When is the best time to take a holiday in Spain? The country is beautiful all throughout the year, but if you’re planning to visit Barcelona’s city centre in particular, then August is a great time to see the city. Each August, Barcelona hosts the vibrant and colourful Festa Major de Gràcia, promising a lively and energetic atmosphere. It’s Barcelona’s best street festival, and it’s completely free to enjoy! 

What’s On? 

The first things you’ll notice when you head towards the festival are the many street decorations which dominate the skies. Whether it’s brightly-coloured umbrellas or bats made from recycled materials, these decorations, which are suspended in mid-air, help transform the neighbourhood into a completely different place and work to keep the festival magic alive underneath this bold and eye-catching makeshift canopy.

As well as the decorations, there are also floats, parades, live music performances, and more food than you can imagine! In fact, some of the best Barcelona street food comes in the form of mouthwatering flatbreads with all sorts of tasty toppings. Spend hours strolling the streets during the daytime or nighttime during this weeklong festival and take in the ornate designs and artwork around every corner.

Where to Stay

The best location in Barcelona to stay in during the festival is the Gràcia district, which is where all the magic happens. Incorporated into the city as recently as the 19th century, there’s still very much a strong community feel here, and the narrow, winding streets feel a world apart from the increasingly modern locations in Barcelona. Today, there is quite a ‘boho’ atmosphere here, and it’s a place that is particularly popular with young couples who are looking for great nightlife, food, bars, and a lively neighbourhood.