The weather is gorgeous and there is a feeling of festivity in the air. From the 22nd to the 25th of September we are celebrating La Mercè 2017, the festival of festivals in Barcelona. It is in honour of one of the patron-saints of the city: our Lady of the Mercy. All of you lucky…
Gracia Festival 2017: programme and activities
Barcelona loves Summer celebrations. The annual Gracia Festival is, together with La Mercè Festival in September, one of the main ones of the city. Every August, the streets of this charming neighbourhood change colour and it welcomes visitors to its delightful squares. In 2017 it will take place from the 14th to the 21st of…
What to do in Barcelona in February: An insider’s view
I wish I received a euro for every time I get asked the question When is a quiet time to go to Barcelona? If you are willing to put up with a bit of chilly weather, this month can be a great time to drop by our beautiful city. Let’s go through what to expect…
What to do for New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2016-2017
When I spent my first New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, people told me that this night is traditionally spent in families’ homes and that the party only gets started some time after midnight. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is certainly no lack of merriment on the streets if you know where…
A traditional Catalan Christmas and New Year in Barcelona
On a crisp winter morning at the end of November, as I was guiding the Gothic Quarter Free Tour, we passed through the Christmas Fair of Saint Lucy. I got many a curious question as to who was that figurine defecating near the nativity scene, why children were beating a huge piece of wood with…
Barcelona Free Museums Day 2017: The Night of the Museums
One of my favourite nights of the year in Barcelona is fast approaching: The Night of the Museums. This free late night viewing of exhibitions is not only exclusive to my city but is part of a wider initiative across Europe. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or a visitor. It is a…
Where to see human towers in Barcelona: calendar of events
Ever since we wrote the post about The Catalan Festival that occurs each year in the summer, our readers keep asking us where to see human towers in Barcelona. The main “castells” season is from April to October but you can find them all year around depending on festival dates. We have decided to create…
The Catalan Festival of Barcelona: Human towers and other traditions
Probably one of the most common enquiries on our Gothic Quarter Free Tour is “where can I see a human tower being built?”. Well, as luck has it, the City Council of Barcelona is proud to show off the unique Catalan culture to visitors. Every Saturday evening during the Summer months and in front of…
What to do in Barcelona on Easter: palms, parades and cakes
One quirky little thing you will notice walking around Barcelona are dried woven leaves hanging from the balconies. What are these brown husks and why are they here? It is all related to the Easter holidays. Read on to learn about these traditions and what to do in Barcelona during this special time.
The Barcelona Shopping Night 2013. Opera and sales in Passeig de Gràcia!
Is it really possible to watch Wagner and Verdi being performed while doing some shopping at the most fashionable establishments with a glass of cava in hand? The answer is yes. The location is Passeig de Gràcia and the date is the 28th of November, between 8 pm and 12 am. It happens only once…
