Discover the 2026 Festes de Gràcia, Festes de Sants, and La Mercè. Check dates, must-see events, decorated streets, and how to get there by public transport. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
Summer is one of the best times to experience Barcelona's popular culture. Between August and September, the city transforms with the Festes de Gràcia, Festes de Sants, and La Mercè—three celebrations that fill the streets with concerts, human towers (castellers), fire runs (correfocs), family activities, and Catalan traditions.
With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card you can enjoy unlimited travel on the metro, TMB buses, tram, FGC, Rodalies (Zone 1), and the Montjuïc Funicular to easily reach all festival venues.
Festes de Gràcia 2026: Barcelona's Most Spectacular Decorated Streets
August 15 to 21 (Opening speech on August 14)
The Festes de Gràcia are one of Barcelona's most iconic celebrations and an essential summer date. For a week, Vila de Gràcia turns into a massive open-air stage thanks to the hard work of residents, who transform streets and squares with handmade decorations competing in the traditional decorated streets contest.
What not to miss?
- 23 decorated streets and squares with surprising themes.
- The award ceremony for the best street decorations.
- The Diada Castellera (human towers day), parades, and popular culture.
- Concerts at Plaça del Folk and Festigàbal.
- Children's activities, workshops, havaneres (sea shanties), and local food.
Tip: Visit the decorated streets in the morning or early evening to enjoy them in a more relaxed atmosphere.
How to get there:
Metro: L3 (Fontana, Lesseps), L4 (Joanic), L5 (Verdaguer).
Bus: 22, 24, V17, H6.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Blue Route (Gràcia stop).
Festes de Sants 2026: Summer's Other Great Neighborhood Festival
Starting August 22
When the festival in Gràcia comes to an end, the Sants neighborhood takes over with one of Barcelona's most authentic local celebrations. It maintains the same community spirit, but with a slightly quieter vibe, making it an excellent alternative for exploring the city.
What will you find?
- 11 decorated streets and squares.
- Concerts and activities for all ages.
- Community dinners and local neighborhood culture.
- The Borinots Diada Castellera (human towers).
- Children's and adults' correfocs (fire runs).
- The traditional Piromusical fireworks show at Parc de l'Espanya Industrial.
How to get there:
Metro: L1, L5 (Plaça de Sants), L3, L5 (Sants Estació).
Bus: D20, H10, V5, 27, 115.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Red Route (Estació de Sants stop).
La Mercè 2026: Barcelona's Grand City Festival
September 23 to 27
After the neighborhood festivals comes La Mercè, Barcelona's biggest festival of the year. Over several days, the city becomes a massive stage featuring hundreds of free activities across squares, parks, and iconic sites.
Tips for Enjoying the Festivals
- Use public transport to avoid street closures and traffic cuts.
- Visit decorated streets in the morning or evening when crowds are smaller.
- Respect the decorations and the rest hours of the residents.
- Check the official schedule beforehand to plan the events you want to attend most.
Discover Festive Barcelona
he Festes de Gràcia, Festes de Sants, and La Mercè are three of the most anticipated events on the calendar and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Barcelona's local culture, music, and traditions.
Plan your route, travel comfortably with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, and enjoy the main festivals without worrying about transport.Hola Barcelona takes you there!
