Palamós is preparing for one of the most anticipated celebrations of the summer as its Festa Major 2026 brings together music, popular culture, family activities and maritime traditions across ten days of festivities. With more than 70 scheduled events, the programme extends from June 19 to 28 and transforms the town into a lively cultural hub on the Costa Brava.
From the popular Barraques concerts on Platja Gran to giant parades, sardanes, open-air performances and the traditional Sant Joan celebrations, the festival combines contemporary music with the strong local identity that defines Palamós.
Barraques returns with Auxili, Pelukass and four nights of concerts
The biggest musical attraction of the festival will once again be the Barraques de Palamós, held on Platja Gran, where thousands of festivalgoers gather each year for free concerts overlooking the Mediterranean.
The programme begins on June 19 with performances by tribute band De Acero and DJ Ivanote, opening a weekend dedicated to live music and summer celebrations.
One of the most anticipated nights arrives on June 20, when Valencian reggae-ska powerhouse Auxili headlines the Barraques stage. Over the past decade, Auxili have become one of the leading names in Catalan-language alternative music thanks to their fusion of reggae, dub, electronic elements and socially conscious lyrics. Their appearance in Palamós is expected to be one of the festival's largest gatherings. The night will also feature Gamba Rock and DJ K-Zu.
Sant Joan's Eve on June 23 brings another major concert programme with Azogue, The Covers Band and DJ Xavi FDZ, offering a soundtrack for one of the most important nights of the Catalan calendar.
The final Barraques night on June 24 expands the musical offering even further with Pelukass, the programme will also feature Cotton Guest and Kharloss Selektah, creating a marathon night of live music and DJ sessions that reflects the diversity of the contemporary Catalan festival scene.
Sant Joan traditions at the heart of the celebration
The official Festa Major programme begins on June 23 with the arrival of the Flama del Canigó, one of Catalonia’s most symbolic cultural traditions, followed by the opening speech delivered this year by representatives of the Catalan Association of People Affected by Fibromyalgia and Central Sensitization Syndromes of Baix Empordà, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026.
Later that evening, residents gather for the traditional community dinner and Sant Joan bonfire in Plaça Mossèn Gumersind before dancing into the night with local party band Orgue de Gats.
Music beyond the Barraques
While the beach concerts attract much of the attention, music can be found throughout the entire festival programme.
On June 21, the fishing harbour hosts the twenty-seventh edition of La Primera Nit d’Estiu, featuring the legendary havanera group Port-Bo in a free waterfront concert that has become one of the most cherished traditions of the local summer calendar.
The following evening, Fusions Grup Vocal performs at the Arbreda Municipal, while Orquestra Selvatana, one of Catalonia’s most historic dance orchestras, takes centre stage on Sant Joan Day with both the traditional Festa Major concert and the evening dance.
A notable new addition to this year's programme is "Karaoke a la Fresca Cantat", where acclaimed pianist Laura Andrés and La Des-banda-da will transform Passeig del Mar into a giant open-air singalong.
The musical programme continues after the official Festa Major dates. On June 27, Palamós Gospel Choir will perform a special Festa Major concert at Teatre La Gorga, while the following day audiences can enjoy "So d'Estiu", performed by Coral El Progrés, one of the town's most historic cultural institutions.
Popular traditions and family activities
The Festa Major programme also includes some of Palamós' most beloved community events. Highlights include the return of La Remullada dels Showboys, a water-themed street celebration through the old town, the 30th Trobada Gegantera de Palamós, the first-ever Baixada de Carretons, family theatre performances, guided heritage tours, sardana dancing and numerous cultural activities linked to the town's maritime history.
Particularly striking will be "El Cavall de Troia", an itinerant light-and-music spectacle accompanied by DJ Àlex Brull, which will travel through Passeig del Mar on June 25.
Fireworks over Platja Gran
As always, the official Festa Major concludes with one of its most spectacular moments. On June 26, thousands of spectators will gather along the seafront to watch the traditional fireworks display over Platja Gran, produced by Pirotècnia Igual, bringing four days of official celebrations to a dramatic close.
Palamós Festa Major 2026 combines more than 70 activities with four nights of Barraques concerts, headlined by Auxili and Pelukass, alongside Sant Joan celebrations