Quick Summary
- 1The Cruïlla Hivern festival kicks off its third edition in Barcelona, running from January through March 2026.
- 2The winter cycle features 12 concerts across various city venues, distinct from the summer festival at Fòrum.
- 3Notable performers include Julieta, Sidonie, Jay-Jay Johanson, Rinôçérôse, and Maika Makovski.
- 4The series serves as a bridge to the main summer event, keeping the city's music scene active during colder months.
Winter's Musical Pulse
Barcelona's cultural calendar has found its new winter rhythm. For the third consecutive year, the city transforms into a concert hall as the Cruïlla Hivern festival takes center stage.
Running from this Sunday through March 25, 2026, this winter edition offers music lovers an intimate alternative to the massive summer gatherings. While the main Cruïlla festival claims its spot at the Fòrum park during warmer months, the winter cycle spreads across Barcelona's most prestigious venues, creating a city-wide celebration of sound.
The festival has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Catalonia's cultural landscape, bridging the gap between seasons and keeping the energy alive when temperatures drop.
The Winter Lineup
The third edition of Cruïlla Hivern promises an eclectic mix of established and emerging talent. Organizers have curated a program that spans genres and generations, ensuring there's something for every musical palate.
Headlining this year's roster are several acts that have defined the Spanish and international indie scenes:
- Julieta - A powerhouse vocalist with a dedicated following
- Sidonie - Veteran rockers known for their energetic performances
- Jay-Jay Johanson - Swedish electronic artist bringing his distinctive sound
- Rinôçérôse - French electronic rock pioneers
- Maika Makovski - Mallorcan singer-songwriter with a unique style
These artists represent just a portion of the 12 total performances scheduled throughout the two-month festival period.
City-Wide Celebration
Unlike its summer counterpart that concentrates on one location, Cruïlla Hivern activates multiple Barcelona neighborhoods. This distributed approach allows the festival to reach different audiences and showcase the city's diverse musical venues.
The strategic timing—spanning from mid-January through late March—fills a crucial gap in the festival calendar. It provides entertainment during the coldest months while building anticipation for the main summer event.
The format also benefits artists and fans alike:
- More intimate settings for deeper audience connection
- Multiple opportunities to catch favorite acts
- Discovery of new venues across the city
- Sustained cultural activity during off-peak tourism season
Festival Evolution
Cruïlla has rapidly become one of Barcelona's most renowned music festivals, with the winter edition proving its commitment to year-round programming. The expansion demonstrates how modern festivals can adapt to changing market demands.
The winter cycle serves multiple purposes within the broader Cruïlla ecosystem. It maintains engagement with the festival's community, provides a platform for artists to test new material, and creates a continuous brand presence in a competitive market.
By offering a distinct experience from the summer event—different venues, atmosphere, and lineup focus—Cruïlla Hivern has established its own identity rather than simply being a smaller off-season version.
Looking to Summer
As the winter edition unfolds across Barcelona's venues, all eyes remain on the horizon. The Fòrum park awaits its traditional summer takeover, where Cruïlla will return to its large-scale format.
The winter festival acts as both a standalone event and a prelude, generating momentum for the main attraction. Fans who experience the intimate winter shows often become summer festival regulars, creating a loyal ecosystem.
With this third winter edition, Cruïlla continues to prove that Barcelona's music scene doesn't hibernate—it evolves, adapts, and thrives year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
The festival runs from mid-January through March 25, 2026, spanning approximately two months of concerts across Barcelona's venues.
The lineup includes Julieta, Sidonie, Jay-Jay Johanson, Rinôçérôse, and Maika Makovski among the 12 scheduled performances.
Winter concerts occur in various city venues over two months, while the summer festival concentrates at Fòrum park for a shorter, larger-scale event.
Cruïlla Hivern 2026 features a total of 12 performances distributed throughout the two-month festival period.
