Proposal to safeguard community festivals
On Tuesday 20th October 2026, the municipal group of Esquerra Republicana (ERC) will present a formal request to the Social Rights, Culture and Sports Commission of the Ajuntament de Barcelona. The proposal calls for the city government to guarantee the celebration of Festes Majors and popular festivals across Barcelona, ensuring they can be held with full community participation and without disruption from isolated complaints. ERC councillor and spokesperson Jordi Castellana will table the motion, urging the municipal government to commit to preserving the traditional, participatory character of these events. The request emphasises the importance of public space as a venue for social cohesion and cultural expression in neighbourhoods.
Addressing tensions in Gràcia and Sarrià
The initiative follows tensions during recent Festes Majors, including the Festa Major de Gràcia in August 2026. Days before the festival began, the Festa Major Commission’s premises on Carrer de la Perla were sabotaged amid resident complaints over noise. At least six streets that typically decorate for the event received petitions from residents and traders seeking to cancel night-time activities. Similar concerns arose during the Festa Major de Sarrià in October 2026, particularly around musical events at the Pati d’en Marcel in Casa Orlandai. These incidents have prompted ERC to act, arguing that minority objections should not undermine deeply rooted community celebrations.
The Festes Majors are one of the clearest examples of popular culture in our neighbourhoods, they create community, networks, and security in an increasingly individualistic world.
Castellana, speaking to El Nacional, stressed that the goal is to allow festivals to proceed with "complete normality" and to prevent a small number of complaints from halting events that reflect broad community engagement.
Call for city support and resources
The proposal urges the Ajuntament to provide organising entities with the necessary municipal resources, instruments, and logistical support. This includes access to public spaces and facilities, as well as measures to ensure accessibility and inclusion, consistent with Barcelona Cultura’s ongoing commitment to participatory and family-friendly celebrations. The request specifically warns against disproportionate restrictions that could compromise the viability of festivals, framing them as essential to local identity and social cohesion.
Residents and festival organisers can review the official Festa Major calendar and cultural programming via the Barcelona Cultura website, which lists events by district and includes accessibility information.
Primary sources: barcelona.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Windward Reports 10.1.22.0 (java) www.WindwardReports.com. Reported by elnacional.cat, El Nacional.
