The Cau de Bruixes festival offers a unique cultural experience near Barcelona this winter. Consequently, travellers should visit the Osona region. The town of Centelles, located just 50 minutes from Barcelona, prepares for its most mysterious week. Indeed, the 28th edition of this immersive event begins soon.
Running from 26 January to 1 February 2026, this event sees the municipality reclaim its history and folklore. The famous local saying is: «De Centelles, bruixes totes elles» (From Centelles, they are all witches). This timing places it at the start of a busy month for regional celebrations. For example, other major festivals happen in Barcelona in February 2026.
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Home » Cau de Bruixes Festival: Magic, Fire & Folklore in Centelles
Cau de Bruixes Festival: Reclaiming History Through Folklore
The Cau de Bruixes festival is more than a celebration of the occult. It serves as a historical homage. During the 17th century, authorities persecuted women accused of witchcraft. Today, Centelles recovers oral traditions from this dark era. Therefore, it transforms that memory into a vibrant, immersive fiesta. Its long-running success contrasts with the challenges faced by other local festivals.
Cultural remembrance plays a pivotal role. Specifically, the event honours the history of La Payrona. This local woman was accused of witchcraft centuries ago. The festival ensures her story is not forgotten.
Cau de Bruixes Festival Magic Market
The central day falls on Saturday, 31 January. Visitors from Barcelona should arrive early. The Mercat Màgic (Magic Market) takes over streets from 10:00 am.
The market features craftsmanship, tarot, and astral charts. However, the atmosphere shifts dramatically at night. The town switches off public street lighting. Consequently, visitors explore darkened streets with caution. The thematic decorations create an eerie ambience.
Cau de Bruixes Festival Gastronomy and Fire
To sustain visitors, the Parc del Pla del Mestre hosts the Espai Foc i Forquilla. This gastronomic zone runs from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. It features food trucks, live shows, and family activities.
Saturday’s programme concentrates the most arresting events. Therefore, it is perfect for experiencing Catalan fire culture, known as correfocs. The Magic Market reopens on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, the city hosts the renowned BCNegra crime fiction festival.
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