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ONLY BE BARCELONIAN
Only-Be Barcelonian
Towers and Skyscrapers at the CaixaForum Barcelona
At the CaixaForum in Barcelona, from the 20th of June until the 9th of September, you can enjoy the last few days of the temporary architectural exhibition Towers and Skyscrapers, from Babel to Dubai. This exhibition is a look back to the history of the construction of towers and skyscrapers. Starting from the myth of the tower of Babel and ending with the construction of the skyscrapers in Dubai, Towers and Skyscrapers shows the tendency that mankind has for impossible challenges and the search of verticality as a way of being closer to divinity, as a defiance of the laws of nature or simply as something functional to optimize the space in the big cities. And so, since the beginning of time, many buildings have symbolized the look to the sky, no matter their objective. Cathedrals, minarets and watchtowers in the Middle Ages, influenced by the biblical subject of the tower of Babel, which goes up in a spiral shape and that illustrated many paintings in the 16th century, such as those by Brueghel, open this exhibition, as well as an original model that the visitor can admire. The Paris World Fair in 1889, and the presentation of the Eiffel Tower (1887), sees the end of one of the biggest concerns of 19th century engineers, which was building a tower of great magnitude. That same era, in the United States, was known as the Spring of Skyscrapers (1885-1919). After the fire in Chicago in 1871, the first building of these characteristics was built, the Home Insurance Building (138ft) by William LeBaron Jenney, becoming a model of modernity and the image of the future, which influenced the architectonical...
Molotov at Razzmatazz in Barcelona
For nearly 20 years now, Molotov, who will perform at Razzmatazz in Barcelonaon September 8 (http://www.salarazzmatazz.com/op/conciertos/708), has been one of the most iconic bands of the Mexican indie rock scene. They’re also a group whose commitment to the political and social reality of the country has shown on numerous occasions, making them a reference point for many of the most critical and rebellious youth. This is evident in the documentary film Gimme Tha Power by Olallo Rubio, who through interviews with different members of the band and various personalities of Mexican culture lucidly analyzed the rise of Molotov through leftist activism in the North American country and the political history ofMexico during the last decades. As may easily be inferred, this is a must-see film for many followers of Molotov, and it will be shown in Spanish theaters the very day after the group’s concert at Razzmatazz. In it, the always compelling sound of the band, which is called Molotov because of the explosive power they have through their two bassists, will do well by an audience willing to wait for a revision of their not inconsiderable cache of songs since Desde Rusia con amor, the group’s last album, whose title is a direct nod to James Bond and a veiled homage to the Beatles. It’s a compilation that was created from various performances from their Russian tour during 2010 (which incidentally started in the city that was called Molotov during Soviet times) and an extensive review of their greatest hits from the last two decades. It is also evidence that the group is capable of reinventing themselves without...
Top 5 Hipster Bars in Barcelona
During the summer, people in Barcelona usually wear Ray ban Wayfarer sunglasses, as well as tight shorts, low-cut shirts and scarves on the neck. If you’ve already felt identified with what you’ve read so far in this article, you should continue reading, because this information might interest you. Moreover, if you are on holiday in Barcelona and don’t want to go to the typical touristy bar where music of Paulina Rubio or Ricky Martin is played, don’t worry, here are the top 5 indie hip bars in Barcelona. Betty Ford Right in the Raval district, you’ll find this corner for good drinkers, a place full of character, where you’ll hear good music and meet many locals with clothes from H & M (or even from those independent stores that have unique pieces designed by a young fashion designer, in a small but very cool store in Gracia or Born). There you’ll also enjoy delicious cocktails. Calle Joaquín Costa, 56 Barcelona Area: Raval El Vinilo A charming bar with a great atmosphere that seems to transgress the threshold of the 30´s. This isn’t a bar of crazy parties, it is a place to have a deep conversation or just listen to that music that makes you think “What is the name of his song that I´ve always wanted to hear?” At Vinilo, you’ll hear music of Jeff Burkley, Jack Johnson, Little Joy and thousands more (because if anyone understands music in this neighborhood are the owners of this bar); very intimate and caress music for your ears, which will bring you from a drink to another, while getting...
Port Aventura to the limit
Port Aventura is the ideal escape from the big city, where you can spend a great day with your children, whether you´re staying in Barcelona for a few days or whether you want to make the most of the Catalan capital, an extension to Spain´s first theme park will allow you to enjoy the novelties of Port Aventura for this season and, while you´re there, cool down with its water rides and even its water park. This theme park has six areas already: Mediterranean, Far West, China, Mexico, Polynesia and Sesame Aventura – however, the biggest news at Port Aventura this summer of 2012 es the new roller-coaster inaugurated this year: Shambala, Expedition to the Himalaya. Shambala is much more than just a roller-coaster and it has broken four records in one go in the world of theme parks. Firstly, it´s the highest roller-coaster in the whole of Europe at 250ft, more or less 25 floors in a building. In second place, it´s the one with the longest drop: you fall from 255ft and, thirdly, if this wasn´t enough already, it´s the fastest one, reaching a maximum speed in its first drop of 83 mph. Not for the faint hearted! Lastly, inside the so-called ´hypercoasters´, it´s the longest roller-coaster with one mile of adrenaline that run for three minutes, including the going up, of course. However, comb your hair before you go on because Shambala includes the video and photo options on the ride so you can take a souvenir back home to show that you dared to go on the expedition to the Himalaya. When you´re more relaxed, as...
Traveling with your pets to Barcelona – the Spanish Law.
Many people look at their pets as part of the family and tend to be very reticent to leave them behind when it comes the time to go on vacation. With so many horror stories about kennels and other means of boarding their pet while they are gone, some families today are electing to take their pet with them when the holidays come. There are some very special rules that deal with pets on holiday. Adhering to these international laws is very important for a smooth trip to your destination. Taking your pet to areas such as Barcelona, for example, requires that you know the local laws. All of these laws have been created to keep you and your pet safe. You must take into account that your pet must fly in an approved pet carrier. Some airlines will not accept certain breeds of dogs and cats, so they do require that you certify the breed of your animal. Before your pet can be accepted for the flight, it is required to be a given age. Most airlines will not accept a pet, which is less than ten weeks. In some cases, countries in question will not permit you to bring an animal under a certain age to the country. This may be because they have not achieved an age where all of their requisite shots have taken place. Your pet must be adequately vaccinated and have all of the recommended vaccinations in place before it may enter the country. A certificate of vaccination from a licensed veterinarian is required to allow your pet to enter Spain. In addition,...
Summer Fashion in Barcelona
Fashion is always one step ahead and during the recent fashion weeks we could see the trends for winter and spring of next year. Here’s a short summary of this year’s summer fashion. Barcelonais a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer when many people come to enjoy the beaches and nightlife of the beautiful Catalan capital. In fact, it’s not surprising that styles found on the streets here are of all types and often blend influences from all over the world. But there are always a few trends that determine a particular year’s “summer look”, in a similar way that a certain song will dominate a season. Walking the streets inBarcelonaI have noticed some trends: Neon Let’s start with colors. Each season has certain colors that dominate, and this season they are fluorescent colors, a trend that very much reminds me of the eighties. Shoes, accessories and nails in fluorescent colors call for attention and are also a bit daring. Maxi skirts One trend that has stayed with us since spring is the maxi skirt. You can see it in many variations. Some are very formal in chiffon, for example, and worn with heels, but with a pair of flip flops and your bikini underneath, this can be your go-to outfit for the beach or whatever. Backs Baby got back! With such high temperatures it is normal to wear less clothing, and this summer one sees many backs. Girls are wearing a lot of dresses and shirts with an open back. Patterns Patterns this summer are very colorful and lively. And people aren’t afraid to mix different patterns,...
Barcelona: City of ham
If there is a flavor that can remind you to visit Barcelona it is the flavor of ham. This preparation of pork leg so characteristic of the Iberian Peninsula is served in most restaurants and is part of several culinary preparations typical of the area. The ham is obtained by curing with salt pork leg and is usually done at high altitudes, where the air and low temperatures help the drying process. Pigs can be of different races, but the finest are the Iberian. The Iberian pig is fed with acorns, which give a special flavor to their meat and as a consequence to the ham. Its level of fat is something that makes it unique in the world. Do not confuse the pata negra ham with the famous Iberian ham, since pata negra is a type of ham that doesn’t describe the original race of the pig used. The famous Serrano ham doesn´t describe it either, as that is just the name given to a type of cut. The flavor and consistency of Iberian ham depends on four factors: the breed of pig, the breeding process, since the pig must walk in the mountains to have the proper musculature; wild food that will give the flavor and fat infiltration proper feeding and because the fat acorns makes curing occurs is distributed more evenly in the muscle fibers. To test the quality of the real ham we recommend the restaurant Cinco Jotas Las Arenas de Barcelona. It is a place with style and culinary where the specialty is ham. Among the activities that take place here is the Jam Hour, in...
The Sitges Festival. Tradition, culture and entertainment
It will come as no surprise to you that July and August are the two months of the year that Spain registers the highest amount of international visitors. The climate, the beaches (or mountains), the gastronomy, the broad frenetic nightlife that´s open to all tastes are just some of the reasons that attract tourists to this country. Also, it coincides that this season comes full of local activities and parties for all those who want to get to know the culture and traditions of the Iberian Peninsula. Catalonia is one of the Spanish regions where, according to the website of the Generalitat, the Catalan government, “there´s practically no town (Catalan) -no matter how small- that doesn´t dedicate a few days to celebrate its festival”. And it´s exactly a Catalan festival that I´m going to talk about today: the Sitges Festival. It´s one of the events that´s worth enjoying if you´re in Catalonia during the month of August. The Sitges Festival represents one of the most important events in this seaside town. It´s an event that gathers a large part of its population in the main squares in the old town, which also appeals to a large amount of visitors every year, increasing its notoriety further than the local limits. In fact, it´s a traditional party of declared national interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Catalan government), and this says a lot about what it´s about today in terms of culture in the region. From the 21st until the 27th of August, the streets of this beautiful little town located some 22 miles from Barcelona will dress up to celebrate the...
The Festa del Gamper at Camp Nou
The preparations are underway for the new edition, number 47, of the Festa del Gamper, which is held each year atCampNouinBarcelona. It’s a great party, where football, of course, is the main focus. This year, as has been customary in previous editions, there will be another Italian team, the UC Sampdoria, who faces the extraordinary Barça on 20 August. Maybe it´s coincidence, maybe it´s fate, or possibly neither, but this edition will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the grand finale of the 1992 European Cup between FC Barcelona and UC Sampdoria. To remind the forgetful, that famous match was won by Barça in the 111th minute, during the last moments of the second overtime, by the indirect free-kick from defender Ronald Koeman. It was an exciting and memorable final at Wembley Stadium inLondon, where Barça first received the trophy they had been wanting for years.May 20, 1992 will forever remain in the memory of all fans since on that date the legendary team, the Dream Team, was confirmed. Now, after two decades, the emotions that accompanied that indelible match and the extraordinary victory of Barça will possibly re-emerge. But the Joan Gamper Trophy also means friendship and fellowship. It will be a party for all Barça fans not only because they will be presenting the new team of Tito Vilanova for the 2012/13 season, but also because there will be many fun activities for families and children. Thanks to Estrella Damm, the official sponsor of FC Barcelona and collaborator in the organization of the Festa del Gamper, families can take part in different activities throughout the stadium facilities...
The Fiestas de Gràcia in Barcelona
One of the most unique summer events in Barcelona is the party in Gràcia, a week in which the homonymous neighborhood streets are filled with color and fun. It’s an event not to be missed, especially if you plan to visit Barcelona in August and are looking to experience the true essence of a city. The origins of this celebration date back to 1850, when the small town of Gràcia, an independent municipality of Barcelona of mostly peasants, was transformed by the arrival of artisans, laborers and small traders, which caused rapid growth in the area. Until then the patron of the neighborhood had been Saint Isidro, because of its agricultural character, but the inhabitants decided to modify it to adapt to changes in the area. Historians do not quite agree whether the patron chosen was the Virgin of August (August 15) or Saint Roque (August 16), but in any case, this established the festive nature of Gràcia around August 15. Today, they is still a celebration organized by the neighbors and neighborhood merchants that gives them a special aura. About 20 streets and squares are decorated in artisanal fashion with a focus on a theme that changes every year so they can compete in a contest where the best decorated is chosen. The decorations are planned months in advance and the results are artistic works of great value. The Carrer de Verdi and Carrer de Joan Blanques have received the most awards, but all the streets are worth a visit. There is also a contest for the best decorated balconies. Alongside the competitions, many free events, including a...Promotions
