Churros con Chocolate has grown from a small winter get‑together into a Barcelona institution that gives Sundays a whole new energy. What started over a decade ago as an excuse to warm up with friends over sweet fried dough dipped in chocolate has become a travelling ritual for queer locals and visitors alike. Instead of fading away after Christmas, the organisers decided to keep the party alive through spring and summer, adding themed events and outdoor editions that capture the lazy, celebratory spirit of the city. Today the name conjures up images of packed dance floors, camp performances and a sense of playful chaos that you rarely find elsewhere. In 2025 the open‑air season returns to La Terrrazza at Poble Espanyol, a leafy hilltop venue inside Barcelona’s open‑air museum. Hidden among archways and cobblestone lanes, the terrace will host Sunday sessions on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August with a season finale on 14 September. Each date has its own twist, but they all share the same recipe: doors open at 19:00, the first DJs ease the crowd into the evening as the sun sets, and by midnight the two dance floors are heaving. One area leans heavily on disco and pop favourites, the other mixes Spanish classics with irreverent surprises, from drag lip‑sync battles to karaoke competitions. Regulars know to bring a jacket in case the mountain breeze kicks in, and nearly everyone grabs a plate of fresh churros or a bocadillo from the food trucks between sets. The atmosphere at Churros con Chocolate is famously inclusive. Age, gender expression and dress codes are treated as suggestions rather than rules. You are just as likely to see a group of muscle boys in harnesses as you are a family of friends in outrageous costumes. Drag performers wander among the crowd handing out prizes, comedians take over the stage between DJs, and the hosts encourage participation at every turn. People dance for the joy of it rather than to be seen, and the event deliberately keeps its ticket prices reasonable so that locals can come back week after week. Organisers repeatedly stress that respect is non‑negotiable: filming, photography or any unwanted touching will get you escorted out, and all guests must show ID to prove they are over 18. While the open‑air dates steal the headlines, the September calendar also includes a special indoor edition. On 21 September the party moves back to Sala Apolo in the city centre for "Operación Retorno" with the singer Yurena. This night is a bridge between seasons, combining the production values of a nightclub – multiple rooms, lasers and booming sound – with the laid‑back spirit of Churros. Doors open earlier, at 16:00, and the line‑up includes surprise performances and giveaways. Organisers suggest arriving before 18:00 if you want to avoid the long queue that tends to snake around Carrer Nou de la Rambla. Whether you dance under the stars at La Terrrazza or under a mirror ball at Sala Apolo, the theme of welcoming everyone who is willing to let loose remains the same. If you are visiting Barcelona for Pride or another summer festival, timing your trip to catch one of the Churros dates can add a different flavour to your weekend. La Terrrazza sits on Montjuïc hill, about a 10‑15 minute taxi ride from the Gaixample gay district, and you can combine a day of sightseeing at the nearby Magic Fountain with a night of dancing outdoors. The venue’s rustic layout, complete with wooden beams and fairy lights, gives it a relaxed vibe that contrasts with the city’s more polished clubs. Having two stages means there is always a place to take a breather without leaving the party entirely. You can sip sangria on one of the benches, chat with strangers or head back into the crowd when your favourite song comes on. The camaraderie that develops between strangers is what keeps people returning; it feels like a street party and a queer cabaret rolled into one. Tickets for the open‑air events are sold through DICE, with early‑bird prices including a drink. The organisers recommend buying in advance, as the final two dates in September almost always sell out. There is no strict dress code, but comfortable shoes and an open mind will serve you well. The team behind Churros con Chocolate also produces smaller spin‑off nights throughout the year, so if you miss the summer season you can still experience the madness at their Halloween, Christmas or even daytime brunch parties. Supporting the event means supporting local lgbtq+Q+ culture, as part of the proceeds go to organisations that provide services to queer youth and migrants. Above all, Churros con Chocolate 2025 is about reclaiming Sunday as a day for fun rather than chores. It invites people to forget the work week ahead, dance until sunrise and share churros with whoever happens to be next to them. It is messy, spontaneous and charming in a way that only a grassroots party can be. For many, the prospect of sweating under the stars, bumping elbows with strangers and singing along to an ’80s pop anthem in Spanish is the very definition of holiday bliss. Whether you make it to the season opener in early August or the closing show on 14 September, expect to leave with glitter on your clothes and a grin on your face – and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip before you have even washed the sugar off your fingers.

• Prev
• Next