Girona’s festival calendar is anchored by the spectacular Temps de Flors flower exhibition each May, but the city has events throughout the year ranging from medieval fairs to international film festivals. Most events are free to attend, with the Old Town serving as the natural backdrop. Here are the key annual events and festivals in Girona, month by month. For more details, see our weather by month.
Girona Events and Festivals: Annual Calendar
Three Kings Parade (January 5)
The Cavalcada dels Reis d’Orient is Spain’s main gift-giving tradition. Three Kings (Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar) arrive by train at Girona station at about 17:00 and parade through the city on floats, throwing sweets to children. The route runs from the station along Carrer de Barcelona to Placa de la Independencia. Arrive by 16:30 to get a good viewing spot. Free. For more details, see our best time to visit.
Carnival (February or March, dates vary)
Girona’s Carnestoltes features a Saturday afternoon rua (parade) with floats and costumed groups through the city centre, followed by a sardine burial ceremony on Ash Wednesday in Placa del Vi. The children’s parade on Friday afternoon is smaller but less crowded. Dates shift with the lunar calendar; check the Ajuntament de Girona website for the exact weekend. For more details, see our things to do.
Girona Flower Festival: Temps de Flors (Second and Third Week of May)
Temps de Flors is Girona’s signature event and one of Catalonia’s largest flower festivals, drawing over 100,000 visitors across 10 to 12 days. More than 100 floral installations transform the Old Town’s courtyards, staircases, cloisters, and church interiors into elaborate garden displays. The cathedral steps become a cascading flower carpet. Participating venues publish routes and opening hours on the official website (tempsdeflors.cat). Everything is free except a few indoor venues that charge €2 to €3. The Old Town gets extremely crowded on weekends; visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning for the best experience. Book hotels 2 to 3 months ahead. For more details, see our neighborhoods guide.
Sant Joan (June 23-24)
The eve of Sant Joan is Catalonia’s big summer solstice celebration. Bonfires are lit in squares across the city, the largest at Placa de la Independencia and along the Ter riverbank. Fireworks, cava (Catalan sparkling wine), and coca de Sant Joan (a sweet flatbread with candied fruit and pine nuts) are the essentials. The party runs from about 21:00 until 03:00. Public transport runs reduced schedules; the following day (June 24) is a public holiday so many shops are closed. For more details, see our where to stay.
Festival de Música de Girona (July to August)
This summer concert series runs weekly outdoor classical and chamber music performances in venues including the cathedral cloister, Sant Feliu basilica, and the Arab Baths. Tickets cost €10 to €25 per concert. The acoustics of the 12th-century cloister make it the standout venue. Programme details appear on the Auditori de Girona website in June. For more details, see our travel tips.
Girona Film Festival (Late September)
Held over 5 days, the Girona Film Festival focuses on independent, documentary, and short films, with screenings at the Cinema Truffaut (Carrer Portal Nou 7) and the Museu del Cinema. Most films are in original language with Spanish subtitles. Day passes cost approximately €10. The programme covers 60 to 80 films from 20-plus countries.
Fires de Sant NarcÃs (Late October to Early November)
The Festes de Sant NarcÃs is Girona’s main city festival, honouring the patron saint. Events span 10 days around October 29 (Sant NarcÃs day). Highlights include the correfoc (fire run with devils and spark-spitting dragons through the Old Town), castells (human towers) in Placa del Vi, free open-air concerts, and the Fira de Mostres trade fair in Devesa Park. The fairground rides and food stalls run the full duration. Most events are free. The correfoc is thrilling but loud and spark-filled; wear cotton clothing and keep a safe distance from the dragons.
Christmas Market and Nadal (December)
The Fira de Nadal runs from the first week of December to January 5 in Placa de la Independencia and along Rambla de la Llibertat with wooden stalls selling crafts, nativity figures (caganer figurines are a Catalan tradition), Christmas decorations, and mulled wine. A small ice skating rink appears in Placa Calvet i Rubalcaba. The caga tio (a smiling log that children hit with sticks to make it drop presents) is celebrated on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Catalan homes. Shops close December 25, 26 (Sant Esteve), January 1, and January 6.
Other Notable Events
The Girona GastroFest (March) celebrates local food with tasting menus at set prices (€25 to €45). The Sea Otter Europe cycling festival (September) fills the Fira de Girona exhibition centre with bike brands and demo rides on local routes. Festa Major del Barri Vell (June) is the Old Town neighbourhood festival with decorated streets, live music, and community dinners.
