Festa Major de Gràcia 2018: Daily programme

The neighbourhood of Gràcia gets dressed for its annual Festa Major, one of the favourite street festivals of the year, as much for locals as for visitors who come through for the festivities. From August 15 to 21 you'll find a massive programme of activities for all tastes filling the streets and squares of Gràcia with music, food and parties, including concerts, fairs, the 'correfoc' ('fire run'), the 'castellers' and things to do for kids. And of course you can't miss the traditional decorating of the main streets in the barrio just for the occasion.

You can find the full guide online (in Catalan only).

Tuesday 14
The pre-festivities on Tuesday anticipate the arrival of the big events to come. Timbales (drums) and grallas (traditional Catalan reed instruments) start up at 6pm leading up to the opening speech ('pregó') by Dr Elena Carreras, the head of ob-gyn at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital. Carreras is from Gràcia herself, and the Festival is honoured to have a woman who has reached professional excellence start off the celebrations this year.

Wednesday 15
Starting at 8am, early birds can join in the party with firecrackers, bangers and breakfast. Watch out for the presentation of the Gràcia Eagle, which you can see dancing in the morning as well. Among the live music on tap, today is the inauguration of 'Folk Square' in Plaça del Sol, where you can see performances by Sabor de Gràcia, Ebri Knight and RIU, among others.

Thursday 16
The Gràcia Festival also means food feasts, so you'll want to check out the paella competition in Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia from 1pm, or the salad contest in C/ Fraternitat at the same time. Recommended concerts today include Mazoni, Amadeu Casas Quintet, and Arrels de Gràcia in Folk Square (Plaça del Sol).

Friday 17
This is the big day all the locals have been waiting for, when prizes are awarded for best decorations in the streets and squares. Plus the first of the Casteller Days starts at 8pm. Try some local flavour with a tasting of Reus vermouths with David Bagés from 1pm in Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. When you're ready for some moving and grooving to live music, check out Ran Ran Ran and Black Islands, Side Chick with Maïa Vidal, and it's the first day of Festigábal, from 8.30pm.

Saturday 18
Don't miss the thrilling human tower builders featuring groups from Reus, Igualada and Valls. Try a beer tasting, if that's your thing, with brews from Caracoles a la Vinyala (1pm at Tasta Gràcia). And see concerts by Dolo Beltran and Ultraplayback, and the second and final day of Festigábal.

Sunday 19
If you're up early on Sunday morning (9.30am) you'll get to see the Giants from Gràcia and La Pedrera doing their gianting. Food and drink plans include another paella competition (we never get tired of these) at 1pm in Espai de la Calma, a sardine fest in Ciutat Real at 9pm, a tasting of D.O. wines in Maspons at 8pm. Music fans can head to stages to see Ferran Palau and A Contra Blues.

Monday 20
Root for your favourite treat in the tapas competition, where Chef Fermí Puig, from the nearby restaurant that bears his name, will be on hand. Kids will love the foam party (11am, C/Berga). And if you're in the mood for a dance, head to concerts from the Chipén family or a bit more head-banging action at the Error! Fest.

Tuesday 21
The last day of the Gràcia Festival is when you get to bear witness to the correfoc, which sets out from C/ Sant Domènec, and heads along Torrent de l'Olla, Verdi, Torrijos and Travessera de Gràcia to come to a brilliant finale in Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. Among the recommended concerts are Buhos, making for a great way to wrap up a week of summer fun.