Badalona is gearing up for its most significant annual celebration, the Festes de Maig. The City Council has announced a revamped schedule for the 2026 edition, consolidating main festivities into a vibrant long weekend from Friday, 8 May to Monday, 11 May. These dates coincide with the feast day of Sant Anastasi, the city’s patron saint.
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This announcement signals the start of preparations for a festival deeply rooted in Catalan tradition, famous for its unique blend of music, fire, and community events. While anticipation builds for the official concert lineup and the design of the iconic Dimoni (Demon) effigy, these new dates promise an exceptionally busy period for the coastal city, located just north of Barcelona.
A Shift in Tradition
In a notable departure from tradition, the festival’s opening proclamation, the pregón, now takes place on Friday, 8 May. This shifts the event from its customary slot on the first Friday of the month, which often aligns with the May Day public holiday. Metrópoli Abierta reports that the Ajuntament de Badalona aims to concentrate the most popular events into a single, action-packed weekend.
The evening of 8 May will not only feature the pregón but also the lively Nit del Mono (Night of the Monkey), a spirited procession through the city streets. The festivities continue on Saturday, 9 May, with a host of traditional activities, including the Trobada de Puntaires (lacemakers’ meeting), the Batucona percussion parade, the Badagegants procession of giants, and the Cercavila Petita for younger participants.
Fire, Drones, and Basketball
The climax of the weekend arrives on Sunday, 10 May, the Eve of Sant Anastasi. This is the night of the Cremada del Dimoni, a spectacular event where a large, specially designed demon statue is ceremoniously burned on the beach. For 2026, a modern drone show will enhance the traditional piromusical firework display, promising a breathtaking spectacle over the Mediterranean.
Adding to the city’s buzz, Badalona will simultaneously host the Final Four of the Basketball Champions League 2026 from 7 to 9 May. Europe’s top basketball teams will compete at the iconic Palau Municipal d’Esports de Badalona, a venue also scheduled to host major international events like the LEC Finals 2026. The convergence of the city’s main festival with a premier international sporting event is expected to significantly increase visitor numbers and demand for accommodation.
The festivities conclude on Monday, 11 May, a declared local public holiday. This day features traditional Catalan cultural events, including displays of sardanas (the national dance), performances by gralles (a traditional Catalan wind instrument) in the Ball de Gralles, and the Ofici Solemne (Solemn Mass).
Extended Celebrations
While the core events are packed into one weekend, the spirit of the Festes de Maig will extend further into the month. Capitalising on the growing popularity of tardeo (afternoon and early evening socialising), the city has scheduled two additional concerts in the Plaça Josep Tarradellas for 22 and 23 May.
The full artist lineup for the concerts along the Passeig Marítim and for the tardeo events will be announced in the coming weeks. For now, Badalona and the wider Baix Besòs region, which is seeing its own waterfront transformation, can look forward to a May filled with culture, sport, and celebration.
