Barcelona is getting ready to welcome thousands of LGTBIQ+ people in a party that is already a tradition. The Circuit Festival, with its 2025 edition, will invade the city from August 9 to 17, consolidating itself as a world-class event and turning Barcelona into a gay mecca for more than a week.
A global phenomenon in Barcelona
The Circuit Festival, which began in 2008, has put Barcelona on the map as one of the favorite destinations for the LGTBIQ+ community. This summer, the festival reaches its 16th edition and once again expects to welcome attendees from more than 80 countries. From countries such as Spain, the United States, France, Brazil, to places as far away as Australia, Taiwan, Germany and South Korea, diversity is guaranteed.
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Many attendees will take the opportunity to extend their vacations in Barcelona, especially those traveling from distant countries. 80% of the participants will be international, making the festival a truly borderless event. The “Gayxample”, the neighborhood that brings together numerous LGTBIQ+ stores, bars and cafes, is set to be the epicenter of the action.
Innovation and expansion: the festival route
This year, the festival expands with new locations. It starts in Molins de Rei at Be Disco, where the Big Opening will take place next Saturday 9th, marking the beginning of the 12 scheduled parties. From there, the celebrations will be distributed to different points outside Barcelona, taking the party to Razzmatazz, Input, Safari, and other nearby locations.
Among the novelties, two new venues stand out for their relevance: the Go Beach Club at the Port Fòrum in Sant Adrià and the famous Water Park at the Illa Fantasia water park in Vilassar de Dalt. These locations promise to be the center of attention, especially the Water Park Day, which is expected to gather more than 10,000 people.
Economic and social impact
The Circuit Festival is not only about celebrations; it also has a significant economic impact on Barcelona. It is estimated that the event will generate 500 direct jobs and close to a thousand indirect jobs, benefiting numerous sectors such as hospitality and performing arts. The Axel Hotel, a reference for the LGTBIQ+ community, almost reaches 100% occupancy during these dates, making clear the level of influence of the festival.
Tickets for the festivities are offered in packages ranging from 300 to 400 euros, although it is also possible to obtain individual passes. The organizers, Matinée Group, claim that the event is an economic and cultural engine for the region.
More than a party, a life experience
The Circuit Festival transcends music and disco lights. For many, it represents a unique opportunity to reunite with old friends and create unforgettable memories in an environment of complete freedom. In addition, the parties feature some of the world’s most renowned DJs, offering an unparalleled musical experience.
With almost 40 national and international DJs ready to liven up the summer nights, the Circuit Festival not only celebrates diversity, but also music as a universal language that unites people from all corners of the planet.
In short, Barcelona is transformed every year thanks to the Circuit Festival. The city not only welcomes thousands of visitors, but also reaffirms its commitment to inclusion and diversity, becoming a global mecca for the LGTBIQ+ community. The festival is both a celebration of life and a platform for self-expression and mutual respect.
