades of giant figures, and a varied cultural program open to all citizens.
Open doors and traditional music at City Hall
The start of the festival allows citizens to enter the local government headquarters and enjoy the first traditional dances in the street.
- Open House at City Hall:
- Grand Sardana Dance:
Complete route of ‘l’ou com balla’
This unique egg that dances on the water of the brolladores—a custom documented in the city since 1636 and linked to ancient Mediterranean water games—will be on display at more than twenty venues from June 4 to 7:
- Archive of the Crown of Aragon – Palau Lloctinent
- Historical Archive of the City – Casa de l’Ardiaca
- Ateneu Barcelonès
- Capitania General
- Rubió and Lluch Gardens
- The Cathedral
- Frederic Marès Museum
- Maritime Museum
- Palau de la Virreina
- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
- Col·legi Escolàpies de Llúria
- Conciliar Seminar of Barcelona
- El Sortidor Civic Center
- Parish of Sant Àngel Custodi
- Can Deu Civic Center
- Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes
- Carrer de la Llibertat
- Gràcia Moral and Educational Center
- Espai Albert Musons
- Oratori de Sant Felip Neri in Gràcia
- Sant Camil Workshop
- Sagrera Tower
- Plaza d’Ignasi Juliol
- Parish of Santa Maria del Taulat
- Parish of Sant Martí del Clot
The ephemeral art of floral carpets
The city streets are adorned with tapestries made from petals, herbs, and new materials such as seeds or coffee grounds, a tradition inspired by the spring decorations of the Roman era.
- Traditional function: To transform public spaces and fill the air with fragrance as the processions pass by.
- City Hall Carpet: This year’s design is inspired by a text by writer Joan De Déu Domènech and was created by students from the Barcelona per la Natura Workshop at Barcelona Activa.
The eve of the festival: the announcement of the festival and the fire displays
Saturday, June 6, serves as a prelude to the main event, featuring the historic giants and the subsequent fireworks display around the Cathedral.
- The Eve of the Giants (Schedule and Events):
- The Eve of the Ball de Diables (Schedule and Fire):
- Fire safety precautions: Wear comfortable shoes and cotton clothing that covers the body (never synthetic). Keep children at a safe distance. Residents along the route: remove awnings, cover windows, and lower blinds.
Sunday: the Grand Corpus Christi Procession
The highlight comes on June 7 with the parade that has wound its way through the city since 1320, a procession that serves as the historical origin of much of the local folklore and dances.
Safety Notice: The use of ear protection is recommended for the elderly, children, and those with hearing sensitivity during the performances by the trabucaires.
6:50 p.m.: Performance by the Falcons de Barcelona and dance by the new giants of the Casa de Caritat in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
7:00 p.m.: Official departure of the Popular Procession and the street performers from Barcelona City Hall toward Plaça Nova.
7:45 PM: Start of the Corpus Christi Procession featuring the Monstrance, giants, the Eagle, the Lion, the Ox, and groups such as the Coronela and the Trabucaires de Perot Rocaguinarda. Route: Av. Catedral, Plaça Nova, Boters, Plaça de la Cucurulla, Carrer del Pi, Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and Plaça del Pi, Cardenal Casañas, La Rambla, Ferran, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Carrer del Bisbe, and back via Plaça Nova to Avinguda de la Catedral.
9:00 p.m.: Arrival of the procession at Avinguda de la Catedral, presentation of the figures, and honor dances by the Eagle and the City Giants.
