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A charming neighbourhood
The district of Gràcia is one of the most emblematic ones in the whole of Barcelona. Far from the tourist hustle, this bohemian neighbourhood is one of the quietest parts of the city, with many pedestrian streets and large and sunny squares with terraces, perfect to enjoy the good weather with a nice cold beer and something to eat. Gràcia has always kept its traditional atmosphere throughout the years, and it´s the district par excellence where you can find small shops and cosy little cafes that you couldn´t find anywhere else in Barcelona.
In any case, this quiet mood is put on hold for a whole week in the month of August when the Gràcia Festival begins. During this week, a large amount of events take place here day and night and it´s a constant 24h party for all attendants. Without doubt, this is one of the favourite festivals for locals, who come en masse to Gràcia to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
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The decorations
One of the unique aspects of the festival is the street decorations. The neighbour associations of each street compete every year against each other towin the award for the best and most originally decorated street. That´s why each street chooses a theme every year and the neighbours make sure it looks fantastic for the festival. Walking on every street is like immersing yourself in a whole new world.
When it comes to events, the Gràcia Festival has an endless list during the seven days of its duration; from workshops to shows for children as well as conferences, outdoor meals and drinks, hot chocolate giveaways, games, exhibitions… the list is never-ending. What they do have in common is that all activities are carried out outdoors, since Gràcia is a neighbourhood that lives in the street, a neighbourhood full of life that has always has its main attractions outside.
Correfocs and Castellers
Among all the events, the most important ones are definitely the correfocs, the giants and the castellers. The correfocs are pyrotechnic shows where people dressed as devils run around and dance in the streets in the middle of fireworks and bangers; the giants are parades with giants and capgrossos, figures and huge heads made of paper-mache that people wear and dance with them on in the streets to the rhythm of traditional Catalan music; and, to finish, the amazing castellers. For those of you who don´t know what they are, the castellers are human castles, unbelievable achievements that can be enjoyed in the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia with different casteller groups (colles) from around Catalonia, with special love for the colla from Gràcia. For those of you who have never seen this before, it´s a performance that will stay in your memory forever.
To finish, the nights during the Gràcia festival are the liveliest times. The squares fill up with stages and bands play all sorts of music until the early hours: from pop and rock to Catalan rumba, ska and traditional songs. The atmosphere on the streets is truly unique, with plenty of partying and traditional, since this festival has been taking place since the early 18th century and its spirit hasn´t changed since.
If you´d like to enjoy a truly local experience this summer, the Gràcia Festival is your best option. This year, 2013, the festival will take place between the 15th and 21st of August.
For more information, visit the event´s official website: http://www.festamajordegracia.cat/
aleixgwilliam
Rent at Barcelona apartments directory for the maximum comfort and flexibility, and make sure you do so during the Gràcia Festival to be able to enjoy an experience that will bring you the real essence of the city and all of its party spirit so you can enjoy it just like another local. Are you going to miss it?
