Culture and Leisure
Visitors come to Barcelona from all over the world, attracted by its culture, entertainment and leisure activities. Its packed cultural agenda features exhibitions, festivals, festivities and traditions all year round. Check out the Barcelona Centre Universitari (BCU) agenda for more details.
Museums and exhibitions
All the city’s leading museums have major collections covering a vast range of artistic styles. In addition to their permanent collections, they also put on world-class temporary exhibitions. Some museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
Music and theatre
The performing arts have a strong tradition in this city. The fast-paced cultural scene offers music, theatre, concerts and festivals throughout the year.
- The main concert halls in the city are L’Auditori, Palau de la Música Catalana and the opera house, Gran Teatre del Liceu. Major concerts are also staged at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium and other sports facilities in the city.
- The warm weather brings top music festivals such as Primavera Sound , Sónar, Grec Festival, BAM, etc.
- There are large small theatre productions all year round. You can catch a musicals at the theatres along Avinguda Paral·lel.
Festivals
Festivities and traditions
Festivities and traditions are the hallmark of a country’s culture. The main festivities on the Barcelona calendar are the following:
- 6 January, Epiphany or Kings Day
- 23 April, Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day, a day of books and roses)
- 24 June, Sant Joan (midsummer night, bonfires and firecracker celebrations)
- 11 September, La Diada, Catalonia’s National Day
- 24 September, La Mercè, the patron saint of Barcelona
- 25 and 26 December, Christmas and Boxing Day
Sport
The city has two first-division football (soccer) teams: the world-renowned FC Barcelona (better known as Barça) and the RCD Espanyol (better known as l’Espanyol). Since the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona has become a top international venue for world-class sporting events.
The city also organises many popular sports events you can take part in, such as the Cursa dels Bombers and Cursa dels Nassos 10 km running events.