Archive for June, 2009
Everyone enjoys a good sale! Barcelona is known for its amazing shopping, at all prices. Many of the shops such as Mango, Zara, Bershka, and H and M, in Barcelona are very reasonably priced. However, starting today, July 1, they will be even more reasonable.
In Barcelona, there are two huge sales. One runs from the second week in January to the end of February. The other sale begins the first of July and into the month of August. More than 50,000 retail stores in Barcelona and the Catalonia region will participate in the sales. The first few weeks in July, are when the sales are the best, and the stores are not completely wiped out. Look for rebajas on the window, as much of the stuff is marked down 50 percent or more. The first few days of the sale can be pretty overcrowded and hectic, so if you do not want to be pushed around, I would wait a week. The sales will still be going on. Towards the end of August sales will be marked down 70 percent, as a way to clean out the summer clothes. Do not plan to go shopping on Sunday, as most stores are closed. If you plan to do some shopping, do not forget to bring your passport or identification card if you are paying with a credit card. If you plan on coming to Barcelona to check out the amazing sales the city has to offer, rent an apartment with Barcelona-home.
As we all know, it has been a sad weekend for people all over the world with the unexpected death of Michael Jackson. It was on friday when this tragic news hit me, while I was a work. I was completely shocked. It is definitely a sad thing when someone who has left so much in the world leaves.
It is one of those things where we take things for granted, and then suddenly when we realize how things are sadder all of the sudden, but it is too late. It is in such a way that the king of pop passed away from cardiac arrest late last week. A legend, at least, that man was an inspiration to people all around the world. Although his personal life was not always regarded with much admiration, I strongly believe that he proved how good he was through his music, and charity donations. He began his musical career at the age of five when he performed at Christmas recitals and such. He then moved from singing and dancing with his brothers, to eventually going solo. It is just amazing how he defined the way the music business runs today. Some say that he created the idea of albums, and that he danced in ways that people will never be able to again. Being nothing but a star, he permanently touched peoples’ lives forever with albums such as “Thriller”, “Off the Wall”, “Bad”, “Dangerous”, and “HIStory”. Not to mention that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. I feel eternally happy for those who ever got the chance to see him perform at some point. It must have been like watching a miracle in the making. It is sad to think that he was preparing another one of his potential masterpieces “This is it,” when he died. After seeing how the media, and other venues such as facebook mourn for him, and continue to admire his greatness, it is certain that a person like Michael Jackson will be remembered for a long time. As I went out this past weekend in Barcelona, with a sad head on my shoulders, I could not help but notice all the tv screens at every place I went, or the themes and songs of the places to be about the incredible artist. This is why I felt motivated to write this post, and simply try and pay some tribute to this missed magician of music. I know that I will miss hearing about him, and I sadly but respectfully feel that music like his will never be created by anyone ever again. It is definitely safe to say that through his captivating music, his vividly amazing dancing, and his desirable talent, he will definitely live on and continue to be a part of many lives. May he rest in such a peace worthy of his soul.
This past weekend after some clubbing and few hours of sleep, I made a spontaneous decision to visit the infamous Park Güell on Sunday afternoon. I must say that I am so glad to go along with that sporadic decision, because I discovered a really cool place in Barcelona.
At first I thought, oh well, it is probably just some fancy park with some special structures to it. I was wrong. It is a really interesting place, and it suited me really well because of its hidden paths and comfortable feel. Now for some info. This sweet park is situated in the Gracia district on a hill that allows for a beautiful view of the entire city. It was really cool to see La Sagrada Familia, and all the other buildings from up high. If you go, take your camera for sure. Another one of Antonio Gaudí’s works of art built between 1900 and 1914, and part of the UNESCO organization, this lushly, green park holds the possibility for a fun and relaxing part of the day.
The main entrance of the park greets visitors with their unique style of architecture and their calming colors. This is not to say that there are no other entrances to the park. Another very unique thing about the park is the amount of mosaics that blend nicely with the park. Of course here, we would have to mention the dragon-lizard sculpture that one encounters as you enter the park through the main entrance. It took me a while to take a good picture of it, and my picture still has a random tourist in front of it so just know that it can be crowded at times. There is also Gaudí’s Torre Rosa, or pink house which has furniture that was designed by the architect himself. This house does require an entrance fee though. It is not too expensive. One thing I really liked about it was all the different guitarist that were playing for anyone who would hear. One guy was playing a 12 string guitar, and I could have heard that guy all day, cause he played really well. Their music just added to this smooth environment. I couldn’t help but look at how happy and lively people seemed, or maybe it was just a good day for everyone. For those of you who think, oh I better pack a sandwich to eat something there that would not be a bad idea. Yet, know that there is a café which is cleverly hidden within the hill of the park. Further, there is the possibility to play some sports as well. I would not mind going back to play some ball there. Well, that is a pretty complete lay-out of the place; you really have to see it for yourselves. I hope you can get over there at some point throughout your stay, and enjoy its unique beauty. One thing is for sure, if anything about that place. It is definitely a place that speaks of a soothing peace.
In March 2007, the city of Barcelona started a community bicycle program called Bicing. All around the city, there are stations that are set up with red and white colored bikes. The purpose of the bikes is to easily access bikes to travel around the city in a green and climate friendly way.
The program currently has 400 stations set up around, with more than 6,000 bikes to ride and then return to the station. How it works is you can get a bike from any station and then return to any other station, which makes it easy to get from one place to another. You can ride a bike, drop it off, walk around, and then get another bike from another station. Each station has slots for anywhere between 15 and 30 bikes, where the bikes are locked into place. To use the bicing, you must be a member for a year. The member fee costs 30 euros. However there are additional costs to use the bike. The bikes can be used for free for the first 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the rides is charged 50 cents for each additional 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. But realistically when traveling around Barcelona on a bike, it is possible to get from one side of town to the other in 15 minutes. Since the bikes are all over town, you can drop it off, and then grab another bike 10 minutes later, if you do not wish to get charged. There are more than 186,000 users by the year 2009. The program is funded with money that comes from parking fees in the city center. This is even more of a motivation to use bicing, as there is always a parking spot, and you do not have to worry about getting a ticket! Bicing bikes are easy to lock, and you do not have to worry about it being stolen as regular bicycles in Barcelona usually do not last long, due to the theft. If you plan on staying in Barcelona for longer than a year, the bicing a great option to getting around the city cheaply and effectiently, while staying green!
Since we are on a roll with the food posts, I thought it would be appropriate to mention a little, delicious and dear friend I have in Spain called Sangria. It really is not fair to visit Spain and not get to know my friend.
It is indeed consumed by the tourists here, than probably anyone else, yet the Spaniards will sip it at informal parties or gatherings from time to time. I don’t know why, but for me, I take it as a complete honor and delight to indulge in its satisfying taste. When I have good Sangria, and that is for sure, not all Sangria is good, I cannot just simply have one sip. I will go on and on. Let’s talk a little about its logistics. This admirable drink is considered a sweet, fruit punch, typical of Spain, Portugal and Italy. It normally consists of 4 important ingredients, but the masters of this art add or ignore some of them. So red wine (usually Tempranillo), or white wine (for “Sangria Blanca”), sliced fruit (orange, apple, lemon, peach, berries, and pineapple are all possibilities, and on more rare occasions, you can find melon, grape or mango), next is sugar, honey, or some kind of fruit juice (like orange juice), here is where it gets tricky with the other alcoholic part (the only one I’m familiar with is brandy), and sometimes, this is actually not necessary, but carbonated soda to give it a little spark. Now as for preparation, wine acts as the base. After that, the fruit is sliced up, and then they are mixed with the wine and the other ingredients except for the ice and carbonated soda. Before those are added, the fruit and the rest of the ingredients should have had a lot of time to sit and blend together. That is the process, but the actual result, is hard to achieve when you have tasted such great Sangria before. There also exists a non-alcoholic version, called “Sangria Señorial,” which could also be good for those of you who do not wish to be inarticulate after several pitchers, and still enjoy a really good taste. For this version, wine grapes are used instead. So at either bars, pubs, or restaurants, Sangria is usually served in 1 liter pitchers, since a big container is needed to hold all the ingredients. Voilà, Sangria. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a way to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy.
The region of Catalunya is known for its wine and cava as well as their traditional and innovataive cooking techniques. In the Catalan culture, that are many staple ingredients as well as traditional food. One of these traditional foods are Calcotada.
A calcotada is a chargrilled special white/green onion. The long onion that looks very similar to a leek, is placed on large roof tiles in an open fire. They are cooked once the outside is completely blackened. Once cooked, the onion is then dipped in a a traditional sauce. The sauce is similar to a garlv, nutty, Romesco sauce. The most fun and messy part is eating it! It is necessary to have many napkins, and a bib is not a bad idea. You hold the top of the onion and then peel back the outside, to get rid of the charcoaled part. The next thing you do is dip in in the sauce, and then lean your head back and place the calcot in your whole mouth. It is a messy experience, but a delicous one. The calcots are usally accompanied by some types of meat such as sausages, artichokes, potatoes, and vegtables, as well as cava or wine. During the months towards the end of winter and March and April, calcots are consumed in bulk. There are contest how can eat the most, and the winner usually consumes around 200 calctos. Unfortunately calcot season is not a year around, only from January to April. However if you miss calcot season, it is just another excuse to come back to Barcelona! To experience the real taste of Catalunya, one must try a calcot and wine tasting tour. Outside of Barcelona, there are many places where you can go on a wine tasting tour, and then head over to the local restaurant and enjoy calcats with a glass of wine or cava.
Today, marks the celebration of San Juan, also known as “Verbenas de Sant Joan” and “Nit de Sant Joan.” The night of June 23 is the shortest night of the year and few days earlier marks the official beginning of summer. The origns of the festival celebrates Saint John the Baptist.
However it is traced back to pre-christian times in celebration of the arrival of the summer solstice. It is celebrated by fireworks, bon fires, and other festivities along the beach. Many people go to the beach and practices rituals through out the night. Some of these rituals include, jumping over fires, and going into the water at midnight. Jumping over the fire supposedly symbolizes cleaning the soul. All the beaches along the coast of Spain are lit up by fire. Fire is a symbol of abundance, purity, and fertility, which is why you may see people putting old furniture into the fire. Going into the water at midnight washes away evil spirits as well as gain eternal beauty, since it is believed that water during this night has curative powers. Water also symbolizes the baptism of Saint John. Another symbol is herbs, and it believed that on this night their power is multiplied, and many herbs are collected. In the pastry shops they have a bread called Cocas (sweet bread) which is eaten during the hours of darkness. The bread should be twice as long as it is wide. Firework stands are set up all over town, if you would like to have your firework show. As the celebrations go on into the morning of the 24, which is acutally Saint John’s day, it is a public holiday and necessary to have the day off. The night of Sant Joan is truly a magical night, filled with fireworks, and bonfires. The metro is also open all night, which makes it easy and cheap to get around. For non stop festivities and partying, head to the beach for an unforgetable night. But remember to use caution when lighting a fire and fireworks. For more information about the holiday and where to buy fireworks, click here. http://www.bcn.cat/santjoan/en/welcome.htm
Walking along Las Ramblas, sitting on the beach, or just strolling the streets of Barcelona, it is quiet easy to notice the beer salesmen. For the most part, no matter where you are in Barcelona and at all hours of the day, you can always hear someone say “Cerveza, Cerveza, Beer!” In my opinion I find it quiet nice, as I am a beer drinker.
They sell beers for about 1 euro each, and you can buy a 6 pack for 5 euros. There are many Pakistani/Indian beer sellers around Barcelona, but do not be afraid of them as they are probably not going to steal from you. After all it is hard to turn down cold cheap beer, on a hot day or night. When you are wandering the streets at night, you can see everyone walking around with a beer, bottle/box of wine, or a mixed drink in hand. It seems that everyone is doing it, so the question is, can I do it too? Even though it seems no one thinks twice about walking around with a beer, it is however illegal. Obviously it is not heavily enforced, but you can get fined around 70 euros for an open container. You may get caught for drinking on the streets, and then that 1 euro beer all of a sudden seems a lot more expensive. To have a beer or not to have a beer, that is your choice, but you have been warned. Do not be surprised if you get caught by the policia.
You have not been to Spain, until you try their olives, even if you do not like them. Before staying here in Barcelona, my mother told me “If you do not like olives now, you will,” and she was right. Some say Spanish olives are the best in the world. The warm Spanish climate makes the perfect conditions to grow olives, as many olive trees in France and Italy may freeze during the winter time.
The country of Spain is recognized as being number one in producing and exporting excellent olives and oils. Many associate olives with Italy, but in fact the Roman Empire made Spain the supplier of olives, and even today Italy buys tons of olives each year from Spain. Spain produces over 260 different types of olives and also has the largest number of olive trees than any other country. So it is no wonder, why olives are staple ingredients and food in the Spanish culture. Olives are not only yummy, but they are also very healthy with sources of iron, vitamin E, calcium, dietary fiber, and are also considered an aphrodisiac. Maybe that is why the Spanish swear by them, and eat them or have olive oil with everything! Olives are found in everything; olive oil on your toast for breakfast, food cooked in olive oil for lunch, olives for snack, olives for tapas, olive oil in the pastries, and even olive/olive oil ice cream. Every restaurant and market will have olives available for purchase, which makes them perfect to eat for a snack. It is impossible to go wrong with eating Spanish olives, which is why you should eat 7 olives a day!
Strolling through the city of Barcelona there are certain things you cannot help but notice if you did not grow up in this vibrant place. With that, there are also several aspects of life here, that I wish could be found in other places of the world, even if these details are not particular to Barcelona, they still give it, in my opinion, its complete spirit.
For one thing, I find that the use of scooters and vespas is so unique that things would be strange without having to dodge not only cars in traffic, but these smaller, more agile vehicles as well. With increases near 40% each year, these vehicles are becoming more and more common. What is even more interesting is to see professionals in their spotless suits for work, riding these to and from work all day long. Of course, they look curious with their working outfits, and their helmets protecting their heads. This gives the impression of a kind of sophisticated biker people in the capital of Catalunya, which I have enjoyed watching during my stay here. Another detail that I treasure is the existence of frankfurts. Even though one may call it a different kind of hot dog, with the toasted bread and all, they seem to have a unique and delicious taste, that just keeps me going for more, that as well as the mustard. I really wish the mustard here could be found elsewhere in the world. In fact, let me just generalize and say that the food in general here is of such a quality that I can’t help but feel more kingly or something nobler than the ordinary. Hope you feel the same, or find your own great perks of this cool city.
Every year, the city hosts the Grec Festival of Barcelona, which is probably the most popular and cultural festival in Barcelona. There are signs and flyers all over the city advertising the event, which made me curious as to what the event really was. The festival has a combination of theater, music, and dance and will be taking place from June 25- August 3, 2009.
There is more than a month of arts and activities happening in Barcelona. The festival originally took place in the Grec Theatr, a Greek-style amphitheatre surrounded by beautiful gardens in Montjuic. Events still take place here, however many events take place around the city. There are outdoor activities in Plaza del Rey and in the Grec Gardens. Every Tuesday, there will be a live concert in the Caixa Forum, which will begin July 1 at 8pm and 10 pm. It will be its 33th anniversary and they will be celebrating with both international and local performances. Tickets can be bought all around town in little Grec booths that have been set up, as well as in the tourist information stands around Plaza Catalunya. Tickets are reasonably priced, and with the current economic situation they have reduced their prices for people who are unemployed, over 65 years of age, and people who own a library card. As the festival lasts for most of the summer, make sure to see a performance, as it is one of the most authentic and cultural festivals in Barcelona. The is a great opportunity for a cultural experience. For more information you visit the festivals website at here.
While at a festival in Catalonia, Spain, you might find several human towers, or a castell. At celebrations, teams will get together and have competitions to see who can build the most impressive tower. The tradition originated in the 18th Century in Valls, a city near Tarragona.
Castells can be found all over in the Catalonia region, including Barcelona. There are many training centers around Barcelona, where you can watch them practice build these amazing human towers. After the tower has been built, it also must be dismantled. For the tower to be a success, after it is built the last person climbs to the top and raises one hand with four fingers in the air. The four fingers in the air are supposed to symbolize the Catalan flag. After raising their hand, the must climb down the other side, and the tower is dismantled. There are many people down on the bottom, to hold the weight of the people that climb, as well as be a safety net, in case anyone falls. The base is the most important part of the tower, and if it does not appear to be sturdy enough, the castellers will not continue building the tower until so. The towers can be 9 or more levels. The Catalan motto for the castellers is “força, equilibri, valor i seny,” or “strength, balance, courage and reason.” The castellers usually wear white pants, a black stash, a bandana, and a colored shirt. The color of the shirt depends on the team and where they are from, for example the ones in Barcelona wear red shirts. The stash is used as a back support, and also a foothold and/or handhold. On July 11, the Castellers of Barcelona will be celebrating their 40th anniversary.
To take a break from the city of Barcelona, head to the mountian, Montserrat, which is only 30 miles away. In Catalan, Montserrat literally means “jagged mountain,” and this is exacltly what it is. The mountain has many religous, historical, cultural, and social aspects.
Montserrat is one of Catalunya’s most important pilgrimage site for nearly a thousand years. Up in the mountain is the site of a Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. Sant Maria is one of the most famous black madonnas in the world and to be found up a narroway stairway above the Basilica of the Benedectine monks who still live there today. The monks wear the Benedectine rope belts, which have three knots symbolizing poverty, chasity, and obedience. The summit is called Saint Jerome and is 1,236 meters (4,055 feet) above sea level. Once you reach the top, by the funicular, there are many hiking trails. You can either hike back down to the monestary or take the funicular backdown. The mountains and the monestary create a very tranquil and spiritual feeling. Montserrat is mentioned in the well-known book, 1000 Places to See Before you Die. Trains leave from Plaza Espanya (Red Line) in Barcelona, and take you to the base of the mountain. From there you can either take a cable car or a rack railway to the Basilica. If you have time, make a day trip to Montserrat and you will not regret it!
It seems that the great hubris that Spaniards feel is just everywhere now a days. From across the Atlantic, fierce sports fans cheer as their 7 foot brother, Paul Gasol, dominates in the basketball world. As center for the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol was a huge contributing factor to their recent status as world champions.
It is with no surprise that the Lakers did take it all this year, after having begun their season with a 16-0 run. It appears that this championship really meant a lot to the players, as being world champions probably, always does. But most certainly for some players more than others. For instance, Kobe Bryant has been said to be inadequate to win a NBA championship without his former teammate Shaquille O’neal. Yet, with this win, Bryant proves that he is one of the best players on the planet, if not the best. In my opinion, I wish that the two would have never parted ways, because together they were really unstoppable. And if we think about it, they have both only won, one championship each since then. But things move on, as Kobe demonstrates he could not only play exceptionally under Shaq’s shadow. This makes it Kobe’s 4th after having 3 titles for 7 years.
Well, it is hard to talk about the Lakers and their win without veering off into Kobe Bryant, yet we cannot ignore the biggest presence on the court from the Laker’s behalf. Paul Gasol has proved with his excellent performance, that Spain has a lot to offer in the basketball world. It is the first time that a Spaniard is a NBA Champion. This is probably a great honor for him, but it is definitely an honor for all the Spanish citizens who support him overseas. He finished the regular 2009 season with 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1 block per game. As for the final match, he was the most important rebounding presence in the game with 15 rebounds. 11 were defensive, and 4 were offensive. I mean this guy even has the stats: 2 time All-Star, Euroscar player of the year, FIBA Europe player of the year, All-NBA third team, and much more. It is no wonder the 28 year-old is making about $15 million a year. As a star the continents of Europe and America as well, he can definitely wear his new ring with great pride.
Seeing as how soccer (football) is the most popular sport in the world, it is with great pride that Spaniards can claim to have two of the most incredible strikers in the sport’s history. I am talking about Fernando Torres and David Villa. This “dynamic duo” seems to be unstoppable at the moment, as they trample teams in order to be qualified for the FIFA world cup in 2010.
Taking them apart, each player is unique and extremely dangerous on the field.
David Villa, a 27 year-old from Tuilla, Spain, is more than qualified to be named of the best players in the world. He currently plays for Valencia CF, and the Spanish national team, where he exceeds in both these teams. Having made his way up to professional caliber in Spain, he is now said top be the second top scorer of all time for Spain. Right now, this soccer superstar is in the midst of being sold by Valencia, to several possible and very interested buyers. He could end up playing for either Real Madrid (said to be his more likely choice), Manchester United, or the champion team of FC Barcelona. Although he might prefer Real Madrid, United is offering a whopping 45million pounds for the young player. Sir Alex Ferguson from Manchester United, is really hoping that will be enough to persuade Villa to play for their English team, yet it appears that Villa is more focused on his performance with the Spanish national team at the moment. Which is more important since the world cup is quickly approaching.
Fernando Torres on the other hand, who is from Madrid, already plays for an English team, Liverpool. He was taken by the team in 2007 for 20 million pounds. Since then he has scored 17 goals with them, adding more to his high number of total career goals. His story is similar to Villa’s as he began his professional career playing in Spain’s segunda division with Atlético Madrid and moved his way up rather quickly. Since then he has received all kinds of awards. Currently, the 25 year-old has just finished up, as the article put it, “destroying New Zealand” with a 5-0 victory. Three of the goals on the 14th were from Torres, from which one of them was a hat-trick. The New Zealanders just did not have the adequate defense for 2 of the most skilled strikers on the planet. Villa also scored a goal in the game.
It is their international performances that fill their countrymen with pride. It is moving to see how they both play with such passion and strength which seems to sprout out especially when they wear their Spanish jerseys. They seem like two unstoppable forces, or two raging bulls as they penetrate other countries’ defensive strategies over and over. If they continue the way the are playing, Spain will definitely be near if not in the finals in the 2010 FIFA world cup.
Whether it is metro, bus or taxi, Barcelona has great transportation making it unnecesary to rent a car, unless you are lucky at finding parking spots. The Metro is a popular way of transportation, since it is a fast and productive way to get to the other side of the city.
This electrified railway the runs underground has a total of 11 different lines and 209 stations. The metro stops are well marked with maps, in case you are unsure where you are heading. The metro ticket is reasonably priced, and if you are going to use the metro more than 3 times, the T-10 card gives you the most for your money. Compared to other metropolitian cities, Barcelona has a clean and puncutal metro system, usually waiting no longer than 3 minutes for the arrival of a train. Most of the trains have air conditioning which makes it somewhat pleasant during the hot summers. The metro runs Sunday-Thursday from 5am-12 am, Friday from 5am-2am, and is open 24 hours on Saturday. The T-10 (10 trips) card, can also be used on the buses around Barcelona. The bus is a convenient way to travel around the city. Though it is slower than the metro (depending on traffic), the bus is a great alternative to see and learn your way around the city. There are many interesting buildings, that one would not notice without wondering around or taking a bus. There are night buses that run all hours of the day and night, that leave from Plaza Catalunya. If you are traveling on a budget, taking the night bus is cheaper than taking a taxi. The official taxis in Barcelona are yellow and black, and have a green illuminated light on the roof, that indicates if it is available. If traveling within the city center, taxis are not the best alternative. However, if you are leaving/going to the city center or another area of Barcelona, taxis are reasonaly priced. Taxis are avaialable at all hours of the day, and are easy to notice, because of the green light on top. The taxis in Barcelona are calculated by distance, rather than by person. There is a minimum of 2 euros, when you get into the taxi and an additional 1.10 euro/Km, and a tip is not necessary. All taxis accept cash, and a few will accept credit card, but there will be a sign indicating if they do or not. If you are unsure, ask before you get in. Most of Barcelona’s attractions are within walking distance of the city center. So if you do not feel like spending money on a metro/bus ticket or a taxi, walking is a great way to the city. When it comes to transportation in Barcelona, there are many afforable and easy options to getting around the city. For more information on the metro and bus system, visit their website at http://www.tmb.cat/ca_ES/home.jsp, and information on taxis visit http://www.taxibarcelona.cat/.
The festivals that Barcelona organizes for its citizens and visitors are the most complete and varied in Europe. Theater, dance, music, cinema and films are some of the themes that are enjoyed by everyone in the city thanks to these artistic venues that have an ever-growing following and an increased importance in the international scene. They form part of the city’s cultural calendar and are a reference point for understanding how artistically important Barcelona is in Spain, as well as the rest of the world.
Ordened by date January February March April May June July August September October November December
Ordened by Event Carnival Christmas in Spain Corpus Cristi Gràcia GREC Eastern Exhibitions Formula 1 Mercè National Holidays in Spain Primavera Sound SONAR Festival Sant Jordi Terrassa Jazz Festival
Terrassa Jazz Festival
The annual traditional jazz festival comes again to Terrassa… Around the end of March every year, incredible jazz can be heard long into the night in Terrassa. More than 250 artists perform at the more than 40 concerts (12 of them are free) that take place during this incredible event on the different stages in the city of Terrassa.
Saint Jordi 23.04.
The 23rd of April is a day in Barcelona that is celebrated by book enthusiasts. The 23rd is the St. Jordi’s day, the patron saint of Catalunya and also the day on which both Cervantes and Shakespeare died. Back in the distant 20th Century the Catalans hijacked the Spanish Day of the Book – held in February – moved the celebration to St. Jordi’s Day. They also added a spring, and therefore a lover’s touch by including the exchanging of books and roses, with an added fertility symbol of a sprig or two of green wheat.
Formula 1 Car Race
The F1 Spanish Grand Prix is hosted in May at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo. Located 20 km north of the city, the Circuit of Catalunya is one of the most familiar circuits on the Grand Prix calendar as is it used a great deal by the Formula One racing teams for testing, both before and during the season. That familiarity, however, does not make the track any less of a challenge. The Barcelona circuit, constructed as part of the city’s Olympic development program, held its first Grand Prix in 1991 and was hailed an immediate success. The track features a long straight and numerous high-speed corners, as well as a rolling surface, which can make finding the optimum set-up tricky.
Sonar Festival
Every Year
The Sonar Festival is a major festival of music and electronic culture that takes place every summer in Barcelona. Sonar has separated its activities into two venues: the CCCB, during the day and the pavilion in Mar Bella during the evening. The purpose of planning innovating, instructive, pleasurable and effective program has been to combine more risk-taking activities with others that are surefire and attractive. Neither can the BAM (Barcelona Musical Action) be left out. This is a festival that is celebrated within the program of events at the Fiestas of the Mercè. BAM avoids convention and commercialism though remains in important artistic circles.
GREC Festival
June / July
The Barcelona Summer Festival, popularly known as the Grec Festival, is the most important cultural event in the city during the summer months. For several weeks, from around St. John’s Day, end of June – mid July, theater, dance and music take over the entire city, making it a showcase for all the latest developments in the contemporary performing arts. But, why Grec? And why is the festival’s symbol a faun? Grec has been the trademark of the festival since in 1976, when, during the period of transition towards democracy, a group of actors, directors, writers and technicians, opponents of the Franco structures still in place, took the Greek amphitheater on Montjuïc as the scene of an enthusiastic, independently-run initiative aimed at making their artistic dreams a reality. This concept led to the creation of a theater festival made up of four large productions and a succession of smaller shows that acted as a catalyst for the growing energy in the theater and performance scene. The success of the festival encouraged the members of the group to continue each year until 1979, newly installed democratic government authorities took over the event that is now considered to be one of the most deeply-rooted traditions of summer in Barcelona.
Festes de Gràcia
Mid August
When we talk about Festa Major we are referring to an the annual festival where you can find a wide range of different activities and events to look at or join. The neighborhood of Gràcia holds its Festa Major for a week in mid August. It’s a popular celebration with over 600 outdoors events, all of them free. Over 2.000.000 people come to visit the Festa Major during those days. It you’re in Barcelona at this time, you have to check it out! Gràcia’s Festa Major’s most distinctive trait is the decoration of the streets. Every neighborhood has a committee that constructs floats and decorations throughout the year. They choice a main theme and use materials such as wood, cardboard or plastic that end up as masterpieces. If you take a stroll through Gràcia in mid August, you’ll see and feel the rush to finish working on their decorations. Everything has to be ready by 8 am on the first full day of the festival. We highly recommend that you check out the decorated streets you to do it as soon as possible because the decorations are damaged about each day. There are events and activities everyday on each of the 22 streets. There are special activities for children (games, face painting and snacks). Night time is for popular dinners and dancing. You can dance with orchestras, or enjoy jazz concerts and many other activities in any of the decorated streets. The activities last until 2:30 in the morning from Monday to Friday and until 3:30 in the morning on Saturday. The most crowded concert will be on august near the end of the week on Bailen street.
Giants, Castles and Devils
The Festa Major is the right place to be introduced into Catalan Folklore. On august 15th there is a big popular culture Parade where you can get a glimpse of most of the Catalan Folklore representations.
Castellers (human towers)
If you have never seen the astonishing castellers, there is a chance to see them during the Festa Major. In Gràcia there is a colla, group of people building human towers wearing deep blue shirts. There are preformances of two of the best groups in the country; the Castellers de Vilafranca and the Colla Jove dels Xiquets de Valls. Please, keep your glasses off, you may be invited to lend hand and join in the fun!
The Correfocs
Night and Fire. Two Mediterranean elements, are used to close the Festa Major. Devils’ Groups from Gràcia are running on an astonishing circuit along Gran de Gràcia Street while fire-spitting. You’ll have a great time. If you decide to be part of it and join the correfoc, it’s very important that you wear trousers, light shoes, cotton old-sleeved-clothes, a cap or a hat and a kerchief, to cover your face. When the Correfoc is over it’s time for Fireworks.
Mercè Festival
24th of September
The capital of Catalonia has historically enjoyed the festive parades and traditional shows that have filled its streets with comedies and symbolic staging presentations since the Middle Ages. Each year, Barcelona celebrates these traditions and invents some new ones, such as the Correfoc, a trail of devils and beasts surrounded in sparks which, not content with parading, chase the passers-by. In turn the city, the reference point of Mediterranean cultures, uses its local festival each year to investigate the common traditions of the peoples who live beside this great sea.
Things to see: The historical beasts of Barcelona, headed by the majestic giants of the city, parade to la Plaça de Sant Jaume to start the festival with their dancing. The city’s groups of devils and fire beasts prepare to chase passers-by in a procession where all kinds of care must be taken as there is fire around. As the start to the traditional dances held in the city during La Mercè (Mercèdance), all the groups invited to the festival participate in a joint parade to show the bonds that tie the cultures of this great sea. The 24th is the day of the patron saint of Barcelona, the Virgin of La Mercè. On this day, the different popular groups go out into the street to celebrate. We particularly recommend the performance of the castellers (typical Catalan human constructions) from 12.30 p.m. in la plaza de Sant Jaume. As a festive close to La Mercè, giants, large headed figures, dragons and figures of all kinds come out in procession in a true moving show of the traditional culture of the city.
FICEB
5th – 9th October
This years ‘Barcelona International Erotic Film Festival’ promises to the best yet. Its the 13th installment of this world renowned event and its taking place at La Fraga de l’Hospitalet from the 5th to the 9th October. In FICBE you’ll be able to find the latest national and international news in X Cinema, on all the stages you will find the worlds best Adult Film Stars, Club Bizarre hosts the Festival Area, there will be a Fashion section with lots of sexy Lingerie, a wide commercial section with all kinds of sexual products: toys, movies, magazines etc and a spacial Gay Area, with products on exhibition, a bar and live gay shows. The goals of this festival are: “to normalize the sex industry, to be a meeting for professionals, to promote adult films, to normalize the consumption of sex products, to be a launching platform for actress and actors, to be a media window for the sex industry, to be a forum to think about the current situation and an instrument to present sex industry novelties” As you can see this festival is NOT for the faint hearted or prudish, it will most certainly be an experience you’ll never forget if nothing else.
La Sagrada Familia, a church that holds a precious and unique spot in the city of Barcelona, is a must see for visitors to the city. The project was originally started by Francisco de Paula de Villary y Lozano. The reason why he is not usually accredited with the monument’s success, is because it was entrusted about a year after its inception in 1882, to the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí changed most of the plans to a more unique and extravagant Gothic style that has not been seen before. It is because of how elaborate his plans are, that the church is still under construction today.
To talk a little about the temple. There is a lot of Christian symbolism throughout its architecture, and this is clearly seen as you walk around and within the church. You can see the story of Christianity and the life of Jesus through all the statues and structures that compose its gothic appearance. There are even unique structures, such as the numeric square that is next to the statues of Adam and Eve, that no matter how you sum up all the numbers on it, it always adds up to thirty-three. That was the age of Christ when he was crucified. We can also talk about why it’s called the sacred family. This is because the towers of the church are supposed to represent those members. 12 shorter towers symbolize the apostles, 4 middle towers representing the four Evangelists, the next taller one is for the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower with the cross will be for Christ.
Another thing one can talk about are the façades. There are three main façades: The Nativity one to the East, the Glory façade to the south, and the Passion facade to the west. My favorite one is the one to the east, because it seems to be older, and much more detailed than the others. To further depict the symbolism of the church, one can see how the church plan is that of a Latin cross with five aisles. Also in the interior, the many different geometric forms highlight Gaudí’s unique style even more. Even though some people will try to classify his masterpiece with a little bit of Cubism, and Art Nouveau, but many will agree that it is too unique to label.
After having come here to Barcelona since I was a young kid, we always spent much time right outside of the church. To me, it is what I remember the most when I think of Barcelona, and in many ways I feel like it is as unique as the city. Its shaded colors, and different style have imprinted this image of the city in my mind which will last for a long time. I hope you visit this church, and can find it to be more than just a great tourist attraction as well. For without this monument, Barcelona would definitely not be the same.
Yesterday, before dinner time, my friend and I decided to take a random walk around the city of Barcelona. With Ipod in hand, we set out for our spontaneous quest.
After a moment of pondering, we decided to walk from the metro stop Maria Christina, on the northwest part of the city, straight down to La Sagrada Familia. Too ambitious? Maybe, but it was well worth it. We discovered the grand Avenida Diagonal. It is one of the nicest walks I have ever taken in a European city. When I stopped to ask directions a couple of times, they would ask us why we were walking when there are many ways to get to the church. We just smiled and continued with our stroll. With such a wide, and interesting avenue as Diagonal, it was very easy to lose ourselves in the city.
The mix of modern business buildings among dispersed churches that date back in history, made it a complete pleasure to get to know the place on a more personal level. At first our walk was meant to be purely leisurely, but once we began, we realized that we would not have enough time to complete it, and meet up with some friends later that day, if we continued at the pace we had begun. So we decided to pick up the pace so that we could soak up as much as we could of the grandiose street, and get to our determined spot. With several sights to see along the way such as Gaudí’s Casa Mila, and Plaça de Francesc Maciá, our camera was put to use on several occasions. Also, in case our hunger would have outweighed our desire to continue, there were numerous restaurants along the way.
The combination of both Barcelona´s street sounds and the music from our ipod allowed us to live one of the funnest experiences I have had during my stay. I highly recommend this walk, and I challenge you to time yourselves if you dare, because we made it to La Sagrada Familia in about three quarters of an hour. Go explore the city.
If you are the type of person that is constantly in the hunt for a typical local dish, that will satisfy both the hunger with it’s amount and hopefully delicious flavor, then when in Spain, you should be seeking paella. It is well-known that Valencia may be the place of all places to try the incredible dish; yet, Barcelona can offer a great share of the less-original, but outstanding taste as well.
For those who don’t know. Paella will mostly consist of rice with other ingridients such as seafood (shrimp, clams, squid, etc), meat (chicken, sausage, etc), and/or vegetables. There are three types of paella that are more common: Paella Valenciana, Paella de Mariscos (seafood paella), and Paella Mixta (mixed paella). Although it did originate in Valencia, I believe paella has made it a long way, and can be found in many different parts of the world. I was in Paris a couple of months ago, and I had a delicious paella meal at a Spanish restaurant near the plaza St. Michel. So although it is not really a national dish, it speaks of the way in which the Spaniards have a lot to offer in the culinary world.
Now down to business. The five most popular local paella places in Barcelona are: Lombardo in the Rambla Catalunya, Pitarra in the barrio gotic, Can Majo, and Can Ros in the barceloneta, and Sete Portes in Passeig Isabel. I don’t know about you, but with this kind of information, my excitement just goes nuts. Luckily these places are near some of the nicest sight-seeing places in the city of Barcelona. So, the chance to complete a fun day there, with paella included in the plan just sounds truly perfect to me. I am determined to not only find all five of these places, but also to determine which one is the best. So happy hunting, and I might see you there.
