The countdown has begun to the kick-off of one of Barcelona’s most original festivals. We are referring, of course, to the iconic festival of the Born and Sant Pere, celebrated every year on the 29th June to coincide with St Peter’s Day. The epicentre of the celebrations is the Barcelona district of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, where the streets bustle with a party atmosphere. Planning to be in the city around that date? Look no further than our 4 stars hotel near el Born to enjoy a stay in Barcelona that is unforgettable in every sense.

The Festival of the Born and Sant Pere is the annual local celebration of Barcelona’s old town, the Casco Antiguo. During the day of the 29th June, a starting pistol is fired from a brightly-coloured musical parade to invite those nearby to join in the festivities. But this is just the beginning: the festival is dripping with Catalonian traditions. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Fiesta del Born y de Sant Pere 2019

Image courtesy of Vicent Girbés/ flickr.com

Main ceremonies of the Festival of the Born and Sant Pere

This local festival is a great opportunity to witness one of Catalonia’s most special cultural activities: sardanas. This very traditional Catalonian dance brings a touch of folklore to the celebration of St Peter, or Sant Pere. In the sardanas, members dance in a circle to the rhythm of the music in a spectacular visual display that is as breathtaking for locals as it is for visitors.

Another highlight of the day is castellers: human towers several storeys high that will impress even the most sceptical festivalgoer. The sky is almost literally the limit when it comes to these artists’ talent: in addition to towers, they form all kinds of constructions from pyramids to windmills.

Fiesta del Born y de Sant Pere 2019

Image courtesy of Börkur Sigurbjörnsson/ flickr.com

Dancing giants are another sight you can expect to see at the Festival of the Born and Sant Pere. Little ones will be blown away by the size of them, and adults can expect to be impressed, too.

Of course, gastronomy plays a fundamental role in the festive itinerary, in the form of traditional paellas and Catalan sausages. Once night falls, concert time begins. The Passeig de Lluis Companys promenade will be transformed into the perfect stage for artists to provide the final flourish to this popular festival.

Music, dance, food, and a whole lot of fun await you in Barcelona this June. We look forward to seeing you at our boutique hotel in central Barcelona.