Some festivals have been around for so long that they’re part of the city. Drap-Art, the International Sustainable Art Festival of Catalonia, turns 30 in 2026 and celebrates from 17 to 21 December in venues and historic buildings across the Gothic Quarter.
I’m flagging it early because it falls right in the middle of the holidays, and it’s a very different plan from the Christmas markets: art made from what other people throw away.
What is it? A festival of art made from recycled and reused materials, with an exhibition, installations, performances and workshops.
Why go? It’s a different way to explore the Gothic Quarter in December, and to see what can be made from rubbish.
- When17 to 21 December 2026
- WhereVenues and historic buildings in the Gothic Quarter
- PriceTo be confirmed
What’s on
The programme mixes painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installations, urban interventions, performances and audiovisual work, all made with recycled materials. There are also workshops, co-creations, talks and spaces for reflection on sustainability and consumption.
The works chosen through this year’s open call will be exhibited at the Centre d’Artesania Catalunya. The dates for that exhibition haven’t been published yet.
30 years of Drap-Art
To mark the anniversary, the festival has published the book Drap-Aires. Històries del Festival Drap-Art, presented in September at the CCCB’s Mirador. It looks back on three decades of a festival that started in the nineties, when talking about recycling in art was almost unheard of.
My tips
- Save the date: I’ll update this article as soon as the programme with venues and times comes out.
- Pair it with a walk through the Gothic Quarter and one of Barcelona’s free art galleries.
- If you’re looking for more December ideas, see my guide to Christmas things to do in Barcelona.
Frequently asked questions
When is Drap-Art 2026
The festival runs from 17 to 21 December 2026, in several venues and historic buildings in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
What is Drap-Art
The International Sustainable Art Festival of Catalonia: painting, sculpture, photography, installations and performances made from recycled materials, with workshops and talks. In 2026 it turns 30.
Where is the Drap-Art exhibition
The works selected through the open call will be shown at the Centre d’Artesania Catalunya. The exact exhibition dates haven’t been published yet.
📖 Read nextL'Alternativa 2026: Barcelona's independent film festival
