Barcelona's Fira de Montjuïc will welcome hundreds of artists and illustrators from Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan this weekend for the 44th edition of Comic Barcelona. This event coincides with the annual Japanese culture festival organised by the Matsuri Association at Moll de la Fusta, offering a diverse cultural programme for residents and visitors.
Comic Barcelona, held in Pavilion eight, focuses on showcasing Asian talent and creativity. Over 100 authors are expected, including Hong Kong illustrator Pen So, Japanese artist Shintaro Kago, and Korean artist Wooh Nayoung. The festival will also host the first phase of a K-Pop competition organised by the Korean Cultural Centre, according to event organisers. Exhibitions celebrating the 25th anniversary of 'The Lord of the Rings' comics and the 50th anniversary of Carlos Giménez's 'Paracuellos' are also planned. Paco Roca, winner of the last edition, will present an exhibition on his early creative years. Children up to 12 years old will have a dedicated space for reading and comic workshops. Pavilion eight will be open from 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 10am to 7pm on Sunday.
Japanese Culture Takes Centre Stage
At Moll de la Fusta, the Matsuri cultural association will present dozens of activities on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 8pm, to share Japanese culture. Traditional performances include Taiko drum displays and shamisen concerts, featuring the traditional string instrument. Visitors can also explore numerous food and drink stalls. A one-day general admission ticket costs €6, while a two-day ticket is €9.
Neighbourhood Festivities Across the City
Several popular neighbourhood festivals will take place simultaneously across Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter will host its celebrations with a 'correfoc' (fire run) and concerts as part of the Festa Major Jove in Plaça Vuit de Març on Friday at 7:15pm. A solidarity paella competition is scheduled for Saturday at 12pm in Rambla de Santa Mònica. In the northern district of Nou Barris, festivities start at 5:30pm with a giants' parade and opening speech in the Pati de la Seu del Districte.
One free highlight in Nou Barris is a 12-hour event organised by the Associació de Música Electrònica de Barcelona (AMEBA), featuring local DJ sessions from 1pm to 1am in Josep Maria Serra i Martí Park. On Sunday, the celebration moves to Plaça Major with concerts by Siderland, Roger Padros, and Gibert, presented by ELS 40. The Bon Pastor neighbourhood festival also concludes on Sunday at 8pm with a sardinada (sardine barbecue) and habaneras at the corner of Sant Adrià and Costa Brava streets.
Free Museum Night Returns
Saturday marks the return of the annual Night of the Museums, with many cultural spaces across the city offering free entry until 1am. Participating institutions include the Museu de Ciències Naturals, the Picasso Museum, the Tàpies Foundation, the MOCO Museum, MACBA, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The latter will host a 'Gregotechno' session, blending Gregorian chant with electronic music, with three performances starting at 9:30pm in the Oval Room. Other notable venues open for visits include Palau Güell, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Casa Batlló, and Montjuïc Castle. Visitors should check the Night of the Museums website for information on venues requiring prior reservations.
