Barcelona is getting ready for its sweetest event on March 3. The celebration of San Medir will fill the streets with a parade of horses, carriages, and trucks that will throw tons of candy to the crowd. Residents of all ages will come with umbrellas, bags, and buckets to catch as many sweets as possible on a day that brings the city to a standstill.
Although the center of the festivities is in Gràcia, the events will also reach the districts of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and La Bordeta. The organized groups, known as colles, will start the day with local tours before setting off on a pilgrimage to the saint’s chapel, located in the Collserola mountains.
The origin of a centuries-old tradition
This documented custom dates back to 1828. Josep Vidal i Granés, a baker from the neighborhood, promised that he would make a pilgrimage to the chapel every year if he regained his health. Over the decades, what was a personal commitment grew to include family and friends, eventually consolidating into the current structure of the festival.
Originally, the baker threw beans to the public as a symbol of gratitude to the peasant saint. Over time, sweets replaced the beans, giving rise to the popular name of the “Sweet Festival.” Today, pilgrims wear a ribbon with a small bean and a medal, as well as a bouquet of violets, a flower typical of this winter season.
The legend of the miracle of the beans
The festival pays tribute to Saint Medir, a farmer who lived near Sant Cugat in 303. The story goes that, during the Roman persecution, Bishop Severus fled Barcelona and asked the farmer to tell the truth about his whereabouts. After the encounter, the beans that Medir had sown grew miraculously and instantly.
When the soldiers captured the farmer, they did not believe his sincere testimony and executed him alongside the bishop. This story, which blends history and faith, is an essential part of Barcelona’s identity. UNESCO and the local council recognize the vitality of this practice as intangible heritage that is passed down from generation to generation.
Candy parade schedules
Central parade in Gràcia
The main event will take place in the Gràcia neighborhood. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the different groups (colles) will gather at their assigned points. The official parade will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The route will start at Carrer de Nil Fabra and proceed down Carrer Gran de Gràcia. The parade will end at the Jardinets de Gràcia, officially known as the Jardins de Salvador Espriu.
Morning parades in Sarrià
In the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, two historic groups will parade in the morning before heading to Gràcia:
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Colla Antiga: Will begin its march at 9:30 a.m. from Bertran Street. It will pass through streets such as Rios Rosas, Pàdua, Saragossa, Mañé i Flaquer Square, and Vallirana Street. The route will continue through Sant Joaquim Square, Septimània, and Torre Square before connecting with Riera de Cassoles Avenue.
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Humorous Group: Will begin its activity at 10:30 a.m. on Sant Eusebi Street. Its route includes Riera de Cassoles Avenue and Rambla del Prat, from where it will join the rest of the events in the Gràcia district.
Sunday parade in La Bordeta
The Bordeta neighborhood maintains its tradition of holding the event on the Sunday after Saint Medir’s Day. The parade will begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Carrer de la Constitució.
The route will take in the streets of Gavà, Alpens, Guadiana, and Sants. It will then pass through Gayarre, Toledo, Manzanares, Andalusia, and Riera de Tena. The parade will return to Constitució and end on the streets of Viladecans, Corral, and Mossèn Amadeu Oller. When it ends, around 12:00 noon, a solemn mass will be held in the parish church of San Medir.