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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...
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,...
Primavera Sound 2013
Do you remember waiting for the Spring Festival when you were younger? And the illusion that came along with the flowers’ season? In Barcelona, everyone dreams of the Primavera Sound festival, which is about to begin. The most famous Groups and DJs from all continents, will gather in the capital of Catalunya at this huge concert from the 22nd to the 26th of May. Among the performers you’ll find Django Django, Phosphorescent, Sr. Chinarro and Dj Koze. More than a hundred concerts concentrated in just one week. © JasonParis The 13th edition This is the thirteenth edition of the festival, and despite the economic crisis, the event’s organizers were able to gather around 120 groups from all around the world. In the Barcelona edition I recommend you the performance of Aliment, The Bots and Delorean at the Parc del Forum and John Talabot, Veronica Falls and Poolside at the Apolo on the 22nd of May. On the 23rd, Animal Collective, Bob Mould, Four Tet, Degreaser, Fucked Up, Death Grips, Grizzly Bear and Dinosaur Jr. at Parc del Fòrum. On the 24th of May you can’t miss the performance of Barry Hogan Dj, Daughter, Daniel Johnston, Daughn Gibson, How To Dress Well, La Bien Querida, Matthew E. White, Disclosure, Shellac, The Knife, Titus Andronicus, Neurosis y Guardian Alien, at Parc del Fòrum. On the 25th of May at the same venue, we’ll enjoy the performance of Los Planetas, Adam Green y Binki Shapiro, Django Django, Dexys, Extraperlo, Dj Koze, Dead Can Dance, Camera Obscura, Phosphorescent, Betunizer, Crystal Castles and 2 or 3 dozens of other groups waiting to offer a...
Saint George’s Day 2013
There is no better place in the world to celebrate the 23rd of April; the International Day of the Book. This is a very important celebration, not only because it commemorate the anniversary of the city’s protector St. George but also because the whole city becomes a great party. The International Day of the Book During Saint George´s Day, las Ramblas gets full of stalls full books and red roses. The tradition suggests that on this day, which is holiday in Barcelona and throughout Catalonia, it is required to give men a book and a red rose to the ladies. That´s what the custom dictates, but as we live in the postmodern times and the ladies read more than men you can disrupt the order. The tradition dates back to the fifteenth century and today the reality is quite different. During this day, as well as some days before and after de celebration, booksellers make a discount of 5% on the price marked on the label. Remember that in Spain the price of new books (unless they are antiques or second hand) is fixed for all establishments. Although the stalls will be filled with new releases, there is always a bold bookseller that temps the bibliophile to browse the shelves. There is always a classic, a great poem book and a novel that you´ve wanted to read or borrowed but never bought. Another excuse to enjoy this special day is in the sense of end of the paper books in the air. The advance of the ebooks, as well as the intangible information that now is being read on...
Rammstein, Made in Germany in Barcelona
Rammstein is a German band that has conquered the world of Industrial Metal music and never fail to seduce their audience with their amazing productions and of course, their powerful music, which is known all over the world. So much so, that since 2011 they have been on an impressive world tour, while performing the huge amount of hits they have played during their successful career. The band was founded in 1994, but its beginnings start a little further back, along with the reunification of Germany. All members of Rammstein were already making music in independent projects; when the German reunification took place, all except one of the members, lived in the former East Germany, or GDR, from where they fled, at an early age, in order to be able to make their musical projects in West Germany. After the reunification, fate brought them together in the musical circuit, which, led some members to even live together, Blessed destiny! Then the story is which we all know, the Rammstein project was born within the Neue Deutsche Härt, with the signature sound that led them to world fame. Rammstein is perhaps the most successful German band in history, as well as the fastest band in obtaining worldwide success. Their time performance as openers only lasted for just a couple of concerts, after which the filmmaker Gert Hof joined them, who lit up by the power of this musicians took over the live shows, we owe him all the impressive lighting performances the band assemblies. In 1997 their second album Sehnsucht was released, while reaching worldwide fame. This is the album...
The Best of the Barcelona Guitar Festival in April
The established Barcelona Guitar Festival will be presented under a new name for its 24th edition this year. Not only does it now have a more modern name, but the festival also aims to bring the most innovative musical ideas, with the guitar as the main focus, to Barcelona It is spread out over four months (from February to June 2013) with some 40 concerts by national and international performers, including young talents like Alessi´s Ark and established artists like Paco de Lucía. April is full of impressive concerts, but we’ve compiled a list for you here to ensure you don’t miss any of the must-see artists: Nacho Vegas (April 6 at Barts) This Spaniard hailing from Asturias is a veteran of his birthplace’s music scene and has remained true to himself throughout his long career. He’ll be in Barcelona with his band to present a new work, La vida es dulce, his unique tribute to British film director Mike Leigh. Tickets are 25 euros plus fees. Alfonso de Vilallonga (April 18 at Apolo) On a different note, we come to the composer Alfonso de Vilallonga. Known for his work on the film soundtracks for Isabel Coixet, Fernando de Aranoa and Brad Anderson, he’s enjoying great success at the moment with the music he composed for Blancanieves (Snow White), the undisputed winner at the Goya Awards. For this visit to the Catalan capital, he’ll present a new album. Tickets are 25 euros in advance and 29 euros at the door. Johnny Winter (April 24 at Barts) This veteran of the blues with a black soul and white skin began...
