Festa Major dels Indians 2026: Dates and Key Events

The Festa Major dels Indians 2026 will take place from 19 to 27 September in the Congrés-Indians neighbourhood of Sant Andreu, Barcelona, coinciding with the city-wide La Mercè celebrations. Organised by the local residents’ association Congrés i els Indians, the festival features traditional Catalan cultural events, sports competitions, and community gatherings. Residents and visitors can expect a diverse programme including giants displays, a correfoc fire run, musical events, and communal meals. The full schedule is being finalised, but key activities have been confirmed for the opening weekend.

Confirmed Weekend Activities

  • Saturday 20 September: A futsal tournament starts at 10am at the Alzina Institute (Passatge de Salvador Riera, 2), followed by a 3x3 basketball competition at the Congrés Neighbourhood Centre (Carrer de Manigua, 25). The official opening speech (pregó) begins at 12pm on Carrer de Jordi de Sant Jordi. In the evening, a correfoc fire run takes place at 8.30pm in Plaça del Rom Cremat, followed by a dance night at 10.30pm on Carrer de Jordi de Sant Jordi.
  • Sunday 21 September: The day starts at 10.30am with the 'plantada de gegants' – the raising of the traditional giant figures – in Plaça del Rom Cremat. A giants parade (cercavila) begins at 11am from the same square. At 12.30pm, the falcons display by Falcons de Barcelona will take place in Plaça del Mercat de Felip II. A concert by the Symphonic Band of Roquetes is scheduled for 6pm on Carrer de Jordi de Sant Jordi, followed by a confetti battle at 7.30pm in Plaça del Rom Cremat.

Additional events throughout the week include sports tournaments, vermut musical sessions, and 'sopars de germanor' (communal dinners), though the full midweek programme remains under development.

Community Festival in Sant Andreu

The Festa Major dels Indians is one of dozens of neighbourhood festivals held annually across Barcelona, each celebrating local identity and culture. The Congrés-Indians area, located in the Sant Andreu district, has hosted this event for decades as a way to strengthen community bonds. The festival traditionally occurs just before the neighbouring Congrés district’s own festivities, and often aligns with the city’s main La Mercè festival. According to the official Barcelona cultural calendar, the event is supported by the city council’s Caring City programme, which promotes local social cohesion through cultural activities.

Primary sources: agenda500.barcelona.cat, barcelona.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, sagradafamilia.org, festamajordelsindians.blogspot.com, xeu.cat, acelobert, Betevé.