Fiesta de Gracia

Location: Gracia

City: Barcelona, Spain

The Fiesta de Gràcia—officially the Festa Major de Gràcia—is one of the most vibrant and beloved summer festivals in Barcelona. It takes place every August in the neighborhood of Gràcia, and for one week, the area transforms into an open-air stage of creativity, music, and community life.

What makes the festival unique is the street decorations. For months, neighbors work together to design and build elaborate themed displays. Entire streets are covered with handmade installations—jungles, outer space, underwater worlds, fairy tales—crafted mostly from recycled materials. At night, when the lights come on, the narrow streets feel magical and immersive, like walking through different worlds just a few steps apart.

During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. There are community lunches, traditional Catalan activities, workshops, and children’s events. As evening falls, the energy shifts. Squares fill with concerts, from rock and indie bands to traditional Catalan music. You’ll see people dancing sardanas (the traditional Catalan circle dance), sharing drinks, and lingering late into the night.

The festival reflects the spirit of Gràcia itself—independent, artistic, and deeply rooted in neighborhood life. It’s not just a party; it’s a celebration of community pride and collective creativity. For many in Barcelona, August doesn’t truly begin until the streets of Gràcia come alive.