Don’t miss the blog of the Hotel Arc La Rambla to know the details of the Festa Major de Sant Antoni 2023.
The Festa Major de Sant Antoni (St. Anthony Festival) is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations in Barcelona. The city is preparing for the 2023 edition, which promises to be one of the best and biggest yet. It will take place from 13 to 22 January, in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood.
Festa Major de Sant Antoni (St. Anthony Festival)
During the festivities the neighbourhood is transformed into a hive of activities and concerts. Tourists and locals mingle to enjoy popular culture, gastronomy and local traditions. The programme is wide-ranging and varied, including concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, competitions and activities for all the family.
Activities and traditions typical of Sant Antoni
The festival is held in honour of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of animals. This saint is very popular in Catalonia, which is why it is common for the 17th of January to be celebrated in different parts of the territory.
Els Tres Tombs (The Three Tumbles)
One of the oldest traditions of the Festa Major de Sant Antoni is Els Tres Tombs. This celebration dates back to the 17th century and is held on the feast day of St. Anthony, 17th January.
A parade is organised with the participation of carriages, horsemen and horsewomen that go from the streets to the Plaça de Sant Jaume. Although it is also celebrated in other Catalan towns and villages.
Neighbourhood associations
Various civic and cultural organisations in the district take part in the festival. For example, the trabucaires and the gralles, in charge of waking up all the neighbours and announcing the start of the festivities.
The gegants, the diables, the castellers and other organisations representing popular culture organise a parade through the neighbourhood with music and dance.
Correfoc (fire show)
The correfocs are a very popular fireworks display in Catalonia. On the last day of the festival, the neighbourhood’s group of devils organises a massive one.
Pig raffle
This tradition dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when it was typical to raffle a pig to fatten it for a year. For the last 10 years, the neighbourhood shopkeepers have revived this custom and nowadays a lot of food is raffled off.
In short, the Festa Major de Sant Antoni is one of the most popular celebrations in Barcelona. This festival is characterised by its cultural programme, its traditions and its activities for all ages. If you’re in Barcelona from 13 to 22 January, you can’t miss this festival.
You won’t regret spending a few days enjoying the culture and traditions of the city.
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