Matsuri Barcelona returns to Port Vell with martial arts, gastronomy and Japanese culture by the sea

The Matsuri festival returns to Port Vell on 16 and 17 May. There will be martial arts, gastronomy and activities for all ages. Find out how to get tickets and what surprises await you. Experience Japanese culture in the heart of Barcelona.

Barcelona is preparing to welcome one of the year’s most eagerly awaited cultural events: the Matsuri Barcelona 2026 festival. Over the weekend of 16 and 17 May, Port Vell will become a vibrant showcase of Japanese traditions, with offerings designed for every audience and age.

Moll de la Fusta will be the epicentre of the action, with a main stage where artists arriving from Japan will offer taiko music performances, martial arts demonstrations, sumi-e painting and traditional dances.

The festival will have a large Japanese food area, craft and fashion stalls, and the option to hire yukatas, the traditional cotton garment ideal for immersing yourself in the experience. Families will find adapted children’s activities, designed so that younger children can also enjoy and learn about Japanese culture.

For those wishing to avoid queues and save on admission, the organisers offer advance sales until 15 May: 6 euros per day or 9 euros for the full weekend pass. If you prefer to decide at the last minute, tickets at the box office will cost 7 euros per day and 12 euros for the Saturday-and-Sunday pass.

The Matsuri Japanese Culture Association has organised this event since 2013, with the aim of bringing Japanese culture closer to the public. What began as a small gathering has grown to exceed 40,000 attendees in the 2024 edition, establishing itself as an essential date in Barcelona’s cultural calendar.

The history of Matsuri Barcelona is that of an initiative that has known how to connect with the city’s pulse. Year after year, the festival has evolved, broadening its offering and adapting to new trends without losing the essence of Japanese traditions. Its location in Port Vell not only makes access easier, but turns the event into an urban experience open to the sea, where Japanese culture merges with Barcelona’s Mediterranean rhythm.

🆕 Matsuri Barcelona 16–17 May: Moll Fusta 10:00–21:00 taiko/marshall arts/sumi-e/Bon Odori/samurai. Food/crafts/yukatas/children. 5–6€ per day/8–9€ pass (advance sale 15 May).