Eight things to look forward to in 2024 in Catalonia

The end of the year is usually a time to look back at what has happened through the past year.

Local and general elections led to the re-election of Pedro Sánchez and a surprise Socialist take-over of the Barcelona mayor’s office to the construction progress of the Sagrada Familia basilica.

The drought entered its 37th month, while the past year has also seen the dismantling of FC Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium.  

But what can we expect from the new year? Without having to look into a crystal ball, here are eight things to keep an eye on in Catalonia in 2024. 

The drought in Catalonia 

Since 2020, Catalonia has been in the midst of a drought. Despite government measures to reduce water consumption, Catalonia is still suffering under the longest drought recorded since 1916 when data was first collected.

The new year is expected to start with further restrictions when a state of emergency is expected to be declared. 

Amnesty law in Senate 

After the 2023 general election in Spain, pro-independence party Junts per Catalunya demanded an amnesty law in exchange for supporting Pedro Sánchez as prime minister.

If fully ratified and implemented, this would mean the return of exiled politicians, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont. It passed the first vote in the Spanish Congress in December 2023.  

It has now been sent to the Spanish Senate, where the conservative People’s Party (PP) holds an absolute majority. Miguel Tellado, PP's Deputy Organizational Secretary said in November of 2023 they will use "all legal and political means" to prevent the law from being passed. 

If the Senate vetoes or amends the bill, which is likely given the conservative majority, the bill will return to Congress. There, Pedro Sánchez will again have to use his majority to override the Senate's veto and amendments and pass the law. Only then would the amnesty law be approved and implemented.   

However, if a court raises the question of unconstitutionality, the amnesty law would not go into effect until the Spanish Constitutional Court issues its ruling, which could take another six months.      

European elections 

The elections for the European Parliament will take place on June 9, 2024. After attempts to approve Catalan as a co-official language in the EU have not borne fruit, the European People’s Party (EPP) is already setting the stage for the election to be a plebiscite on Catalan independence and amnesty on a European level.  

Meanwhile, Raül Romeva, one of the most senior politicians in the pro-independence party Esquerra Republicana, will be one of the 'spitzenkandidat' for the European Free Alliance (EFA).   

Lana del Rey, Smashing Pumpkins, Charlotte de Witte

When summer arrives, so do the music festivals. The 22nd edition of Primavera Sound will be held between May 29 and June 2, featuring performances by huge international names such as Lana del Rey, Pulp, PJ Harvey, and Vampire Weekend.  

The electronic music festival Sónar will include names like Floating Points, Charlotte de Witte and Kaytranada, while Cruïlla will welcome the Smashing Pumpkins, Avril Lavigne, and Catalan group The Tyets.  

Other major music events to look forward to in 2024 are concerts with Depeche Mode, Rammstein, Bruce Springsteen, Bad Gyal, Take That.

America's Cup

From August 2024, the much-anticipated regatta, the America’s Cup, will take place in Barcelona for the first time.

The oldest continually running international sports competition is expected to have a huge economic impact on Barcelona and Catalonia. One of the novelties in the 37th edition of America’s Cup is that women will compete for the first time, between from October 7 to October 16.

Maria Branyas turns 117 years old on March 4 

On March 4, US-born Catalan woman Maria Branyes will turn 117 years old. She is currently the oldest person in the world. 

Listen to our podcast about the self-proclaimed Catalan Super Granny. 

Oscar nomination for J.A. Bayona?

The thriller 'Society of the Snow' by Catalan film director J.A. Bayona was shortlisted for four Oscar nominations in December 2023, in the categories Best International Feature Film, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, and Best Visual Effects.

The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 23 and the awards ceremony will be held on March 10, 2024.

Girona in La Liga

After taking everybody by surprise when winning 4-2 against FC Barcelona, the northern Catalan team Girona sits in second place in Spain's La Liga as of December 2023.

Although they are unlikely to win the league, the red and white team have a good chance of finishing fourth or fifth, according to bookmakers.

2023 in review