The Raval neighborhood, in Ciutat Vella, will celebrate its Summer Festival from July 9 to 12, 2026. The event will feature a diverse program including music, dances, habaneras, children's activities, popular meals, theater, giants, devils, and castellers, among other offerings.
Activities will kick off on Thursday, July 9, with the festival carpet at Plaça de Vicenç Martorell at 9 AM, followed by an inaugural parade through the neighborhood streets. The opening speech, delivered by Lamine Sarr, will take place in the same square at 8 PM, followed by a concert by the Escola de Músics i JPC.
Friday, July 10, will be marked by the Raval ContraCursa (anti-race) on the Rambla del Raval, children's activities in the Jardins de les Voltes d’en Cirés and the Jardins de Sant Pau del Camp, as well as the Carabutsí gypsy festival. The musical lineup will include experimental electronic music concerts at the Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp and a major concert on Nou de la Rambla, in front of the Palau Güell. The day will conclude with the Popular Festival Dinner.
Saturday, July 11, will see popular culture take center stage with the Chess Day in Raval at Plaça de les Caramelles and the popular culture day at Plaça de la Gardunya. There will also be the Youth Festival at Plaça de Sant Agustí. The afternoon will be dedicated to the giants' setup and parade, the Bastonera Day, and a casteller performance at Plaça de la Gardunya. The evening will feature concerts and the popular dinner.
On Sunday, July 12, the festival will continue with a floral offering to Mare de Déu del Carme at the Church of El Carme. The afternoon will include the celebration of Colors of Pakistani Culture at Plaça Josep M. Folch i Torres, a habaneras singing session at Plaça de Sant Agustí, and will conclude with the tabalada (drum parade) and the closing correfoc (fire run).
During the festival, visitors can enjoy free guided tours with prior reservation at cultural venues such as the Liceu, the CCCB, the MACBA, and the Filmoteca de Catalunya, which will offer special FilmoXica sessions.
Most activities will take place in over twenty emblematic streets and squares of the neighborhood, maintaining the tradition of the festival.
This year's poster is designed by Carles Ponsí, an illustrator and resident of Raval.
