Everything is ready in Barcelona, ​​where anticipation is growing for the events commemorating the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, the great Catalan architect who created extraordinary works reflecting a forward-thinking artistic genius. The epicenter of the initiatives will be the Sagrada Família basilica (UNESCO World Heritage) which on September 18 presented at a press conference the status of the ongoing work on the temple’s structures and the next phases of the project, which will focus on the completion of the Jesus Christ Tower and the Chapel of the Assumption. Just a few months before the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death—which occurred suddenly and absurdly: on June 7, 1926, he was struck by a tram and died three days later—the Sagrada Família has announced the main events included in the joint plan promoted by the Gaudí Council.

Esteve Camps, Executive President of the Construction Committee of the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Família, outlined institutional preparations for the broad agenda of initiatives planned for 2025 and 2026. Two main objectives: first, to commemorate the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death with independent and joint activities promoted by individual institutions; and second, to raise awareness and disseminate Gaudí’s work from a scientific, artistic, academic, innovative and spiritual perspective (a cause for beatification is already underway, and the great architect has already been declared “venerable”). Accordingly, on July 8, 2025, the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Catalan administrative body) included the commemoration in the official list for 2026, while on July 9, 2025, the Spanish Government declared it an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (AEIP).

In this context, a series of events related to the Gaudí Council are planned, designed to celebrate the Catalan genius and encourage active public participation, with a particular focus on residents in the neighborhoods near the Sagrada Família. In this context, a series of events related to the Gaudí Council are planned, designed to celebrate the Catalan genius and encourage active public participation, with a special focus on residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the Sagrada Família. These events will begin on October 14, 2025, with the inauguration of the academic year at the Ateneu Universitari Sant Pacià and a solemn mass followed by an inaugural lecture by Dr. Jordi Faulí, Chief Architect of the Sagrada Família. Furthermore, on November 30, the Barnabas Tower, the only one completed during Gaudí’s lifetime, will be illuminated with a public reading of a manifesto. In March 2026, on the feast of Saint Joseph, a special concert will be held in the central nave of the Sagrada Família, featuring the Orfeó Català (Catalan Choral Society), to celebrate the anniversary of the laying of the Temple’s foundation stone. A solemn mass dedicated to Saint Joseph will follow.

Other significant events include the mass commemorating the anniversary of Gaudí’s death, scheduled for June 10, and the inauguration of the Jesus Christ Tower, about which further information will be provided in the coming months during a dedicated press conference. During the Open Days, 20,000 people will be able to visit the Basilica free of charge and view one of the iconographic representations that will decorate the interior of the Chapel of the Assumption. The Sagrada Família celebrations will conclude with a look to the future and the cultural legacy left by Gaudí, through the illumination of the Nativity façade of the Sagrada Família. The program also includes the World Congress of Architects, the presentation of the Tour de France teams, and several exhibitions around the city to delve deeper into the history and significance of the Sagrada Família.

The General Director of the Sagrada Família, Xavier Martínez, has announced that the events planned for 2026 will be funded by donations and partnerships. The Construction Committee’s primary objective remains the completion of the temple’s construction, which is why all resources have been allocated to this end. Among the most anticipated initiatives are the Open Days. The Sagrada Família opens its doors during the Mercè festivities, Barcelona’s main festival, on September 19, 20, 21, and 24. The annual event, aimed at showcasing the progress of the work, will offer 20,000 residents the opportunity to visit the Basilica free of charge. This year, visitors will be able to admire one of the bas-relief iconographic representations intended for the Chapel of the Assumption, such as the Wedding at Cana, currently on display at the materials yard.

Events and infos at: https://sagradafamilia2026.org/