Sant Medir Festival

Sant Medir’s roots go back to a promise made in 1828 by baker Josep Vidal i Granés of Carrer Gran in Gràcia. Facing illness, Vidal promised that if he recovered, he would make an annual pilgrimage to the Ermita de Sant Medir. True to his word, Vidal fulfilled his promise that year and, over time, more people joined him, forming the festive groups.

Originally, on returning from the pilgrimage, Vidal threw beans to the public, a symbolic act in honour of the saint who, according to legend, sowed these beans. Over time, the beans were replaced by sweets, earning the celebration its well-known nickname, the “dolça festa” or sweet festival.

The festival features vibrant morning processions with horses, floats and lorries throwing sweets. This is followed by a pilgrimage to the Ermita de Sant Medir in the Collserola mountains, where pilgrims pay homage. On their return, the festive groups lead a lively musical parade, or “cercavila”, through neighbourhood streets, sharing sweets with the enthusiastic public.

The sweet parade will take place in several city neighbourhoods on different days.

The Sant Medir Festival embodies a sweet and symbolic celebration, weaving together history, tradition and the enduring spirit of community. As the festive groups continue to parade through Gràcia’s charming streets, Sant Medir remains a testament to the lasting power of promises, legends and the joy of sharing sweets with others.