Gòtic Festival 2026

The Festa Major del Gòtic returns stronger than ever to inspire everyone to fill the streets and squares and to strengthen the bond between neighbors and their neighborhood.

From Plaça de la Mercè to Plaça del Rei, from Plaça del Pi to Plaça del Vuit de Març, nearly forty activities will turn the heart of the city into the center of merrymaking and traditional festivities over the course of four days.

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

The Festa will kick off on Wednesday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. with the parade of the pregó, which will march through the neighborhood streets and feature some of the schools and organizations from the Gòtic Children's Board, percussion groups, and the Giants and Big Heads from Escola Baixeras and Escola Sant Felip Neri. At 7:30 p.m., the Pregó will be held, which this year will be given by Xavier Artal, postman of Gòtic Sud for more than 20 years.

This year, the Festa Major will host the celebration of the second day of the Primavera Veïnal al Gòtic series, which every Thursday afternoon in May aims to bring sustainability closer to residents with days full of activities, snacks, and shows in the neighborhood squares. The first session will take place on Thursday the 7th at 4:30 p.m. at Plaça Sant Josep Oriol and it will be dedicated to zero waste.

On Friday the 15th, fire will take center stage. This year, as part of the Festa Major Jove, the Casc Antic devils group will offer a correfoc between Plaça Vuit de Març and the Cathedral and, at Plaça Vila de Madrid, there will be a performance of the Versots de Sant Miquel, a popular cultural act in which the Ball de Diables, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil, recite short satirical and critical verses on current topics or issues relevant to the neighborhood. On this occasion, the verses to be recited have been proposed by local residents.

Children will also be able to enjoy a variety of activities, such as the chocolate feast at Plaça de la Mercè and on Carrer d'en Roca, the event organized by Jardí d'en Pop with face painting and music, or the gymkhana at Plaça dels Traginers, among many others.

Friends of La Rambla and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation organize the Fem Paelles a La Rambla on Saturday, May 16 at La Rambla Santa Mònica. You can take part by preparing your own paella or by tasting the contestants' paellas at a popular price. All proceeds go to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation's programs.

And a major festival wouldn't be complete without communal meals, such as the neighborhood dinner on Carrer Còdols, or on Carrer de la Palla, which returns after last year's success, bringing together residents, merchants, and friends from Carrer de la Palla, Banys Nous, and the surrounding area.

You can find the full program for the Gòtic 2026 Festivities in the attached file or by clicking this link.