Festa major del Carmel
Activity dates
Dates de celebració
First fortnight of July in the Carmel neighbourhood, Horta-Guinardó district
The Carmel neighbourhood is located on a hill of the same name, an epithet that comes from the hermitage dedicated to Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel which was built in the second half of the 19th century, and to where pilgrimages were often taken. Like many neighbouring areas, there was an intense period of population growth and development in the 20th century when all at once the single-storey houses were replaced by huge blocks of flats.
There are many activities in the festa major, the main festival, aimed at all ages and for different tastes. There are sporting activities, concerts, dances, and community meals as well as charity events and others aimed at getting to know the history of the neighbourhood a little better. Popular culture is evident, especially related to fire, thanks to the Diables del Carmel devils' group and their dragons.
Origins
The first celebration of the festa major, as we understand it today, took place in 1979.
Did you know...
Sabies que...
One of the capgrossos, the big-headed figures from the Horta-Guinardó district is dedicated to the local activist Custòdia Moreno, a very popular and well-loved character in the neighbourhood. In the end of the 1960s he fought for the demolition of the slums and the installation of basic infrastructures and services.
About festivities
Supplementary information
Organisers
Comissió de la Festa Major del Carmel.