The feast of Santa Eulalia is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the Barcelona calendar. Year after year, this festivity manages to capture the essence of Catalan tradition and masterfully combines the historical with the contemporary. But what is it that makes this festival so special and beloved by the people of Barcelona? Let’s find out.
Origins of the feast of St. Eulalia
Origins of the feast of St. EulaliaSaint Eulalia is the co-patron saint of Barcelona and her story goes back to ancient times. It is said that Eulalia, at the age of 13, confronted the Roman Empire defending her faith, thus becoming a martyr. This brave and defiant young woman has left an indelible mark in the hearts of the people of Barcelona. During the festival, not only her memory is honored, but also her legacy of courage and resistance is remembered.
Traditional and modern activities
Barcelona is transformed during this holiday season. From February 7 to 12, a myriad of activities flood the streets of the city. One of the most characteristic are the castellers, those incredible human towers that seem to defy gravity. Children, youth and adults participate, forming a moving image of community and collective effort.
But the festivities are not limited to traditional activities. In recent years, the city has incorporated a modern twist that includes light and sound shows, art exhibitions and interactive workshops. This contemporary approach ensures the attraction of younger generations who, even with the fast pace of modern life, can find the time to connect with their rich cultural heritage.
The streets come alive
One aspect that stands out during Santa Eulalia is how the whole city becomes a stage. From the Gothic Quarter to the Raval, every corner of Barcelona is filled with color and music. Parades full of giants, big-heads and traditional dancers line the streets, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike. The atmosphere is contagious and everyone seems to join the party, forgetting for a few days the daily routine.
Efficiency in the organization of activities ensures that all interested parties can participate, something that is not always easy given the thousands of attendees that flood the city. It is fascinating to observe how the local administration coordinates so that each event runs smoothly, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and citizens alike.
A boost to tourism and local commerce
The festivities of Santa Eulalia not only have a cultural value, but also represent a significant boost to the local economy. During these days, businesses benefit from the increased flow of people, both locals and tourists. Restaurants, hotels and stores experience an increase in revenue, while displays of local crafts and products attract the attention of those looking to take a piece of Barcelona home with them.
For many businesses, these festivities are a key opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience. In addition, a fair is held where local artisans exhibit their products, allowing visitors and locals alike to appreciate and purchase unique works from the Catalan region.
Conclusion: between history and modernity
The feast of Santa Eulalia is a reminder of Barcelona’s vitality and cultural richness. With one foot in tradition and the other in innovation, the city manages to make this celebration relevant to the present while honoring the past. It is a testament to how festivities can evolve without losing their essence. As the years go by, it becomes clear that Santa Eulalia is not just another festival, but an integral part of what defines Barcelona and its people.
For anyone wishing to immerse themselves in authentic Catalan culture, there is no better opportunity than the Santa Eulalia celebrations. It is an open invitation to experience a unique blend of living history and modern energy, an event that is sure to leave visitors and locals alike looking forward to next year.
Program of Activities – Festes de Santa Eulàlia
Friday, February 7th
- 18:30 h – Performance of the municipal music schools of Barcelona. Participants: Combo Miles Davis and Combo Quincy Jones (EMM Sant Andreu), Latin Jazz Band and Big Band (EMM Eixample). Place: Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- 20:00 h – Procession of the Àliga de la Ciutat. Route: Plaça de Sant Jaume, Jaume I, Plaça de l’Àngel, Argenteria, Sombrerers, Montcada, Passeig del Born, Santa Maria, Fossar de les Moreres and Plaça de Santa Maria del Mar.
- 20:40 h – Honor to the Àliga de la Ciutat, with the participation of the Coronela de Barcelona and the Trabucaires d’en Perot Rocaguinarda in the Fossar de les Moreres.
- 21:00 h – Dance of the Àliga de la Ciutat, together with the Gegants de Santa Maria del Mar and the Lleó in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
- 20:15 h – Concerts Tradicionàrius at Plaça de Sant Jaume: La Sonsoni.
- 21:30 h – Second Tradicionàrius concert at Plaça de Sant Jaume: Germà Negre.
Saturday, February 8
- 10:00 – 20:00 h – Open day at the Barcelona City Hall.
- 10:00 h – Start of the Trobada de Colles Bastoneres with dances and parades. Route: Plaça de Sant Jaume, Carrer del Bisbe, Plaça Nova, Carrer de la Palla, Carrer dels Banys Nous, Carrer de Ferran and return to Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- 11:00 h – Parade of the Mostra de Gegants d’Escola from Plaça Comercial. Itinerary: Passeig del Born, Carrer de Santa Maria, Plaça de Santa Maria, Carrer de l’Argenteria, Carrer de Jaume I and Plaça de Sant Jaume (13:00 h).
- 12:00 h – Exhibition of Esbarts Dansaires Dansaires Infantiles and Juveniles in the Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 16:00 h – Parade of the Mostra de Gegants Infantils from Plaça Comercial. Same route as the Mostra de Gegants d’Escola, ending at Plaça de Sant Jaume (17:15 h).
- 17:00 h – Exhibition of dances and final tour of the Gegants Infantils through the historic center, concluding in Plaça del Rei at 18:00 h.
- 17:00 h – Dance of Santa Eulàlia in the Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 17:00 h – Meeting of tabalers “Els batecs de la Laia”. Starting at Plaça Reial and going along La Rambla and Plaça de Sant Jaume to Plaça de Sant Miquel (17:45 h).
- 18:30 h – Children’s Correfoc. Departure from Plaça de Sant Miquel and route through Plaça de Sant Jaume, Carrer de Ferran, La Rambla and end at Plaça Reial.
- 20:00 h – Santa Eulàlia Correfoc. Starts at Plaça Reial and ends at Plaça de Sant Jaume (20:45 h), followed by a fire show.
- 21:00 h – Dance show “Eulàlia” inside the Cathedral.
- 21:15 h – Concert by Lo Puto Cat in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- 22:00 h – Concert of the Cors Clavé in the Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 21:00 h – Lali Jove at Moll de la Fusta. Programming:
- 21:00 h: Exhibition of youth castelleres colles.
- 22:00 h: Glòria Ribera.
- 23:20 h: Partiperes.
- 00:40 h: Cactus.
- 02:00 h: Fricandones.
Sunday, February 9
- 08:00 h – Matinades de grallers in the Baixada de Santa Eulàlia.
- 10:00 h – Exhibition of the Falcons of Barcelona and parade from Plaça de Sant Jaume to Plaça Nova.
- 11:30 h – Diada Castellera de Santa Eulàlia in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- 10:00 h – Meeting of Gegants de Ciutat Vella in Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 11:00 h – Follow Santa Eulàlia from Avinguda de la Catedral with floral offering in the chapel of Santa Eulàlia.
- 13:30 h – Traditional dances in Plaça de Sant Jaume with the Gegantona Laia, the Àliga de la Ciutat and the Gegants de la Ciutat.
- 16:00 h – Sardanes in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- 16:45 h – Performance of “Eulàlia” by Esbart Ciutat Comtal inside the Cathedral.
- 17:30 h – Great cercavila for the 650 years of the Àliga de la Ciutat with participation of the Àliga de la Vila de Gràcia and the Colomí de Sant Andreu. Walk through the center to Plaça de Sant Jaume (19:00 h).
- 19:30 h – Concert by the Roquetes-Nou Barris Symphonic Band with the show “Una Santa Eulàlia de cine” in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
Wednesday, February 12
- 09:30 h – Parade of the Gegantona Laia from the Palau de la Virreina.
- 10:15 h – Placing of the penó of Santa Eulàlia in the Town Hall and dance of Laia.
- 18:00 h – Carillon concert in the streets of the Gòtic.
- 18:30 h – Parade of the Gegantes Laies, starting at the Palau de la Virreina.
- 19:30 h – Beginning of the Passejada de les Laies, through the historic center with floral offering to the chapel of Santa Eulalia.
- 20:25 h – Grand finale in Plaça de Sant Jaume with Santa Eulàlia dance and fireworks show.
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