On 23 February 2025, the beloved Barcelona party Churros con Chocolate will once again transform the Sala Apolo into a wildly imaginative playground, this time under a Disney-inspired theme. More than a decade after it began as a small queer-friendly Sunday dance, "Churros" has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated winter events, drawing an eclectic crowd of locals and travelers who come for the carefree atmosphere, the over-the-top costumes and the surprising mix of music, live performance and campy humour. The organisers call it a place where everyone can feel like a fairytale character for a night, and there’s truth to that slogan: the team behind Churros con Chocolate spend months dreaming up a themed decor that takes over every room of the Apolo complex, from the main concert hall to the upstairs lounge and the smaller club spaces. Each space offers a different mood and soundtrack, so you can easily wander from reggaeton and pop hits in Sala Apolo to house, disco and techno in La 2 or burlesque games and karaoke in La 3, known affectionately as Rumore.
What makes the 2025 edition special is how it plays with beloved Disney motifs without ever feeling like a corporate marketing tie-in. Expect cheeky drag performers dressed as off-brand princesses, a dance floor decorated with hand-made backdrops of fairy-tale castles, and DJs dropping remixed versions of songs you recognise from childhood films alongside the latest chart-topping bangers. The party kicks off at 16:00 on a Sunday and runs through the evening, which means you can start with churros and hot chocolate in the afternoon and end up dancing until your legs ache. True to its inclusive roots, there is no strict dress code, though costumes and playful outfits are encouraged and rewarded with spontaneous prizes and shout-outs from the MCs. The organisers also maintain the event’s community spirit by keeping tickets affordable, supporting local lgbtq+Q+ charities with a portion of the proceeds and inviting queer-owned food stalls and designers to set up inside the venue.
Although Barcelona boasts a vibrant nightlife with countless clubs and festivals, Churros con Chocolate stands out because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead of competing to be the biggest or most exclusive party, it revels in being delightfully silly and unabashedly welcoming. Families with grown-up kids wander in to dance alongside seasoned club-goers, while groups of friends use it as an excuse to reconnect after the winter holidays. Regulars will tell you that the joy of the afternoon comes as much from the music as from the chance encounters on the dance floor — you might find yourself learning a choreography from strangers, belting out a Spanish pop anthem on stage during the karaoke interlude or joining a conga line led by someone in a homemade Stitch costume. Those looking for a more laid-back experience can always retreat to one of the quieter lounges to chat over drinks or grab a bite from the food stalls offering churros, tapas and vegan options.
The history of the event dates back to 2012 when a group of friends wanted to create a daytime club experience that felt safe for the lgbtq+Q+ community and their allies. They chose Sunday afternoons partly to avoid competing with the city’s Saturday nightlife and partly to evoke the tradition of meeting friends for churros and chocolate on a leisurely weekend. Over the years, each edition has been built around a theme, ranging from Bollywood and Hawaiian Luaus to 80s telenovelas and science fiction. Last year’s Disney edition proved so popular that the organisers decided to bring it back in 2025 with new surprises, improved decor and a more extensive line-up of performers. What hasn’t changed is the party’s commitment to creating an inclusive, body-positive space where queer joy is celebrated without judgement. The team behind Churros con Chocolate continues to collaborate with local drag houses, DJs of all genders and backgrounds and visual artists who share a love for playful kitsch.
If you plan to attend the 2025 party, buy your tickets early through the official Apolo website as the event often sells out. Doors open at 16:00, but seasoned Churros veterans recommend arriving closer to 17:00 when the crowd starts to build and the first performances take place. The venue is conveniently located near Paral·lel metro station, and there are plenty of hotels and hostels in the neighbourhood if you’re coming from out of town. For visitors unfamiliar with Barcelona’s queer scene, Churros con Chocolate is an accessible entry point because it combines mainstream pop culture references with subversive queer art. It’s not a rave, but it also isn’t a kids’ event — think of it as a costume party for grown-ups who refuse to let go of their inner child. As always, respect the space and the people around you, ask for consent before taking photos of strangers in their costumes, and be prepared to dance, laugh and indulge your sweet tooth.
Even if Disney isn’t your favourite theme, the February 2025 edition of Churros con Chocolate promises enough variety to keep everyone entertained. The Apolo complex will be decked out in vibrant colours and shimmering lights, the DJs will seamlessly blend Spanish pop classics with international hits, and the performers will keep the energy high with impromptu skits and interactive games. Above all, the event continues to serve as a reminder that nightlife can be inclusive and light-hearted while still offering top-quality entertainment. Whether you’re a local looking for something different to do on a Sunday or a visitor searching for a queer-friendly party that captures the creative spirit of Barcelona, you’ll find yourself at home among the fairy lights and confetti of Churros con Chocolate – Disney 2025.
