On 21 June, the longest day of the year, music fills the streets of cities all over the world. The Fête de la Musique — created in France in 1982 — is now a global phenomenon, and Spain is fully on board. In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and other Spanish cities, hundreds of musicians play for free on squares, terraces, in parks and shopping streets. No programme, no main stage, no ticket. Walk into the city and the music finds you.
Completely free — all performances are free and openly accessible.
The concept
On the longest day of the year, musicians can perform anywhere, and everything is free. No selection process, no headliner, no hierarchy. Amateur musicians stand alongside professionals. Classical pianists next to punk bands. Flamenco dancers next to a jazz quartet. The city is the stage.
Where it’s best in Spain
In Madrid, music concentrates in the centre — from Puerta del Sol to Malasaña and Lavapiés. In Barcelona, performances take place in the Gothic Quarter, on the Barceloneta and in Gràcia. In Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, San Sebastián — the tradition is growing in smaller Spanish cities too.
Practical info
- Date: 21 June — every year
- Entry: completely free
- Location: city centres of Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities
- Tip: just walk around — the best performances aren’t on any map