Festivals & Events in Tarragona

The Revetlla de Sant Joan — free and open to all — lights up Tarragona on the night of 23–24 June (the 24th is a public holiday across Catalonia). The Flama del Canigó arrives in the fishermen's quarter of El Serrallo, the bonfire blazes in plaça Corsini, and the beaches fill with fire, firecrackers, coca and cava until dawn.

Santa Tecla is Tarragona's main festival, held around 23 September in honour of the city's patron saint since the 12th century. It is free and open to all, featuring the richest seguici popular in Catalonia — bestiari, gegants and castellers in a single procession. It holds a double recognition of national interest at both regional and state level.

Every May, for about two weeks, Tarragona becomes Tárraco again: Tarraco Viva fills the Roman amphitheatre, circus, and forum with gladiators, legionaries, and period markets. It is the most important Roman re-enactment festival in southern Europe, with more than 500 activities and 70% free admission.

Sant Magí is Tarragona's Festa Major Petita, the co-patron's festival known as "the water festival." In 2026 it runs from August 8 to 19 (with the 19th as the main day). Its hallmark: the "miraculous" water that portants carry on foot from the Brufaganya. Free and open to all.

At Christmas, Tarragona lights up around 70 streets in the old town and along the Rambla from late November through January 7th. Everything is free and open to all: a Christmas market on the Rambla Nova, a municipal nativity scene on the Rambla Vella, and the Three Kings Parade on January 5th — with the Roman ruins almost entirely to yourself.