More than 200 people dressed in period costumes gathered in Colònia Güell, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, on Friday, 24 April, to launch the 2026 Modernist fair season across Barcelona province.
The event, organised by the Diputació de Barcelona, brought together members of Modernist groups from across the province in the gardens of the Colònia Güell Crypt. This year, declared 'Gaudí Year', will feature ten Modernist events.
The calendar starts on 2 and 3 May in Cerdanyola del Vallès with the Roser de Maig Modernist Market. The season will conclude from 16 to 18 October with the Modernist Days of La Garriga and Els Embarrats in Sant Joan de Vilatorrada.
Full Programme of Modernist Events
The programme also includes the Terrassa Modernist Fair from 8 to 10 May, and the Barcelona Modernist Fair from 29 to 31 May. Sant Vicenç de Castellet will host the Steam Fair on 30 and 31 May, while Gelida's Modernism Days run from 5 to 7 May.
Later in the year, the Canet de Mar Modernist Market Fair is scheduled for 25 to 27 September. The Escenes d'estiueig Modernist Day will take place from 2 to 4 October, followed by the Colònia Güell Modernist Festival on 3 and 4 October.
The Diputació de Barcelona supports these fairs and festivals to position the province as a Modernist destination. This is due to its extensive heritage from the era. The events explore various themes, including industrial modernism, summer houses, and applied arts such as stained glass, wrought iron, and architecture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Modernist period, surrounded by period costumes, music, and traditional activities.
Presentation Event Details
The launch party for the Modernist fair season was organised by the Diputació de Barcelona, with support from the Baix Llobregat Regional Council, the Colònia Güell Consortium, and Santa Coloma de Cervelló City Council.
The event included a theatrical performance depicting the news of Gaudí's death among the workers of Colònia Güell. The Modernist association from Reus, Gaudí's birthplace, was a special guest. Members from groups across the province visited Colònia Güell and its crypt, designed by Antoni Gaudí at the request of his patron, Eusebi Güell. This work, built between 1908 and 1915, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In addition to the Diputació de Barcelona, institutional representatives from all organising municipalities attended. The Maresme and Bages Regional Councils, and the Diputació de Tarragona were also present.
This project, promoted by the Diputació de Barcelona, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 8, which focuses on 'Decent Work and Economic Growth'. The 17 SDGs were proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015 and form part of the global agenda for 2030. The Diputació de Barcelona is committed to these goals and supports local governments in the province in line with the SDGs.
