As May heralds the coming of summer, it also welcomes Barcelona’s tourist season. If you are looking for a place to spend your May holidays, consider going to Barcelona because it is event-filled.
Read further as we describe in detail why its a good time to visit Barcelona in May.
May: Welcome Summer In Barcelona With A Bang
Barcelona’s tourist season starts in May. Although that would mean more tourists, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the city. And the reason for that is the tourist season means more parties and events that you can attend.
Aside from more parties and events during the tourist season, pubs, restaurants, and shops prepare more goods. That means that you can have a wider variety of cuisines, and you can shop from a bigger selection of items.
And of course, summer would mean beach time. The Barcelona weather and sea temperatures are just right to take a dip in the city’s beaches.
If you need more convincing that May is the best time to visit Barcelona, read further as we talk about the event during the month of May.
Barcelona In May: Big Festivals And Exciting Events To Join In
Primavera Sound: A Commitment To Live Music Performances
Get ready for one of Barcelona’s biggest musical festival. Primavera Sound features live performances from big artists like Billie Eilish, Cigarettes After Sex, Charli XCX, Kehlani, Tame Impala, and Gorrilaz.
The Primavera Sound is held from the end of May to early June and is held at Parc del Forum.
Feria de Abril: The Andalusian Fair
If your trip to Barcelona in May is very early on the calendar, don’t worry. The April Fair is still ongoing since it is a 10-day celebration that usually happens from late April to early May.
The origin of the fair is in the Andalusia region of Spain. It was brought by the large number Andalusians who moved to Catalonia to seek work.
Feria de Abril has a lot of fun things that you can do and is mainly divided into two sections. The “fairground” and “casetas.”As an attendee, you need to wear traditional clothes to blend in perfectly.
You can compare the “fairground” to a mini amusement park. There are many rides like the Ferris wheel, Viking ship ride, giant swings, trampolines, and inflatable bouncers. So if you plan to bring your kids along, then the fairground area is what you need.
But if you’re looking for a less physical form of fun, then the “casetas” area is for you. The “casetas” are large tents by the sponsors and support groups of the fair.
These large tents have different contents like free catering, exhibitions, musical concerts, and dance shows.
Feria BioCultura: An Eco-Friendly Fair In May
The eco-fair is a big event with over seven hundred (700+) participants who showcase their products and ideas during the exhibit. The products, services, and ideas during the exhibit can be health products, new technology, renewable energy, beauty products, medicines, and more.
There are also seminars, workshops, and film showings that you can attend. All of which has a central theme that emphasizes the importance of conserving the planet.
The eco-fair BioCultura is an event by Vida Sana [Healthy Life] Association. The Palau Sant Jordi is usually the event venue for this eco-fair. It is also an event that takes place in other cities in Spain.
Automobile Barcelona: The Biggest Motor Show of Spain
If you are a car lover, then you should check out Automobile Barcelona. Not only is it the biggest motor show in Spain, but it is also one of the five biggest car shows in the world.
The event location is Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc Exhibition Centre and attended by more than a million tourists every year.
It is an annual event that takes place during the month of May. It was heartbreaking hearing the May 2020 car show’s postponement, but there are already preparations for the year 2021. So stay tuned for that.
The International New Rose Competition
Barcelona city organizes an annual Barcelona International New Rose Competition on May 10 to 12. This competition was started back in 2001. Aside from indicating the start of the rose season, another purpose of this event is to promote Barcelona’s rose garden and the field of flower growing.
Rose growers and breeders from all over the world gather to present their roses. There are several awards during the competition.
Some of which are: best rose hybrid, best miniature, best fragrance, best climber rose, best landscape rose, and best robust rose. The winning flowers of the competition are kept in Parc de Cervantes Rose Garden.
Aside from the competition itself, there are also other activities that you will enjoy. There will be floral art exhibitions, flower cuisines, and musical concerts. This event is open to the public so if you are going to visit Barcelona in May, make sure not to miss out on this event.
Ciutat Flamenco Festival: The Evolution Of Flamenco
If one of your reasons for visiting Barcelona city is flamenco, then you are in for a treat during your May visit. From May 16 to 31, Barcelona will be celebrating Ciutat Flamenco Festival.
The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the history of flamenco in Barcelona. Since the arrival of flamenco in Barcelona during the 18th century, it has undergone changes due to the creation of “tablao flamencos.” The “tablaos” has made flamenco artists explore the art more and express themselves better.
Throughout the flamenco festival, there will be performances on five main stages. These are Tablao Flamenco Córdobes, Taller de Musics 24, Luz de Gas, L’Auditori, and Barts. The performances will also vary from classical flamenco to contemporary ones.
Taller de Músics organizes the flamenco festival every year. It is a musical institution that aims to educate people about music and its importance.
The Night of the Museums: Viewing The Arts Under The Stars
One of Barcelona’s most memorable events in May, The Night Of The Museums, is a free event that you must not miss. During the night of May 18th, specifically from 7 PM to 1 AM, all the museums are open for public viewing.
Take this nighttime to visit Barcelona’s famous museums like Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Fundació Joan Miró, Museu D’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, and Museu Picasso.
The public viewing at night opens up a new perspective on the artworks of the museum. And aside from the museums’ free public viewing, there are also fun activities like workshops, musical performances, and acrobatic shows. So make sure not to miss this out during your trip to Barcelona in May.
Spanish Grand Prix: F1 Race In Barcelona
During your trip to Barcelona in May, don’t miss out on the Spanish Grand Prix. It is a Formula 1 racing competition that is recognized globally. Barcelona City has a long history, dating back since 1913, with F1 racing. Thus, it is a well-recognized sport in the city.
Watch as professional F1 racers drive on Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Some of the famous participants are Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris.
La Liga: The Spanish Football League
If you are a football fan, then you should definitely watch a La Liga match during your Barcelona in May trip. Watch as big shot players like Leo Messi, João Félix, Antoine Griezmann, and Jan Oblak run and play on the football field of Camp Nou.
La Liga matches in Barcelona are held in Camp Nou, a football stadium with a 99,000 seating capacity that is home to the FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona is a professional football club in Barcelona.
Barcelona In May: Dazzling Attractions To Visit
La Sagrada Familia: Barcelona’s Masterpiece Cathedral
La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. Not only is it the most famous attraction in Barcelona, but also Spain. The cathedral is impressive both on the outside and the inside.
The 3 facades of La Sagrada Familia symbolizes the important parts of Christ’s life. Once inside La Sagrada Familia, the cathedral’s interior design will overwhelm you. From the beautiful columns and beams to its colored mosaic windows, everything is perfect.
Park Güell: Gaudi’s Vibrant Mosaic Park
A leisure space designed by the architect Gaudi, Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s popular attractions. Due to its cultural significance, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 1984.
As you enter the park, you will be immediately drawn in by the vibrant mosaic design. Get your camera ready because the park has many Instagrammable locations like the mosaic terrace, colonnaded pathways, and Asturia gardens.
Casa Batlló: The House Of Bones
A house along Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlló is one of architect Gaudi’s works. There is an ongoing argument regarding its design.
Some say it looks like dragon bones, while some argue that the design looks like corals and fish scales. Visit during your May trip to Barcelona city and take a closer look for yourself.
Barri Gotic: The Gothic City Center of Old Barcelona
A favorite location for walking tours, Barri Gotic is the old center of Barcelona City. As you walk along the old city quarters you will find old Roman buildings and designs. Some famous spots are Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Carrer del Bisbe, Basilica of La Mercè, Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, and Church of Santa Maria del Pi.
Camp Nou: Home Of FC Barcelona
Boasting a large seating capacity of around 99,000, Camp Nou is known as the largest stadium in Europe. Here you can watch intense matches of your favorite football teams. So grab a ticket now for the La Liga matches during the month of May.
L’Aquarium Barcelona: Marine Museum For Everyone
L’Aquarium Barcelona is one of the best marine museums in Europe. Barcelona’s aquarium contains an approximate number of 11,000 marine animals. So during your Barcelona in April trip, make time to visit the L’Aquarium Barcelona as it is both fun and a great learning experience.
Barceloneta Beach: Beach By The City
The May weather is perfect for a day at the beach. Barcelona may be an urban city but a short 15-minute walk will get you to Barceloneta Beach.
Despite being close to the city, the beach is clean and well maintained. It undergoes a strict water sampling and a daily cleanup. Aside from that, there are also lifeguards assigned to the beach. Remember to bring your swimsuits and sunscreens when you visit Barcelona in May.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don’t let the summer weather and tourist season dissuade you from visiting Barcelona in May.
With all the May events and attractions that Barcelona city has to offer, it is the best time to visit it. So book a trip with us now for your trip to Barcelona in May!