Mataró, the capital of the Maresme region, is preparing once again to celebrate its famous annual festival! Les Santes, which this year will take place between July 25th and 29th, is one of the most important festivals in Catalonia due to its great cultural and traditional value. This festival is celebrated in honor of the city’s patron saints, Saint Juliana and Saint Semproniana, and has been held every July since the mid-19th century.
What makes Les Santes annual festival so special is the combination of tradition, popular culture, and a festive atmosphere. During the days of the festival, there is a full program of fun activities for all ages:
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- Parade with ‘Gegants’ and ‘Capgrossos’, especially the one by the popular Robafaves family
- Correfocs, where the ‘diables’ (devils) run through the streets amidst fireworks
- Concerts and outdoor performances
- Castellers, sardanas and other classics of Catalan popular culture
- Fireworks from the beach
- Religious acts, such as the solemn service dedicated to the patron saints
One of the most anticipated moments is the Nit Boja, which begins on July 25th. Thousands of people accompany the ‘Gegants’ dancing to the rhythm of El Bequetero during the Desvetllament Bellugós, then enjoy the correfoc known as Escapada a Negra Nit and end with the famous Ruixada in the Central Park, a big party where water helps combat the heat of the summer nights.
New features for 2026 include increased participation from local artists, more accessibility measures and quieter spaces, and reduced noise levels at some events to make the festival more inclusive.
Below is a summary of the program:
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- July 18–24: Pre-event activities such as Les Dissantes, with exhibitions, family shows, theater and concerts
- July 25: Official start with the Crida de Festa Major, followed by the emblematic Nit Boja, with the Desvetllament Bellugós, cercaviles, correfoc (Escapada a Negra Nit) and the popular Ruixada
- July 26: Casteller day, children’s activities, music and dances of the main festival
- July 27 (Patron Saints’ Day): Matinades, solemn mass of Les Santes, parades, concerts and the grand fireworks display on the beach
- July 28: Traditional events such as the Ball de Dracs and the massive No n’hi ha prou!, one of the most festive moments of Les Santes
- July 29: Farewell with the Anem to Tancar, the Xeringada and the final show that puts an end to the party
We encourage you not to miss it!
¡¡¡Glory to Les Santes!!!
Official website: https://www.lessantes.cat/
