When February arrives, Barcelona dresses up in celebration to honor Santa Eulàlia, the city's co-patron saint. Known as “La Laia” among Barcelonians, this festivity is a tribute to the young martyr who, according to legend, bravely defended her ideals. The Santa Eulàlia festivities are the perfect excuse to enjoy Barcelona’s winter surrounded by traditions, culture, and fun. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
A program full of traditional activities
The Santa Eulàlia festivities offer a wide range of activities for all ages. The streets of central Barcelona come to life with parades, castellers, giants, and big-headed figures that bring joy to every corner. Traditional dances and sardana performances are also an essential part of the celebration, giving you the chance to connect with Catalan culture in an authentic way. Some of the most notable activities include:
Friday, February 7
- 20:00 – Protocols de l’Àliga
- 21:00 – Dance of the City’s Eagle and dance of the giants
Saturday, February 8
- 10:00 – Start of the Trobada de Colles Bastoneres
- 17:00 – Start of "Els batecs de la Laia"
- 20:00 – Santa Eulàlia correfoc (fire run)
- 21:00 – Dance performance Eulàlia
Sunday, February 9
- 11:30 – Diada Castellera of Santa Eulàlia
- 10:00 – Trobada de Gegants of Ciutat Vella
- 11:00 – Santa Eulàlia procession
- 13:30 – Dance of La Gegantona Laia
- 17:30 – Start of the parade celebrating 650 years of the City’s Eagle
- 17:30 – Entrance and dance of the City’s Eagle inside the Cathedral
Open house days
During the festivities, many of Barcelona’s emblematic buildings open their doors for free. This is the perfect opportunity to visit places such as the Barcelona City Hall or the Palau de la Generalitat, where you can discover fascinating stories and admire impressive architecture. The open house days offer a unique chance to explore the city from a different perspective.
Llum BCN Festival
One of the most anticipated moments of the Santa Eulàlia festivities is the Llum BCN festival, a light show that transforms the streets and buildings of the Poblenou district into true works of art. Local and international artists create innovative light installations that captivate all visitors. Walk through a magical stage that combines art, technology, and creativity.
Activities for the little ones
Families also play a key role during the festivities. Children can enjoy workshops, children's performances, and activities specially designed for them. It's a fantastic way to experience tradition with the youngest members of the family.
Getting around the festivities with Hola Barcelona
To make sure you don’t miss any of the activities during the Santa Eulàlia festivities, public transport is the best option. With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can enjoy unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains within zone 1. This way, you can easily reach all the points of interest and experience it all without any worries.
The Santa Eulàlia festivities are more than just a celebration; they are a showcase of Barcelona’s cultural and historical richness. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, these days offer you the chance to connect with the city and discover its most authentic essence. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
