What Happened at LABASAD Fest 2026?
There is something that happens once a year that is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it firsthand: people who have spent months sharing classes, projects, feedback, and video calls from different countries finally meet face-to-face. And that, once again, was LABASAD Fest.
On July 3rd, Barcelona became the ultimate meeting point for the international LABASAD community. Students, alumni, faculty, master’s directors, and staff shared an afternoon where design was the perfect excuse for what mattered most: connecting, finding inspiration, and celebrating everything that happens beyond the screen.
The day kicked off with an Instagram live welcome by Ciscu, bringing that mix of excitement, nerves, and reunions that only happens when an online community comes to life in the real world. While attendees were arriving, our reporter roamed the festival microphone-in-hand, capturing first impressions, impromptu interviews, and a few unexpected moments that are already part of Fest history.
One of the most anticipated moments came from MABA Estudio. Beatriz Suárez and Miguel Ángel del Baño traveled from Murcia to share their approach to strategic packaging design, discussing processes, decisions, and real-world projects based on their studio’s experience.
But they didn’t just stick to theory. They turned the talk into an interactive dynamic where two teams competed for various prizes, proving that learning can also be about playing, debating, and laughing. It was a perfect snapshot of the spirit they bring every year to the Spanish Online Master in Strategic Packaging Design.
Curious things always happen at LABASAD Fest. People who only knew each other through a screen discover they live just a few miles apart. Classmates meet face-to-face for the very first time. Designers from completely different disciplines end up sharing ideas as if they had been working together for years.
To spark these exact encounters, “Match” was born—an icebreaker activity hosted by Cristina Grande and Aida Fita. A game designed to cross paths, mix profiles, and prove that many of the best conversations start with a question as simple as: “What are you studying?”
As per tradition, the workshops fully booked out in no time.
The custom notebook station was packed with collages, markers, stickers, and unrepeatable quotes. Every single notebook ended up looking completely unique—just like every individual who makes up LABASAD.
Just a few feet away, L’Anacrònica led the screen-printing workshop, where attendees customized the school’s tote bags with an exclusive design created specially for this year’s festival.
And for those who can never get enough merch, the info point teased one of our upcoming drops: the official LABASAD T-shirt, which will be available on our website very soon.
Because the best ideas rarely strike when you’re in a rush.
Between food trucks, beers, ice creams, and endless chats, the festival found its signature rhythm. Pulponeta brought the savory bites, Estrella Damm joined the toast, and SÛSU cooled down the afternoon with their artisan ice creams.
Then came one of those moments nobody saw coming: the crew from Amalgama Percussió burst into the venue with their roaming show, filling the space with rhythm, energy, and a collective urge to keep celebrating.
As evening fell, LastNite DJs took over to close out the festival with music, visuals, and a dance floor that turned into the perfect spot to keep sharing conversations, laughs, and goodbyes… or rather, “see you next year.”
Meanwhile, social media was doing its thing. Stories, photos, videos, and mentions from our attendees built a collective album in real-time, showing that LABASAD Fest is also lived through those who tell its story.
Because, edition after edition, the festival reminds us of something that goes way beyond design.
Behind every online class, every submission, and every project, there are people. Creative individuals from different corners of the world who, for one day, turn Barcelona into the place where all those stories cross paths.
That is LABASAD Fest.
A place where creativity finds community and where an online university proves that when it’s time to meet in person, the connection is as authentic as it gets.
Couldn’t make it this year? No worries. We’ll meet again very soon. Until then, we’ll stay connected in class, on the blog, and across social media. Because the LABASAD community never stops creating.