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Semana Santa — Holy Week
29 March – 5 April
Barcelona in April: Unmissable Events from Holy Week to Rosalía and Tame Impala
Spring has arrived in the city, bringing with it a packed cultural agenda. La Cotorra has handpicked the highlights: from city-wide celebrations and concerts to food, beer, and film festivals.
Holy Week is one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar, commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Barcelona, the week is marked by the blessing of palms, solemn processions, and theatrical reenactments, culminating in Easter Sunday services. Every neighbourhood hosts its own local procession. Easter Monday is a public holiday in Catalonia, traditionally celebrated with "Mona de Pasqua"—a festive cake found in nearly every bakery in the city.
The cult rock band from St. Petersburg performs its greatest hits, including "Tri Poloski" and "Chuvstva," accompanied by a cello. Alexander Krasovitsky’s distinctive vocals remain one of the most recognisable sounds of his generation, drawing multi-generational crowds to their live shows.
Kevin Parker’s Australian psych-pop project performs its first-ever solo headline show in Barcelona. Known for vibrant, danceable psychedelic pop, Tame Impala is an experience best served on a grand scale. The band will present material from their fifth studio album, Deadbeat.
Southern Europe’s largest craft beer festival celebrates its 15th anniversary. Over 200 breweries will showcase everything from classic lagers to experimental small-batch brews. The event also features the Barcelona Beer Challenge awards, street food, food-pairing sessions, and live DJ sets. Entry starts at €6.75 online.
The ultimate event for fans of Japanese pop culture. From anime and manga to J-pop, gaming, and cosplay competitions, this festival brings the best of Japan to Barcelona. Expect guest illustrators, creative workshops, and plenty of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson visits as part of his "How Did We Get Here?" world tour. Critics have praised his latest work as "bold and bright," marking his evolution into an optimistic, life-affirming solo artist.
The undisputed queen of Catalan music returns home. With an orchestra, massive scenography, and avant-garde performance elements, her live show is described as a boundary-pushing musical play. Tickets are in extremely high demand—official resale platforms are the safest bet for latecomers.
The 10th anniversary of the BCN Film Fest features 90 films, including 19 world premieres. The festival specialises in literature-to-film adaptations and historical biopics. Guests this year include Willem Dafoe, Ralph Fiennes, and Lucy Liu. The opening film, Journey to the Land of Whites, tells the powerful true story of a young Ghanaian man’s journey to Barcelona.
Renowned TV host and comedian Mikhail Shatz brings his new show, "Liftolook," to Barcelona. A candid reflection on age, life in a new country, and the awkward encounters that come with a life in the public eye.
Celebrating 20 years since his debut solo album XL, the Russian rap legend performs a career-spanning set with a live band. The show will feature both his mid-2000s classics and material from his poignant 2025 anti-war album, Episode 4.
Directed by Dmitry Krymov, this phantasmagorical play stars Chulpan Khamatova and Maxim Sukhanov. The story follows two actors adrift in a foreign country, forced to reinvent themselves when their former lives are swept away. It is a powerful meditation on "last chances" and the pain of an unlived life.
Following a sold-out show last year, Meladze returns to the Catalan capital. Expect a high-energy evening of sing-along classics like "Tequila-Love" and "Samba Belogo Motylka."
Sant Jordi — Saint George’s Day (23 April)
The most romantic day in Barcelona, where roses are given to women and books to men. Central streets fill with stalls, and Gaudí’s Casa Batlló is traditionally draped in red roses. It is a city-wide celebration of literature and love, featuring author signings and open-air concerts.
The Australian electronic trio brings their "Inhale / Exhale" tour to the city. Their melodic house sound, enriched with live instruments and vocals, appeals to fans of Bonobo and Moderat alike.
A gourmet street food market featuring top Barcelona restaurants that adapt their signature dishes for an outdoor format. Beyond the food, expect craft stalls, culinary workshops, and live music. A fantastic way to experience the city's cutting-edge dining scene.
The first solo Barcelona exhibition by Franco-Canadian artist Kapwani Kiwanga at the Fundació Joan Miró. This major art project explores materiality and territorial crises, with many works created specifically for the museum's unique architecture.
