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Sant Jordi 2026 Barcelona: Eixample superblock, Ali Smith as town crier on 22 April and free Sagrada Família
Barcelona is preparing for a Sant Jordi 2026 full of new features. The literary superblock returns to Eixample. There will be activities, author signings and iconic spaces open to the public. Discover how to experience the book and rose festival in every neighbourhood.
Sant Jordi 2026 Barcelona 23 April confirms literary superblock in the Eixample (Passeig Gràcia-Rambla Catalunya-Balmes), Rambla under construction but with book/rose stalls, Passeig Sant Joan for comics and children’s content. Ali Smith to deliver the Reading Proclamation on 22 April at 18:00 in the Saló de Cent (with Dolors Udina, live on betevé/Plaça Catalunya), Sagrada Família free for Jordi/Jordina +1 (booking), Casa Batlló roses on the façade 21–23 April, museum open days, La Grossa 27 April.
On 23 April, Barcelona will once again be transformed with the arrival of Sant Jordi, one of the most anticipated days for those who enjoy culture and urban life. This year, the city is backing a literary superblock in the Eixample and a programme that extends to every district, bringing the celebration closer to every corner and making books, roses and activities accessible to all audiences.
La Rambla, the traditional epicentre of the celebration, remains under construction and its role in Sant Jordi 2026 has yet to be defined. Meanwhile, the Eixample literary superblock is being consolidated as the main stage for publishers, bookshops and florists, helping to ease congestion in the centre and extending the festive atmosphere to other neighbourhoods. Highlights include the Reading Proclamation, which this year will be delivered by the British writer Ali Smith on 22 April in the Saló de Cent. The event can also be followed live from home or from Plaça de Catalunya, where screens will be installed. The programme includes ideas for everyone: from the traditional breakfast with authors and publishers to family activities and children’s workshops. Passeig Sant Joan will once again bring together comic-book lovers and independent publishers, while author signings will be announced in the coming days with detailed times and locations.
Landmark buildings will also join the celebration. Sagrada Família will offer free admission to people named Jordi or Jordina (with one companion and prior booking), and Casa Batlló will cover its façade with thousands of handmade roses from 21 to 23 April.
As every year, museums and cultural venues will hold open days, inviting people to discover the city’s heritage free of charge. The celebration will also continue for a few more days with La Grossa de Sant Jordi, the special Catalan lottery draw to be held on 27 April.
Sant Jordi is the most important event of the year for Barcelona’s readers: a celebration that attracts thousands of people and offers the rare opportunity to meet and talk in person with their favourite authors.