The annual Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova is back this August. This popular celebration of Catalan culture in the heart of Barcelona lights up locals and tourists evenings between August 12 and August 16.
Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova
The Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova takes place every August with events taking place around the Avinguda de la Catedral and the emblematic Plaça Nova. The festival aims to promote Catalan traditions and showcase Catalan popular culture to the world and the millions of tourists who visit the city during the summer.
With events starting just before sunset, between 17.30 and 19.30, different cultural subsections perform showcasing their own spectacular brand of Catalan flavour. Spectators will enjoy the world famous Catalan “castellers” and “geganters” amongst the many other performances. “Castellers” are huge human towers and “geganters” are animated, Goliath like, papier-mâché giants that dazzle and amaze crowds of all ages.
The Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova sees a number of Barcelona’s most prominent and popular culture associations take part in the event. Although most of the events usually include a combination of different elements of Catalan culture sometimes the events will focus on one theme.
This is the oldest “Festa Major” in the city. This year is the 427th edition of Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça. The first event was held in 1589. With a ream of stunning performances this is not to be missed if you’re in Barcelona. There’s also plenty of local cuisine on offer including Volant de Sant Cristòfol and Rom Cremat throughout the festival to keep you going whilst you savour this incredible showcase of Catalan culture.
If you need accommodation near the Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova please check out our apartments in Ciutat Vella.
How to get to the Festes de Sant Roc de la Plaça Nova
By Bus – with the lines 45, 120, N8, N70, V15, V17
By Metro – with the line L4 (yellow line) Station – Jaume I