Festa Major de Gràcia - Good Goal - The sustainable guide

The festival Festa Major de Gràcia is the highlight of the year in this neighbourhood of Barcelona

One of the most astonishing and sustainable events in Western Europe is the Festa Major de Gràcia. This festival in Barcelona’s neighbourhood of Gràcia has a tradition that is dating back quite far. But the neighbours haven’t given in on enthusiasm and participation.

Walking around in this neighbourhood a few months before the festival, we saw many people asking to bring them something: old newspapers, used cans, etc. etc., and we didn’t get the point. Until it was the Festa Major. Many streets are decorated in the period of the Festa Major, and if you check some pictures on the internet you can see how beautiful these decorations are. And, everything is created with recycled materials. In the edition of 2015 a street was decorated in the theme of a zoo, another one in a Japanese theme, all with recycled materials. It’s like an extra challenge.

During the period of the Festa Major, which is usually one week, an enormous amount of events are held: concerts, castellers, get-togethers, little markets, wine tastings, there is a brochure of all events which is interesting to purchase.

But what we love the most is the essential element of this Festa. For months, neighbours with different talents, of different ages and working speeds are working together to create this event. They put their chairs on the street and together turn an old newspaper into something new, use some old cans to create lamps, etc. It’s a symbol of working together, a symbol of a neighbourhood with traditions and collaboration. Might sound too mellow now, but you definitely should check it out. We love the Festa Major de Gràcia. And we’re sure you will as well. (And just as a side-note: if you’re in Barcelona in a different season, Gràcia always provides enough opportunities to have a fun time here).