Every summer, the city of Tarragona adorns itself to pay tribute to one of its most beloved patron saints: Sant Magí. This celebration, deeply rooted in Tarragona’s popular culture, combines tradition, spirituality, and a vibrant program of activities that fills the streets with color, music, and devotion. The festival returns stronger than ever, inviting both locals and visitors to discover the most authentic essence of the city.
From the most solemn rituals to the most festive events, Sant Magí is an unmissable summer event on Costa Dorada. The iconic water carriers, decorated floats, “castells” (human towers), live music, and events for all ages take place over several days, creating a unique atmosphere that brings generations together and revives ancient traditions. The entire city is transformed into a stage where heritage, faith, and culture coexist in harmony.
In this article, we present an overview of the main activities and events that will mark the Sant Magí Festival, as well as a practical guide to make the most of this special celebration. Get to Tarragona with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport, and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
A Program that Has It All
The Sant Magí 2025 program stands out for its richness, variety, and ability to connect with audiences of all ages. The streets and squares of Tarragona become the perfect stage for performances, traditional dances, live music, and events with strong symbolic identity, in a perfect fusion of heritage and modernity.
Culture and tradition
The festival begins on August 8th with participatory events, such as the opening parade of La iMAGInada, which sets the festive mood with rhythm and color, starting at the Plaça del Fòrum. Throughout the days, there are charitable activities such as La Sindriada in the municipal markets, an initiative that combines gastronomy, sustainability, and social commitment.
Traditional dances also feature prominently, on August 13th, as well as sardana dances on the 15th, as well as nightly concerts in the Plaça de la Font.
The most traditional Tarragona custom is celebrated intensely on August 18th, with the arrival of the water of Sant Magí from Brufaganya, a symbolic act deeply rooted in popular tradition that brings together decorated floats and the cheers of the crowd as they parade through the main streets.
The day culminates with the parade of Sant Magí’s entourage, where giants, “nanos”, the Balls de Bastons, “timbalers”, and the emblematic Magí de les Timbales take center stage. The day ends with the emblematic Revetlla Il·luminada, a magical night that celebrates the devotion and collective joy of a city in full festive effervescence.
Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services, you can travel to Tarragona and Costa Dorada from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport, and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Big Day: the Festive Heart of Sant Magí
The main day of the Sant Magí festivities is August 19th, which is celebrated with unique intensity, combining tradition with shared emotion. From early in the morning, the spotlight is on the Sant Magí chapel in Portal del Carro, where a solemn mass is held in honor of the patron saint. At the end, a floral offering is made, followed by the singing of the Lord’s Prayer and the traditional goigs de Sant Magí, performed by the Societat Coral L’Àncora de Tarragona in a ceremony full of devotion and symbolism.
At midday, the Plaça de les Cols becomes the epicenter of popular excitement with a Diada Castellera (human tower festival) featuring the four local groups: Xiquets de Tarragona, Colla Jove, Xiquets del Serrallo, and Castellers de Sant Pere i Sant Pau.
In the afternoon, solemnity returns with the eagerly awaited procession of Sant Magí, which starts at the Portal del Carro and culminates with the arrival of the image of the saint at his chapel. The climax comes with the final dance of the popular entourage, bringing to a splendid close a day that combines the spiritual and festive soul of the city.
Music, the Star of Sant Magí
The musical program for Sant Magí 2025 offers a wide and diverse range of events to suit all generations and musical tastes. From August 8th, the gardens of Camp de Mart are transformed into a musical hub, with performances by La Prenda Roja, Masta Quba & P. Jaguar, Roba Estesa, Paula Fitzz, Las Ninyas del Corro, Mama Dousha, and Julieta; and DJ sessions that liven up the early morning hours, such as those by Fonki Cheff and Monsieur Gustave.
On the 9th, the Tarrako Rotten Fest II takes over the Parc de la Ciutat with an intense day of punk and metal by local bands such as Dogteeth, Terra Stercore, and Fingerbiter, in a vibrant and rebellious atmosphere.
The main days of the festival further reinforce the musical focus. On the 15th, Jordi’s Festival Sant Magí in Parc del Francolí is positioned as one of the big attractions of the season, with prominent names such as Kidd Keo, Atomic, and Pau Llovera, followed by a night of celebration with the traditional Revetlla matalassera in Plaça del Rei. Finally, on August 16th, the Capsa Music Festival completes the agenda with acts such as M.U.R., Joan Masdeu, and Tulsa.
Activities for the Whole Family
The Sant Magí Festival also offers a calendar full of activities aimed at children and families. Of particular note is the Petita iMAGInada, once again bringing creative and fun workshops to the gardens of Camp de Mart. The same location also hosts family shows such as Un carro de contes, La Dona del Sac, and La Lila Groc viatja pel món — all designed to encourage imagination, coexistence, and shared enjoyment.
The Sant Magí Festival consolidates its role as one of the major cultural events of the summer in Tarragona, with a diverse, inclusive program deeply rooted in the city’s identity. We have the best option for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona: Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, which are low-cost and sustainable, allowing you to reach your destination from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport, and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
