Fires de Sant Narcís: History, Tradition & What’s New in 2026
Updated: 3 days ago
Fires de Sant Narcís 2026: History, Tradition and What’s On
Girona’s festa major runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with around 200 events across the city.
The legend of Sant Narcís and his flies
In the 13th century, Girona was under siege by French troops. The story goes that invaders desecrated Saint Narcís’s tomb, and out of it came a swarm of flies so fierce it drove them off. The fly has been a symbol of the city ever since. You will see it on everything.
There is a local saying: per Sant Narcís cada mosca val per sis. At Sant Narcís, each fly is worth six.
What is on in 2026
Thursday 29 October is Sant Narcís day and a public holiday in Girona, though not elsewhere in Catalonia. It has the fullest programme of the ten days.
Friday 23 October, La Copa, 22:30: Miki Núñez, Banda Neón and DJ Tramma
Saturday 24 October: the correfoc, plus Queralt Lahoz
Saturday 24 October, La Copeta, 12:00: Ramonets, for younger children
Thursday 29 October, cathedral steps, 19:15: havaneres with Terra Endins
Thursday 29 October, the envelat at Plaça Miquel de Palol, 20:00: La Principal de la Bisbal
Thursday 29 October, La Copa, 22:30: Teràpia de Shock, Els Amics de les Arts and El Diluvi
Sunday 1 November, Auditori: Música Antiga at 12:00, Cor Maragall at 18:00
Running throughout: the funfair in La Devesa, the Fira de Mostres, artisan markets, castellers, gegants and capgrossos, sardanes and children’s workshops.
What visitors get wrong
The good events start late. The correfoc is at 22:30 and the La Copa concerts follow it. If you plan an early night you will miss the festival.
If you are at the correfoc, wear a long-sleeved cotton top and a hat. Sparks land on people. That is the point.
The full programme is at web.girona.cat/firesdegirona
Glossary: Know Your Fires
Sant Narcís – Patron saint of Girona. His legend includes flies that protected the city from invaders.
Gegants i Capgrossos – Giant and big-head figures that lead traditional parades.
Correfoc – Literally ‘fire run’, a dramatic procession of fire, fireworks, and costumed devils.
Castellers – Human tower formations built by teams standing atop one another, sometimes up to 10 people high.
Barraques – Free music concerts during the festival, often featuring well-known and emerging Catalan acts.
Fira de Mostres – Trade and exhibition fair, one of the largest in the province.
La Devesa – Girona’s largest park and home to many outdoor events during the festival.
La Copa – The outdoor venue within La Devesa where concerts (Barraques) take place.
Mosca -- A fly
Taverna del Foc – A temporary tavern-style venue serving traditional food and drinks during the festival.
Passejada Popular – A popular walk or parade through the city, often accompanied by music or community groups.
Pregó – The official opening speech of the festival, often delivered from the City Hall balcony.
Staying in town
Most of this happens within walking distance of the Barri Vell, which matters when the correfoc finishes after midnight. Book your stay at La Comuna.
