The city of Mataró is preparing for another edition of Les Santes, one of Catalonia’s most distinctive and beloved summer festivals. Taking place from July 18 to July 29, the 2026 edition combines the traditional elements that have defined the celebration for generations with an extensive cultural programme featuring concerts, family activities, street performances, exhibitions, sports events and popular culture.
This year’s festival places a special emphasis on local artists, female performers and accessibility initiatives, while also expanding activities across multiple venues in an effort to improve coexistence and reduce the impact on residential areas. More than one hundred events will transform Mataró into a city-wide celebration for nearly two weeks.
The Tyets return home
The biggest musical attraction of Les Santes 2026 will undoubtedly be the return of The Tyets, the hometown duo who have become one of the most successful acts in contemporary Catalan music. The group will perform on July 27, immediately after the traditional fireworks display, at the Espai Firal del Nou Parc Central as part of their new tour supporting Cafè per als més cafeteros.
Their appearance carries special significance for local audiences, marking their major return to Les Santes after the massive beach concert that followed the success of Coti x Coti. Sharing the stage that night will be Svetlana, one of the most exciting names in Catalan queer electropop, bringing an energetic and celebratory atmosphere to one of the festival’s biggest evenings.
Beyond the headliners, Les Santes continues to showcase the region’s musical richness through performances by groups such as Orquestra de Mataró, GospelSons, Big Band Jazz Maresme, Agrupació Musical del Maresme, Espora, Magalí Sare, Aziza Brahim, Alba Carmona & Jesús Guerrero, and many other local and Maresme-based artists.
Les Dissantes celebrates 60 years of inclusion
One of the most emotional moments of the festival will once again be Les Dissantes, organized by the Fundació Maresme. This year’s edition commemorates the foundation’s 60th anniversary and will feature family activities, the traditional flashmob of Jo sóc com tu and a major concert programme.
Singer Beth Rodergas will headline the event and perform the new version of the anthem Jo sóc com tu, joined by party favourites Hotel Cochambre, DJ Aksis and DJ Vega. The event has become one of the strongest symbols of inclusion and community participation within Les Santes.
Tradition remains at the heart of the festival
While music plays a central role, Les Santes continues to be defined by its unique traditional events. The legendary Nit Boja on July 25 is expected to attract thousands of participants once again through iconic moments such as the Desvetllament Bellugós, the Escapada a Negra Nit, the Pujada Tabalada and the long-awaited return of La Ruixada in its traditional format following the easing of drought restrictions.
The festival's cultural heritage will also be present through the Crida, La Passada, No n'hi ha prou!, L'Albada, the Gegantada, the Ball de Dracs, the Postal de Gegants and the closing procession Anem a Tancar, all of which form part of Mataró’s unique festive identity.
The city's renowned human tower tradition will also return on July 25 with a major casteller gathering featuring Capgrossos de Mataró, Castellers de Vilafranca and Minyons de Terrassa, three of the most respected groups in Catalonia.
Family spaces, world music and new artistic projects
The increasingly important Llar Cabanellas venue will once again serve as the festival’s family and world music hub. Throughout Les Santes it will host theatre, storytelling, dance, circus performances and concerts designed for audiences of all ages.
Among the highlights are the installation Les Veus de Gaza, the national premiere of the participatory production In Continuo by the acclaimed company Kamchàtka, performances by international artists such as Aziza Brahim, and a wide variety of multidisciplinary proposals combining music, movement and visual arts.
Meanwhile, the seafront and Varador Beach will host traditional habaneras, gospel performances and the second edition of Baix a Mar, which extends the celebration after the fireworks display with roaming performances and seaside festivities.
A more accessible and inclusive Les Santes
Accessibility continues to be one of the festival's priorities. Organizers will once again provide reserved viewing areas for people with reduced mobility, sensory-friendly spaces, calm zones for neurodivergent visitors and sign-language interpretation at selected events, including the traditional Crida.
These measures reflect Mataró's commitment to ensuring that Les Santes remains a celebration open to everyone.
With The Tyets returning home, the revival of La Ruixada, the 60th anniversary of Les Dissantes and an extensive programme blending contemporary culture with centuries-old traditions, Les Santes 2026 promises to be one of the most memorable editions in recent years.
Mataró’s Les Santes 2026 will bring twelve days of celebrations, headlined by hometown heroes The Tyets, alongside more than 100 events combining music, popular culture, family activities...