Barcelona and Badalona are the main focus this week in Catalonia, with a full programme of cultural events from 4 to 10 May. The line-up includes the International New Rose Competition, the Cremada del Dimoni in Badalona, open days for creative spaces, vintage markets and Italian cultural events, according to El Periódico.
In Barcelona, the 26th International New Rose Competition takes place at Cervantes Park from 8 to 10 May. An international jury will judge new rose varieties, which will remain on display in the park’s rose garden after the competition. For readers following wider city coverage, see our news tag.
Badalona’s May Festivities, held in honour of Sant Anastasi, bring one of the week’s biggest public events. The Cremada del Dimoni, or Burning of the Devil, takes place on 10 May at Platja dels Pescadors, with a pyromusical show, drone display and concerts.
Several open days will also give access to creative spaces across Barcelona. Poblenou Open Day returns on 9 May, with more than 40 spaces opening for 12 hours and hosting exhibitions, art, design, photography, dance, live music, DJ sets, talks, workshops, guided tours and food. Tallers Oberts Bcn will open 71 workshops across all city districts on 9 and 10 May, and again on 16 and 17 May.
Vintage and second-hand markets are also part of the week’s agenda. Rec.0 will run in Igualada from 6 to 9 May, with around 60 pop-up stores and discounts from more than 100 brands. In Barcelona, Two Market will hold a special sale at Nau Bostik on 10 May, with items priced at €2, then €1 after 3pm. The Flea market will be at Estació de França on 10 May, while Residu Zero will host a charity event on 9 May for paediatric cancer research.
Other events include the Italia Republik Festival at Barcelona’s port from 8 to 10 May, with concerts, gastronomy and cultural exchange, and the immersive show Luminiscence at Moll de la Fusta until 17 May. Theatre runs include Hora Bruixa at Tantarantana until 17 May, Èdip & Antígona at Teatre Nacional de Catalunya until 31 May, Termoshow at CosmoCaixa until 21 June, and Permagel at Espai Texas until 28 June.
An itinerant exhibition on Catalan mythology will also tour Barcelona’s libraries for a year, featuring figures such as El Serpent and Joan de l’Os. It aims to bring attention back to the region’s mythological bestiary, which has often been overshadowed by Celtic or Nordic traditions.