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Spain is a Catholic country. Therefore, for the Easter period there are many occasions and holidays that are celebrated - a great excuse for a trip to Barcelona. Most of the feast dates in this period are moveable, as they are celebrated on a certain day of the week - Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Easter Sunday etc. It is a great time to come to the city of Barcelona as Spring has sprung, the trees are in blossom and there are many outdoor processions and celebrations taking place.

It is worth noting that opening times for shops, museums, attractions and restaurants can be particularly awkward during this period. Therefore, please see our guide to

Barcelona Easter - for a guide to opening times.

Here I have provided a short guide to some of the most important dates during the Spring / Easter period in Barcelona:

Carnival ('Carnestoltes') - Spain's answer to Mardi Gras: 03 March - 09 March, in and around Barcelona.

This event is called different names in different countries all over the world - Mardi Gras, Pancake Day, Carnival and the list goes on. In Catalonia it is known as 'Carnestoltes'. It is the period in the run up to Lent which is seen as the last opportunity to eat, drink and be merry prior to the Christian period of abstinence.

In Barcelona and the surrounding areas this is a period when many processions, parties and food making competitions take place.

Please see our Carnival - 'Carnestoltes', 03 March - 09 March

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Barcelona: 24 March - 31 March

'Semana Santa' translates as Holy Week. This is a very important week in the Christian calendar as it marks the end of Lent and commemorates the death and rise of Jesus. Barcelona, as part of Catalunya, is traditionally less religious than other parts of Spain, particularly in the South. However, it still has its fair share of celebrations during this period.

Dates for Easter Week (Holy week) 2013

Palm Sunday 24 March
Good Friday 29 March
Easter Saturday 30 March
Easter Sunday 31 March
Easter Monday 01 April

Holy week begins on Palm Sunday, when a procession traditionally takes place around the cathedral with people holding palms. A week of religious ceremonies follows, ending on Easter Sunday.

The week is just as pleasant for non-Christians. Barcelona looks beautiful during this period. The sun is beginning to return to the city and chocolate and cake shop windows are filled with every sculpture imaginable made out of chocolate - anything from 'Finding Nemo' to the Sagrada Familia!

Easter Weekend 29 March 2013 - 01 April 2013

We have written a special page on Easter weekend Good Friday - Easter Monday

Easter weekend in Barcelona

Feast of Sant Jordi, the Patron Saint of Catalunya in Barcelona: 23 April

This is seen by many Catalan people as their version of Valentines Day - the feast of the patron saint of Catalunya. It is the feast of Saint George - also the Patron Saint of England, who is famed for having slain a dragon.

It also happens to be the date of the deaths of two of history's most famous writers: Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Tradition dictates that on this day men give women gifts of roses and women give men gifts of books. Slightly sexist perhaps, but it is increasingly common for these roles to be reversed.

It is a romantic day in the city, as major streets and plazas, such as the Ramblas and Plaza Universitat are filled with stalls selling either books or roses. The gifts are not reserved only for lovers and are just as likely to be shared between friends.

Many tourists are inclined to wait until the height of the summer to make a trip to Barcelona. However, Spring in the city is wonderful - the weather in sunny yet mild and there are many interesting events taking place.