Is February a good time to come to Barcelona?
If you want to visit Barcelona outside of the tourist rush, February is a great time to visit. Many of the top tourist sites will have much smaller lines and the streets and restaurants are emptier, allowing you to see Barcelona more like a local. Keep in mind that temperatures are some of the coldest throughout the year, which is never really that bad in Barcelona. You might find highs between 15-10 degrees Celsius (60-48 Farenheit) and lows can get down to Celsius and Farenheit. You will definietly want to pack warm clothing and layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. The midday sun will be a welcome presence, but once it goes away, or you find yourself in the shade, you'll thank yourself later.
What are the dates and events to check out February?
February 12th: Santa Eulalia
The city's Patron Saint, Santa Eulalia, is celebrated February 12th and like any Barcleona celebration, it can't just last 1 day. Normally we see ceremonies and cultural acts between 4-5 days. Processions of giants and other medieval characters roam the streets, human towers are constructed, and a floral offering is brought to the statue of Eulalia on the street named after her.
Last year, many of the celebrations were canceled or held on virtual platforms, while we are still waiting for a full schedule for this year's edition. One thing you can be on the look out for are the Open Door participation of many of the city's museums that offer free admission during the festival.
Who was Sant Eulalia? Watch my video here.
February 14th: Valentine's Day
While not a really big holiday traditionally in Barcelona, like many other American holidays, Valentine's Day is gaining it's following. You'll see some specials at restaurants or hotels, but you won't find the commercialization of the holiday here as much as in other countries. In fact, "lover's day" here in Barcelona is a completely different day altogether. If you can visit on April 24th, Saint George's Day has a much bigger following than Cupid.
If you do want to celebrate while you visit, check out Mirablau on the top of Tibidabo for some of the best views in the city and a very romantic time.
Catch a Barça Game
If you're visiting in February you might want to check out a game at FC Barcelona's Camp Nou. This year February has some good games with Atlético de Madrid visiting February 6th, Napoli visits February 17th for a UEFA League game, and Athletic Club visiting February 27th. You might also be able to check out the derby between Barcelona and hometown rival Espanyol. This game, however will be held at Espanyol's turf in nearby Cornellà.
You can also take advantage and do the Camp Nou Museum tour, depending on you ticket you will have access to different parts of the the stadium like the locker room, stands, or field.
For tickets to games or the museum click here.
February 24th-March 2nd: Carnival
The week before Lent is called Carnival where everyone can let loose. Starting on Fat Thrusday and finishing on Ash Wednesday, traditionally people would dress up and wear masks to hide their identity as they indulged a bit before 40 days of sacrifice. Today school children still dress up throughout the week at school, often with different themes each day.
In Barcelona, the week traditionally starts with the arrival of the King Carnestotles to ring in the events and finished with his burial on Ash Wednesday signalling the end of the celebration until the next year.
More so than in Barcelona, Sitges has the biggest Carnival festivals.
Day Trip to Sitges
So why not take a day trip to Sitges? Even if your trip doesn't coincide with the Carnival celebration to see the parades (February 27th and March 1st), a trip to Sitges is well worth it. Only 40 minutes by train from Barcelona, Sitges is a beautiful seaside town. Head down to get a taste of Modernism in its many museums, visit the Barardí Factory or enjoy lunch along the Mediterranean.
Try some Calçots
The calçot season beings in February and usually runs through April. Calçots are baby spring onions that are char-grilled over and open flame and dipped in a romesco sauce. Eating them is super messy but incredible fun. If you can join a Calçotada (like a calçot BBQ) it's all the better. If not, many restaurants offer calçots on their menus throughout the city during the winter and early spring months.