As the summer gets closer every year, you start to hear locals get excited about festa major. This translates in Catalan as “big party“, and who doesn’t like a party? These events take place all over the city but one of the most rich and diverse takes place in the bohemian and cultural neighbourhood of Raval.
Festa Major del Raval
Here a big street party takes place every year in mid July. With a cocktail of street parties, community get-togethers, concerts, arts, crafts and food this event is not to be missed. You’ll experience the world famous Catalan traditions and party Barcelona style. What’s not to love about that?
This annual festival coincides with the feast day of Mare de Déu del Carme, the barrio’s patron saint. Between July 14 to July 17 you can get involved and immerse yourself in a programme of events including parades, “correfocs” (fire runs), “castells” (human towers), light projections, sport, chocolate feasts, dances and more.
If you love live music and food then this festival is perfect for you. The music reflects the districts own diversity with an eclectic mix of world music, reggae and much more. Whilst the neighbourhoods multicultural bars and restaurants serve up a feast of fascinating and delicious dishes that leave you wanting just one more bite.
With events taking place in the areas many cultural centres including Gran Teatre del Liceu, Museu Marítim de Barclona, Arts Santa Mónica and Filmoteca de Catalunya if culture, arts and cinematography is your passion then you will not be disappointed.
The festival is held right off the cities main tourist arteries which makes it easy and accessible. It is only a ten minute walk from the world famous La Rambla and a fifteen minute walk from Plaça de Catalunya. The festival doesn’t have it’s own website but more information can usually be found on www.totraval.org.
If you are seeking accommodation near the Festa Major del Raval please check out our apartments in El Raval and Ciutat Vella.
How to get to the Festa Major del Raval;
By Metro – with the L2-Badalona Pompeu Fabra / Paral·lel (purple line) Station: Sant Antoni
By Bus – with the lines 120, 24, 91, N6, V11 Stop: Rambla del Raval (120) & Ronda Sant Pau Parlament (24, 91, N6 & V11)