Hi everyone: Issue #3 is here, and we’re now ~150 families strong!

Last week’s winner: The El Born pre-Carnaval costume workshop was a total hit. One of you shared that the volunteers were amazing, "…even switching to English to explain the history to the kids." We’re hunting for more “hidden” workshops for you.

The "Ski Week" Survival Plan: With many kids home for Semana Blanca, we’ve flagged Mon–Fri events to keep everyone sane. Between Santa Eulàlia and Carnaval, it’s the biggest week of the winter.

In this issue:

Let’s dive in! — Ben & Rahim

Barcelona’s winter festival celebrates its patron saint. There are events throughout the city, centering on the Old City (Ciutat Vella). Here are the ones we like for kids:

Sat Feb 14. Stick Dancers Procession at Plaça Sant Jaume (Barri Gòtic). Medieval Catalan stick dancers strike with electrifying energy during Santa Eulàlia festival! All ages. Free. 10am-12:30pm. (Add to Calendar)

Sun Feb 15. Giants Gathering & Santa Eulàlia Parade at Plaça Nova (Ciutat Vella). Towering giants (els gegants) parade through the city, led by the legendary gegantona Laia in a spectacular community celebration. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. (Add to Calendar)

Sun Feb 15. Diada Castellera (Human Towers) at Plaça Sant Jaume (Ciutat Vella). Watch eight human tower groups create breathtaking castells simultaneously—a spectacular 60-minute display of Catalan tradition rising to touch the sky! All ages. Free. 11:30am-12:30pm. (Add to Calendar)

Embrace the vibrant chaos of Carnaval with a week of costumes and celebrations, from high-energy local neighborhood parades to the world-famous, Rio-style spectacle in Sitges.

Note: Carnaval normally kicks off today on Fat Thursday (“Dijous Gras”) with a parade and the Taronjada; however, we expect these activities could get cancelled due to high winds. Not to worry, the main events start this weekend:

Sat Feb 14. Monumental Club at Plaza de Toros Monumental de Barcelona (Eixample Dreta). Carnaval edition with live music, DJ performances, costume contest, and family fun! All ages. 8.82-11.02€. (Add to Calendar)

Sat Feb 14. Neighborhood Carnaval Parades (Rúas). Most neighborhoods host a parade on Saturday afternoon. All ages. Free.

Sat Feb 14. Mask Workshop at Museu d'Història de Catalunya (Barceloneta). Carnaval creativity unleashed! Design wild papier-mâché masks and transform into your dream character. All ages. 2€. 11am. (Add to Calendar)

Sun Feb 15 and Tues Feb 17. Kids Parade at Sitges Town Centre: Spain's most spectacular Carnaval celebration, rivaling Rio's famous festivities with vibrant parades, costumes, and street parties. 12:00pm. All ages. Free. (Sunday: Add to Calendar, Tuesday: Add to Calendar)

Wed Feb 18. Sardine Fest at Pl Comas in Les Corts: Hilarious Carnaval finale with traditional sardine burial and community feast. All ages. Free. 8-10pm. (Add to Calendar)

Explore Disney worlds, including scenes from Coco, Tangled, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen and more, with professional skaters, live music and special effects. Ben took his kids two years ago and they loved it. Tip: You may want to bring ear plugs.

Sun Feb 22 & 28, Mar 1. Rossini's Kitchen at Gran Teatre del Liceu (Ciutat Vella). A delightful musical journey exploring the culinary world of the legendary composer, blending humor and melody. 11am. 75 mins. 6+. 10-22€. (Add to Calendar: Feb 22, Feb 28, Mar 1)

Feb 26-Mar 2. International Circus Festival at El Camp de Mart, La Devesa brings global circus magic to Girona! Over 24 acts from 16 countries compete for top prizes, featuring acrobatics, clowns, and artistic performances. All ages. (Add to Calendar: Saturday at 12pm, Saturday at 4:30pm, Sunday at 11:30am)

Sun Mar 1. Rag Doll Making Workshop at Fundació Miró (Montjuïc). Craft rag dolls while exploring Miró's playful world of figures and sculptures. 11:30am-12:30pm. All ages. 5€. (Add to Calendar)

Fri-Sat Mar 6-7. DroneArt Show Barcelona at Parc del Fòrum. This looks very cool, a live music concert with candles and drones making art in the sky. Might start too late for younger kids. 9pm. 65 mins. All ages. From 26.90€. (Add to Calendar: Friday, Saturday)

Multiple Dates Feb-Apr 2026. Rube (Alodeyá) at various theaters. Physics meets circus in a hypnotic show of flying objects and precision engineering, where magnetized tubes and diabolos dance to the laws of science! Various times. All ages. Free with reservation.

Fri Feb 13, Sat Mar 27, Thu Apr 16 & Fri Apr 17. Look at Me at various locations. A mesmerizing solo performance exploring balance, solitude, and human vulnerability through weight and movement. Multiple showtimes (5:15pm-7:30pm). All ages. Free with reservation.

Made with ❤️ by Ben & Rahim. Two San Francisco dads living in BCN. We scout the city for the best cultural events, workshops, festivals, and hidden spots so you don't have to. Less planning, more playing. See you in the park or in your inbox every Thursday.

Do you know another parent that might enjoy being part of our early community?