Barcelona Newsletter - January 2026
Happy New Year from Barcelona! While the festive lights still twinkle, January brings a refreshing start to 2026. The city embraces a cooler, crisp atmospher...
food • culture • practical-tips • newsletter • 6 min. read
Happy New Year from Barcelona! While the festive lights still twinkle, January brings a refreshing start to 2026. The city embraces a cooler, crisp atmosphere perfect for exploring its vibrant calendar of events. Locals and visitors alike enjoy fewer crowds and unique cultural experiences this month.
Start your year with a splash at the Primer Bany de l’Any on January 1st. Join locals at noon in front of Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta (CNAB) on Barceloneta beach. For around €4, you can brave the cold Mediterranean with a charity swim!
As the holiday spirit lingers, experience the magic of the Cavalcada de Reis, the Three Kings Parade, on January 5th. This huge evening parade starts with Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar arriving by boat at Moll de la Fusta. They then cross the city on beautifully decorated floats. Line the streets with families to catch sweets and enjoy the dancers, musicians, and giant figures. Remember that January 6th is a public holiday for Epiphany, so some shops might be closed, but central sights remain open.
Later in the month, immerse yourself in a true Barcelona tradition at the Festa Major de Sant Antoni, starting January 16th. This neighbourhood festival honours Saint Anthony Abbot with over 140 activities! Expect exciting events around Carrer del Comte Borrell and Mercat de Sant Antoni. Don't miss the Tres Tombs Parade on January 17th. This unique procession blesses animals and horse-drawn carts throughout the district – a fantastic photo opportunity for families.
For music lovers, January offers diverse choices. Experience the profound Requiem by Mozart at the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana on January 10th. If you prefer something more contemporary, the Winter Cruïlla Festival features concert nights from January 18th to 30th at venues like Sala Apolo and Razzmatazz. You'll find a mix of Catalan, Spanish, and international artists. After enjoying the city's vibrant rhythm, explore the contrast between the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and the orderly Eixample. Want to delve deeper into Barcelona's captivating history? Join our Welcome to Barcelona! Old Town and Gothic Quarter Guided Walking Tour to uncover the secrets of the winding streets and grand avenues!
January in Barcelona promises a delightful blend of tradition, celebration, and artistic expression. We hope you enjoy exploring everything this incredible city has to offer!
Date | Event | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|
January 1-4 | Natalis at Poble Espanyol | 📅 Other | |
January 3 | El Fantasma de la Ópera | 📅 Other | |
January 6 - March 6 | Rossini's Gourmet Opera Night | 📅 Other | |
January 5 | Cavalcada de Reis – Three Kings Parade | 🎪 Festival | |
January 16-26 | Festa Major de Sant Antoni – Neighbourhood Festival | 🎪 Festival | |
January 17 | Tres Tombs Parade – Blessing of the Animals (Sant Antoni) | 🎪 Festival | |
January 1 | Mozart: Lieder, Arias and Sonatas | 🎵 Concert | |
January 10 | Requiem by Mozart | 🎵 Concert | |
January 10 | Tablao Flamenco El Paraigua Show | 🎵 Concert | |
January 16 | 63rd Tenor Viñas Competition - Final Test | 🎵 Concert | |
January 18 | 63rd Tenor Viñas Competition - Final Concert | 🎵 Concert | |
January 18 | Winter Cruïlla Festival – Concert Night 1 | 🎵 Concert | |
January 19 | Patrick Watson | 🎵 Concert | |
January 23 - March 6 | The Jazz Room: Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong | 🎵 Concert | |
January 29 | Winter Cruïlla Festival – Concert Night 2 | 🎵 Concert | |
January 30 | Winter Cruïlla Festival – Concert Night 3 | 🎵 Concert | |
January 1 - February 2 | Special Exhibit at Joan Miró Foundation | 🖼️ Exhibition | |
January 1-11 | Els Llums de Sant Pau – Christmas Light Festival | 📅 Other | |
January 19-21 | ICE Barcelona 2026 – International Gaming Expo (Leisure Visitors) | 🖼️ Exhibition | |
January 1-6 | Casa Batlló Christmas Facade Lights & Shows | 📅 Other | |
January 10 | FC Barcelona Women vs Madrid CFF - Primera División Femenina Match day 15 | ⚽ Sport | |
January 17-18 | WDSF World DanceSport Competition - Standard and Latin | ⚽ Sport | |
