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ONLY BE BARCELONIAN
Only-Be Barcelonian
Barcelona from A to Z: Part II
Here you have the second part of “Barcelona from A to Z”, a tour of the entire city by way of the alphabet. Nightlife: Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to nightlife. There are lots of clubs, bars and after-hours spots that will keep you dancing until sunrise. Olives: Olives are a crucial ingredient in Catalan cuisine, not only olive oil but olives are also eaten with meals or as snacks. Playa: The beach of Barcelona is beautiful. Divided into eight different beaches, each one has its own style. Enjoying the beach along the Mediterranean in Barcelona is a luxury available to everyone. Quiosco: Kiosks are all along the Ramblas offering flowers, animals, newspapers and souvenirs. On the most famous street in Barcelona one can buy absolutely anything. Ramblas: Without a doubt, this is the most famous street in Barcelona. Flanked by trees, it runs from the Plaça Catalunya to the sea. Nearby buildings include the Teatro del Liceu, the Boquería market and the Plaça Reial. And a walk here is not to be missed. Photo: Ralf Roletschek Sagrada Familia: If Barcelona has an iconic memorial, this is it. This cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí is still under construction but is unique in the world because of its modernist style. Like the Ramblas , it’s a must-see. Tibidabo: Above Barcelona stands this mountain offering truly impressive views of the city. It also has a castle and an amusement park, which round out your visit. Un tallat!: Expect to hear this at any bar or terrace. In...
Barcelona from A to Z: Part I
Arc de Triomf: This arch was built in the nineteenth century as an entrance to Barcelona’s Ciutadella Park, which once housed the World Expo. Today it is an emblem of Barcelona. Bicing: It is impossible to be out around town and not see people traveling about on these red rental bicycles. Columbus: At the foot of the Ramblas you’ll find this statue commemorating America’s discoverer, who points out to sea. There’s also a gazebo, which is the first thing you’ll see in the city if you’re arriving by water. Diagonal: The largest avenue of Barcelona. The Diagonal lives up to its name, crossing the city diagonally until it ends at the sea. Estrella: Without a doubt, this is the city’s most popular beer and you can order it just about anywhere. This Catalan beer is perfect for an afternoon spent soaking up the sun watching the world go by. Futbol Club Barcelona: This club is the most important ambassador of the city and maybe even the best football club in the world. One can even go to Camp Nou and enjoy watching these world-class stars of the sport. Camp Nou via JoJan Gaudí: This modernist architect is one of the main reasons why people visit Barcelona. His modernist buildings are truly unique, and works by Gaudí such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Park Güell or Casa Batlló, Gaudi changed the face of the city and turned it into a work of art. Hospital de Sant Pau: This wonderful modernist building is surely the most beautiful hospital in the world. Designed by the architect Domènech i Montaner, its domes,...
Twestival Barcelona 2013
We are really happy to announce that we are one of the official sponsors of this year’s Twestival in Barcelona! On Thursday, October 24th, 2013 the Twestival Barcelona 2013 will take place at Sala Razzmatazz in Barcelona and all benefits of this year will go to La Casa dels Xuklis, a home for families whose children are affected by cancer. What’s the story behind Twestival? As the name already indicates social media plays a big role in the success of this initiative. In the words of the creators “Twestival is the largest grassroots social media fundraising initiative in the world.” The first Twestival took place in 2009 and since then nearly $2 million were raised. All events are organized by volunteers and all benefits go to a great cause in the local community. The program of this edition already looks very promising. You can expect performances by Delafé y las Flores Azules and The Pinker Tons among others. All organizers and sponsors have put great effort in not only the musical entertainment, but also the prizes for the raffle. For ticket information, the whole program and more information on how you can get involved and donate please visit the official website and don’t forget to spread the word! See ya there! Miss Moci Find accommodation in Barcelona and don´t miss this...
XIX Barcelona Manga Fair
For folks who love Manga and Anime, the capital of Catalonia will be their perfect holiday destination during the nineteenth Barcelona Manga Fair, which will take place from the 31st of October to the 3rd of November 2013. Among the many international Manga celebrities, the event will count with the presence of the Japanese author Shintaro Kago; a well-known artist for works like Wandering Cartoon Eccentricities in Front of the Station, Health Plan, Notebook of Murder and Killing – The 13 Cruel Sufferings of the Great Edo and Anamorphosis no Meijū. Father of the so-called “fashionable paranoia”, Shintaro Kago will come to Barcelona to show the best of his works. Li Kunwu, one of the most representative Chinese Manga artists of his generation, will be another star at the Barcelona Manga Fair. Member of the Chinese Communist Party and manager of the Yunnan Artists´ Association, Kunwu has been able to reflect the modern history of China on his works. Photo taken from official event website The nineteenth Barcelona Manga Fair also pays tribute to Spanish authors at the exhibition called Nuestros Mangaka, which aims to make a special recognition to the Spaniards who have succeeded in the highly competitive world of Manga and Anime. This year the main theme of the event will be “Sports in Manga and Anime” through the great exhibition called Manga en juego, which will be led by the Japanese culture specialist Marc Bernabé, who will bring us on an interesting journey through Supōtsu konjo most important works. Artist Antonio Vizcaino designed the poster of the 2013 edition of the event. In this work, the...
La Mercè Festival Barcelona – 2013
In late September the capital of Catalunya celebrates the biggest street party of the year: La Mercè, which is a celebration in honor of our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of Barcelona. This celebration goes from the 20th to the 24th of September. Photo: somewhereintheworldtoday History of La Mercè It all started in 1867, when the city of Barcelona suffered the effects of a locusts’ plague. Legend has it that was our Lady of Mercy who saved the city by getting rid of the insects. From that moment the Mare de Deu de la Mercè was named as the patron saint of Barcelona. Correfoc San Joan is famous for its bonfires and La Mercè for its Correfocs . Without Correfocs there wouldn’t be any La Mercè festival and without La Mercè festival there wouldn’t be any correfoc. Following the beat of drums and the light of fireworks, everyone tours the city while witnessing great street performances to which, by the way, you should come well prepared: some people even wear fireproof suits for the occasion. It is important to wear hats, goggles and long sleeve to protect yourself against skin burns. The so-called diablos are the groups who dress like demons and parade with fireworks on their hands. The tour goes from Porta Cambo to Consolat de Mar, passing through Plaza de Antoni Maura, Via Laietana and Antoni López Square. This is the festival of lights because, although it is celebrated during the night, the fireworks illuminate the city. Castellars During this time of the year, authentic human castles are raised in Plaza de Sant Jaume. This is one...
Curious places on the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands have a very special charm. They’re full of colors, walls, gardens, lighthouses, harbors and bays … there time goes at a different pace and the activities to do are infinite. Let´s go on a tour through some of the most curious places on Mallorca and Menorca: we will visit caves and beaches. Photo: Alejandro Sánchez Marcos Cueva Sa Nacra, Ciutadella (Menorca) After a dip, what most folks on Menorca want to do is going for a drink. Well, what about doing both at once? At Cueva Sa Nacra, a curious pub-restaurant in Ciutadella, you have the chance to have this experience. The restaurant is built on the water with a kind of terrace overlooking the sea and its facilities are carved in the rock. The cave was excavated by a local entrepreneur, who decided to open his own business right there. The walls are decorated with fan mussel shells and a springboard to jump into the water and, for the less adventurous, a staircase leading down to the sea. The best of Cueva Sa Nacra are its views, because you will have the feeling of being part of the Mediterranean Sea, while enjoying delicious dishes that include paellas, grilled meats, fishes of all kinds, red prawns from Menorca, salads and yummy desserts. At night, you can have a drink in a magical environment full of candles and chill out music. It´s very nice. Es Barcarés Beach, Alcudia (Mallorca) This coved area contains several small beaches that are the ideal place to relax, to spend a nice time with family or just a few hours alone with a...
Top 5 Summer Activities to do in Barcelona
A list of interesting activities to do in Barcelona: Traditions, tours, romantic dinners, endless nights full of fun and even an erotic show.
Gràcia Festival
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. © Flickr pcambraf 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,...
Sant Joan Festival in Barcelona
Streets, beaches, private gardens and parks are lit with bonfires on the shortest night of the year. The city opens its arms to the summer season on the 23rd of June, a very special night full of dances around bonfires to honor Sant Joan. This is almost as if it was a ritual. The Night of Fire, also known as the Revetlles de Sant Joan, is a magical night, in which not even the Metro goes to sleep. You’ll find a DJ in every single beach bar (which BTW, they all close at 6 o´clock that day), you can go on a picnic at the seashore and make bonfires on Barceloneta or Maresme beaches (Only allowed on Sant Joan). If you prefer hitting the streets of the city, you’ll find many bars with live performances for your entertainment. They say fire purifies the soul and keeps it away from sins. So according to tradition, the one who lights a bonfire that night will be purified throughout the year. People usually burn old furniture, clothes, and useless things that keep the fire all night at its peak. According to the tradition, if you want to have good luck, you should bathe in the sea after midnight. It is said that if you do so, you´ll be healthy the rest of the year. It is usual to find groups of naked guys swimming in the sea, due to the party mood and consumed alcohol. During Sant Joan people drink and eat a lot, but the gastronomy highlight of the festival is definitively the dessert: coca. For those who don’t know what...
Sonar celebrates its 20th anniversary
I have to start this article by congratulating Sonar for its 20th anniversary. This is one of the most popular music festivals in Spain, as well as the one with the best parties you can ever imagine. To celebrate this anniversary the organizers brought together many of the main protagonists of the previous editions of the festival as: Kraftwerk, Richie Hawtin, Pet Shop Boys and Laurent Garnier. All of these famous artist will perform at Sonar 2013 in Barcelona, because they all have one thing in common: their infinite love for electronica. (Photo: Sonar official website) During three days: the 13th, 14th and 15th of June you’ll feel how the Music decibels rise in Barcelona. Are you ready? The masters of electronic music return to perform in Spain: Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys, Richie Hawtin, Laurent Garnier, Paul Kalkbrenner, the Dewaele brothers with their band Soulwax, Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark (with their hip hop) and Skrillex who will show us why they are the most virtuosos turntables musicians. In addition to the above, some creative artists couples will perform in a two-bands show: The Bradien, Comelade Pascal, etc. Sonar will display the performances of the most important techno artists. We do not forget the shows of Angel Molina (which is a constant performer in the festival), as well as Arcanoid, Cesar de Melero and Zero. Hip-hop and electronica have managed to fit perfectly to each other. Remember this name: Jurassic 5, led by Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark, which certainly are geniuses in this field. This year, Sonar Festival will also give you the option to enjoy all concerts, national mostly,...Promotions
