January: what to do in Catalonia
The New Year in Catalonia brings exhibitions, markets, and films to start off the year right with culture and events
What’s ending this month
Make sure to catch these months-long events before they go away in December.
ORIGINS of Modern Barcelona 1714 - 1860 | Barcelona
Want to learn more about your city – for free? At the Ateneu del Raval in the neighborhood by the same name, this exhibit showcase a turning point for the history of the city you know and love, transitioning from the Medieval into the Modern. Don’t miss it, the event ends January 10!
Maremar show | Barcelona
This show has been getting rave reviews since its opening in September, taking a Shakespearian tragedy and turning it on its head by reworking it through the lens of the refugee crisis, with music from the Catalan singer-songwriter Lluís Llach. An emotional experience not to be missed at the Poliorama Theater in Barcelona, running until January 13.
Strauss Festival Orchestra | Barcelona
At the stunning Palau de la Musica Catalana, this is a chance to hear some beautiful classical music by none other than Johann Strauss. The show starts at 7pm, tickets are between 30 and 50€, and the event ends on January 18. Don’t miss a chance to see a production that’s been receiving praise all throughout Europe.
The Comic Explosion | Barcelona
Found at the Arts Santa Monica venue in the Raval neighborhood in Barcelona, this exhibit runs until January 20 and is perfect for comic book lovers and nerds alike. It features the art of American comics and the influence they’ve had in Spain, starting from what’s arguably the first comic character.
Toulouse-Lautrec and the spirit of Montmarte exhibit | Barcelona
Also running until January 20, another kind of exhibit – on another kind of popular art, which may have been looked down upon at the time of its creation and is now elevated to the subject of scholars: Toulouse-Lautrec and his Montmartre of the 20th century. This can be found at the CaixaForum museum.
Robert Capa in color exhibit | Lleida
To see art shown in more western parts of the country and to see the beautiful city of Lleida, check out the exhibit ‘Robert Capa, in color’ for an unseen side of one of the most iconic photojournalists of our time, in collaboration with the the International Center of Photography in New York (ICP). It portrays names like Pablo Picasso, Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, Truman Capote, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck – with their children and family members, posing, or natural. It runs until January 27 at the Lleida Caixaforum space.
What’s on this month
Fleadonia Market | Filmoteca de Catalunya, Barcelona | January 6
If you’re looking for some new threads, but the budget is a bit tight after the holidays, or if you’d rather shop responsibly – all in one of the most interesting and fashion-forward neighborhoods in Barcelona, the Raval, now’s your chance for this monthly flea market starting at 11am and going until 9pm.
Broadway Acapella | Teatre Condal, Barcelona | January 6 - 27
Are you a Broadway buff, a singer, appreciate acapella music, or simply want to have a good time? These stage hits will be interpreted by some of the best musicians in the country, tickets starting at 22€.
Palo Alto Market | Carrer dels Pellaires, Barcelona | January 12-13
After the holidays is a great time to shop, and Palo Alto Market is a Barcelona fixture for hard-to-find vintage and beautiful art! Held in the swanky Poblenou neighborhood, you have to book a ticket to get in, but don’t worry – it costs under 5€! Head here to find that one hidden treasure, as well as food, drinks, and music.
Silvana Documentary | Various cinemas, Barcelona | January 14-31
Fancy a documentary, selected as the best of the time? Docs Barcelona hand picks a film to be screened throughout the month twelve times a year. This January those interested can see Silvana, a film about the homonymous Swedish rapper, whose music reflects her political stance and her views on queerness and feminism. Check out the link to find out where to see it.
Festa Major Sant Antoni | Sant Antoni, Barcelona | January 11-20
With the most recent ‘festa major’ neighborhood festivity in Barcelona just having taken place in December, the city is ready to start all over again with one of its most thriving neighborhoods. As usual, traditional events will take place, as well as food, drinks, concerts, and more!
Festa dels Tres Tombs | throughout Catalonia | January 17 (approximately)
This is a large celebration observed throughout Catalonia, with the dates varying from town to town and county to county. It´s generally on Saint Anthony, January 17, specifically in the town of Vilanova i la Geltrù (if you’re looking for specific pointers on where to celebrate it). Keep an ear to the ground, though, because it will be going on all month and throughout February as well throughout the country!
MOMO Queen Tribute show | Centre Cultural La casa Elizalde, Barcelona | January 28-29
Whoever saw Bohemian Rhapsody in theaters in 2018 might be just about ready for a Queen show…delivered on a silver platter by Onyric on their ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ tour. The show is in English, but this is the only Spanish band to play at the XXIV Queen Fan Convention! Tickets at under 30€.