2577408306 26c4cccbcc Have a Memorable Holiday One of the beauties of Europe, is that you may be walking around and “bam” you have a historical monument in the middle of a city. Well, imagine waking up each morning to an Arc of Triumph. Barcelona offers that possibility with many of history’s wonders. trans Have a Memorable Holiday Especially with companies such as Barcelona-Home, and some others, you can easily stay within a small distance from cites that are well-known around the world! Sometimes, you can even stay right next to them. And with transportation always beeing an important element with such monuments, it is safe to say, that a flat under these conditions, is everything a traveler may need to have a memorable stay.
So if you are looking to make a holiday in Barcelona even more special, you should really consider looking for a shared flat, hotel, or complete flat, near one of the city´s treasures. It is not everyday that one can walk up to such a place, and stay in an affordable location at the same time. Another important point is that there is always good restaurants around these locations, and for people who are hungry for more than just what our eyes may see, this is crucial as well. I onced stayed in an apartment next to the Sagrada Familia, and I can say that when I think of Barcelona, I think of Gaudi´s impressive structure as a vivid part of my memory. Each time I remember, I can smell the church´s mystical scent, and clearly see it´s dark gothic colors. I believe that because of this, Barcelona will always have a special place inside of me.

Tags: flat, monument, walk, y barcelona

Fira de Barcelona

Barcelona’s trade fair

The Fira de Barcelona plays a strategic role in the Catalan and Spanish economies as a platform for the economic promotion and international projection of companies. With a portfolio of 80 exhibitions, Fira de Barcelona brings together 40,500 direct and indirect exhibitors and welcomes 3.5 million visitors. Fifteen of its exhibitions are European benchmarks, being among the top three in their respective sectors.

Barcelona’s La Fira is the undisputed leader in industrial and trade shows, contributing some 2,200 million euros to the economy and creating 41,000 jobs. With its commitment to innovation, quality, added-value products, knowledge, design and scientific and technological research, the Strategic Plan for 2006 – 2015 is strongly supporting international exhibitions and events, strengthening Barcelona’s position as the most outstanding platform in southern Europe for major sector meetings. Other objectives include introducing new lines of business and offering outstanding levels of service to exhibitors and visitors.

Fira de Barcelona propose itself as a very complete business center, offering to exhibitors a wide range of high quality services: catering, hotel and accommodation booking assistance, online accreditation system, merchandising movements and location support, telephony, Wi-Fi, electricity, water and compressed air connections. Recently, the enlargement of the Gran Via venue has led to a significant increase in the amount of exhibition space at the Fira de Barcelona. There is currently a total area of 365,000 m² , making it the second biggest exhibition center in Europe.
It is obviously very well connected by several transport systems:

By road

Motorways and roads: access to the Montjuïc exhibition site:

Girona – Barcelona AP-7, C-33, Ronda Litoral exit “Paral·lel”

Mataró – Barcelona C-32, Ronda Litoral exit “Paral·lel”

Manresa – Barcelona C-58, Ronda Litoral exit “Paral·lel”

Aeroport del Prat – Barcelona C-31, Gran Via – Plaça Espanya

Tarragona – Barcelona AP-7, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit 15 “Pg Zona Franca – Fira”

Igualada – Barcelona A-2, Ronda Litoral exit 15 “Pg Zona Franca – Fira”

Lleida – Barcelona AP-2, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit 15 “Pg Zona Franca – Fira M1″

Motorways and roads: access to the Gran Via exhibition site:

Girona – Barcelona AP-7, C-33, Ronda Litoral exit 17 “Gran Via M2″

Mataró – Barcelona C-32, Ronda Litoral exit 17 “Gran Via M2″

Manresa – Barcelona C-58, Ronda Litoral exit 17 “Gran Via M2″

Aeroport del Prat – Barcelona C-31, Gran Via

Tarragona – Barcelona AP-7, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit “Barcelona Fires – Gran Via”

Igualada – Barcelona A-2, Ronda Litoral exit “Barcelona Fires – Gran Via”

Lleida – Barcelona AP-2, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit “Barcelona Fires – Gran Via”

Metro

Both lines has exits at Montjuïc venue.
Line 1 – station “Espanya”
Line 3 – station “Espanya”

Bus

All of these bus lines allow access to the Montjuïc venue from any part of the city of Barcelona.
9 – 13 – 27 – 30- 37- 50 – 56 – 57 – 65 – 79 – 91 – 109 – 153 – 157

FGC

The nearest stop to the Gran Via exhibition site is the station “Europa/Fira”. This is directly linked to Montjuïc. All routes that leave or enter the “Plaça Espanya” FGC station stop at “Europa/Fira”.

Renfe

“Sants Estació” is the nearest Renfe station. It’s the main centre of a comprehensive rail network that connects the entire coast and some inland areas to the Montjuïc facilities. The station is linked to the Montjuïc exhibition site by:
Bus number 30 and 109 which have stops in Plaça Espanya
Underground line 1 (red) and 3 (green), “Espanya” station
A 15 minute walk (down Tarragona street)

For children

Barcelona Zoo

Address: Parc de la Ciutadella
Opening hours: from 10:00am until 5:00pm (winter) and 10am to 7.30pm (summer).
Phone: +34 932256780
Metro/Bus: Barceloneta (L4) or Marina and Arc de Triomf (L1)

Map

Website: http://www.zoobarcelona.com

The Barcelona Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and is considered one of the best zoos in Spain. It is centrally located in Barcelona´s city park - Parc de la Ciutadella.

The Barcelona Zoo is a great day out for the whole family. There is a wide variety of animals on show at the zoo and there is an infant zoo in which children can be introduced to the animals. The zoo has a picnic area and restaurant, as well as a mini train and electric cars (for hire) to transport you around the zoo.

The Barcelona Zoo has some amazing and unique wildlife on display including Snowflake, who is the only albino gorilla held in captivity in the world. A rare site!

Another interesting display at the zoo is the reptile display, which includes iguanas and chameleons. The zoos dolphins are also very popular and often perform in front of audiences in the indoor aquarium. Audience interaction is encouraged during the displays. If you are close to the action you will get wet!!

The zoo has state of the art facilities and habitats for its animals. Creating natural and comfortable environments in which the animals are happy.

Barcelona Aquarium

Address: Moll d’Espanya (Port Vell),
Opening hours: from 9.30am – 9:00pm (Monday to Friday), 9:30am – 9:30pm (Weekends and public holidays), 9:30am – 9:30pm (June and September) , and 9:30 – 11.00pm (July and August)
Phone: +34 932217474
Metro/Bus: Buses: 14, 17, 19, 36, 38, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 91, 157. / Metro: L3 Drassanes, L4 Barceloneta.

Map

Website: http://www.aquariumbcn.com/AQUARIUM/index.php

The Barcelona Aquarium was opened in 1995 and is home to state of the art aqua environments. The aquarium houses over 11,000 animals, consisting of 450 different species, in 35 tanks. The aquarium has Europe´s only oceanarium, which can be viewed from below along an 80 metre tunnel. The oceanarium holds 6 million litres of water and thousands of sea creatures, big and small.

With its state of the art equipment and habitats, and the oceanarium, the Barcelona Aquarium is one of the most important of its kind in Europe.

With many interesting displays and the unique opportunity to dive with sharks (this costs extra) Barcelona´s Aquarium is a great place to take the kids.

The Magic Fountain

Address: Pl Carles Buïgas
Opening hours : Winter: (October to April): 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays only) / Summer: (May to September) 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM (Thursday – Sunday only).

Metro/Bus: Metro: Placa Espanya L2 and L3

Map

Barcelona´s Magic Fountain first opened in 1929. The beautiful and huge fountain is located at the picturesque Montjuic and is a special night out for the family. This magical display of light, water and music is a must see in Barcelona.

Looking up to the fountain from street level you are faced with the beautiful back of Barcelona’s Montjuic and the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d´Art de Catalunya). An awesome site. Looking down to the fountain from the National Art Museum of Catalonia you have a view over most of the city. A spectacular setting to witness the water and light shoot out of the fountain in a coordinated sequence co-insiding with the different music being played.

The perfect time to watch the show is at sunset as the sun disappears behind the mountain.

Entrance to the fountian is free and the kids absolutely love it.

Tibidabo

Address: Tibidabo
Opening hours: Check website as opening hours vary: www.tibidabo.es/eng/horari.asp
Phone: +34 932117942
Metro/Bus: FCG L7 (until av Tibidabo stop), Tramvia Blau, the Tibidabo Funicular or the T2 Tibibus from Placa Catalunya.

Map

Website: (not in English) http://www.tibidabo.es

Mount Tibidabo is one of the highest mountains surrounding Barcelona and its summit is one of Barcelona´s most popular tourist attractions.

At the top of Tibidabo is the beautiful Catholic church – Temple de Sagrat Cor – which took 60 years to construct. The church is a spectacular sight and with its statue of Christ looking over Barcelona it can be seen from most parts of the city.

Tibidabo is also home to Barcelona´s oldest amusement park, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century and which has many of its original rides still operating. The kids will love riding on the 30 or so different types of rides, many of which also offer, mid ride, what is considered the best view over Barcelona.

It is a memorable day at Tibidabo.

Poble Espanyol

Address: Av del Marquès de Comillas.
Opening hours: 9:00am – 8:00pm (Mondays), 9:00am - 2:00pm (Tuesday – Thursday), 9:00am – 4:00am (Fridays), 9:00am – 5:00am (Saturdays), and 9:00am – midnight (Sundays).
Phone: 93 325 78 66
Metro/Bus: Montjuic, Metro: Placa Espanya L1 and L3.

Map

Website: http://www.poble-espanyol.com

Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) is located on Barcelona’ Montjuic and is basically a little village displaying the different traditions and architectures from the different regions of Spain.

There are arts and crafts shops full of traditonal Spanish works, as well as many bars, cafe´s, restaurants and even nightclubs at Poble Espanyol.

You can take the kids and participate in arts and crafts workshops, parades, shows and many other activities offered at Poble Espanyol.

Universal Mediterranea (Port Aventura)

Address : Avenida Pere Molas
Phone: 0800 96 65 40
Metro/Bus: Port Aventura train station

Map

Website: http://www.portaventura.es

Universal Mediterranea, or Port aventura, is a Universal Studio´s theme park located just south of Barcelona and is made up of a number of different attractions, most notably Port Aventura theme park and the Costa Caribe water park. Different areas of the parks are themed differently.

Universal Mediterranea is well suited to families with rides and attractions to suit all ages. There are children´s rides, shows and services at Port Aventura theme park and at the Costa Caribe water park. On top of this, many of the kids favourite cartoon characters, such as Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, the Pink Panther, and more, are hosts of the parks ensuring a great day out for the kids.

Casino

423912691 bd86259a19 Casino The Casino Barcelona is set in one of the finest spots in the city, the Port Olímpic in Barcelona, beneath the luxury of the Hotel Arts and the golden lights of the Fish, designed by architect Frank Owen Gehry. Even if you are not one for gambling, you may enjoy visiting the Casino Barcelona, especially at night time when you can see it’s lights glistening along the Mediterranean sea.

Inside the Casino Barcelona you will find restaurants ranging from top quality international food including: Haute cuisine, Italian cooking, buffet style restaurant, Japanese cuisine, local specialties and typical dishes, set dishes and snacks, served until the casino closes. Clients also can also enjoy from live performances at the Baccara dance floor & discotheque and a nice array of gaming bars.

It houses international tournaments and World Poker Championships: The Barcelona Poker Open, which in fact is one of the high points of the European circuit and the World Heads Up Poker Championship, where the best poker players in the whole world take each other on.

The Casino Barcelona has a wide ion of slot machines and gaming tables to suit all tastes. It is open every day of the year and entry fee costs 4,50 Euro. Please check their website for admissions policies and dress code. Identification is needed for proof of age, photos are not allowed and coat service is mandatory.

Just outside Barcelona you’ll find another Casino, situated in a fantastic location. Situated inside the Castle of Perelada in the very north-east of Catalunya, a must visit if you make a trip to this enchanting region.

MotoGP

Catalunya’s Circuit track, near Barcelona, is one of the most modern in Europe and home to the awesome Moto GP championships. Some of the world’s most important racing events are held here, including both car and motorcycle championships. We have all heard the whizzing of motorbikes on the street but to experience an actual Superbike race is something else.

If you love speed and bikes visit our exclusive Barcelona affiliate page to find schedules, ticket information, and more.

» Moto GP Tickets

Hockey

Hockey in Barcelona has gained vast popularity in the recent decades, especially with their club FCB Hockey. The team plays in the OK roller hockey league and in terms of trophies FCB is the most successful team in Europe having won seventeen European Cups. The Palau Blaugrana is the sports venue, located in Avinguda Arístides Maillol, in the district of Les Corts in Barcelona, on the same site as the Camp Nou football stadium. Come watch the current European Champion!

The building annexed to the Palau Blaugrana houses the club offices and ice rink. The facility is also next door to the FC Botiga Megastore and Miniestadi. Check out the following Barcelona affiliate for discounted entrance tickets and game schedules. Don’t forget to ask about the FC Barcelona sports tour!

» Hockey Tickets

Formula 1

The Spanish Grand Prix (Gran Premio de España) is a Formula One race, currently held at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Barcelona, and is part of the annual Formula One championship season. The Circuit de Catalunya is one of the most modern tracks and is prepared to hold the most important motor racing competitions.

The Circuit has seventeen grandstands, three of which are under cover, and offers plenty of services for an unforgettable experience. With 25 giant screens viewable from the pelouse, you most certainly will not miss any track action from the Circuit. Formula One tickets are available 365 days a year through our exclusive Barcelona affiliate.

» F1 Tickets

Football

57943643 271d6dd443 Football Whatever sport you prefer, it is impossible to deny the excitement you feel when you go to a live game (or even watch it from a bar or a friend’s house), especially in Barcelona. Football, or soccer for you Americans, is the world’s favorite sport and it is easy to see why. Football is a part of Spanish culture and especially here in Barcelona, since we have the local club FC Barcelona as one of the top clubs in the world.

The impressive Camp Nou is the home of FC Barcelona and is the biggest football stadium in Europe. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of attending a Barcelona football match with 98,000 other passionate Barça supporters! Check out our events page for tickets, information and game dates. Also, take advantage of special packages on game days for a visit to the FC Museum, one of the most visited museums in Barcelona.

» Barcelona FC’s Tickets

» Champions league’s tickets

Basketball

2239687100 430b0e9ce4 Basketball Known for sponsorship reasons as AXA FC Barcelona, Barcelona’s basketball team is one the most successful teams in the National League. They have won seven of the last thirteen National League titles and are the top team in the famous Liga ACB having won most of the Championships in the league’s history.

The basketball club is part of the “FC Barcelona” family and was founded on August 24, 1926. The team plays in the Palau Blaugrana, a 8,250 person capacity arena, located between Mini Estadi and the Camp Nou in Barcelona. Just as the Barcelona Football Club, AXA FC Barcelona has been a symbol of Catalan Nationalism expressed during the dictatorship period, always opposing to Real Madrid and other Spanish teams.

In the 1980′s the team began one of its best periods in history thanks to some extraordinary players such as Juan Antonio San Epifano “Epi” Nacho Solozábal and Chicho Sibilio amongst others. Today, AXA FC Barcelona is fighting for the best position in Europe, warmed by the huge fan base and their passionate commitment for the sport.

Visit our exlusive Barcelona affiliate for discounted prices on tickets!

» ACB League Tickets

Flamenco

2884073867 44f40c2575 Flamenco If you have been in Spain for longer than a day, most likely you have heard something about Flamenco (though it’s not quite as popular in Barcelona as it is throughout other cities in Spain). It’s difficult to describe Flamenco in just one word. Flamenco is a Spanish musical genre with strong, rhythmic undertones and is often accompanied with a similarly impassioned style of dance characterized by its powerful yet graceful execution, as well as its intricate hand and footwork.

Flamenco embodies a complex musical and cultural tradition. Although considered part of the culture of Spain in general, flamenco actually originates from one region: Andalusia. Flamenco’s origins can be traced to gypsies who came to the south of Spain (Andalucia) around 1400 AD. The art stands for temperamental and expressive emotions together with power. The roots of Flamenco can be traced back to a mixture of Jewish, African, Moorish, Caribbean and South American influences.

The style of Flamenco is distinctly different from other dance and music styles, characterized by it’s power, expressiveness and passion. For many Spaniards, Flamenco is not just music, it’s a way of life. Duende, literally translated to mean breathtaking, is a word used to describe the sensation that arises during a Flamenco performance. This exceptional moment occurs when the singer, dancers and/or guitarist are totally absorbed in the music and the audience is holding their breath, completely focused on the performers who possess the duende.

One thing that you must be certain to check off your “To Do List” in Barcelona is experience the music and dance scene. Barcelona is a city that thrives on music, art, and dance catering to every musical preference. Are you interested in learning how to take people’s breath away while they watch you dance? Or are you content to experience this incredible sensation and style of performance yourself? Flamenco concerts are given frequently in Barcelona and schools are available to learn this expressive and historical Spanish dance.

» Flamenco Show and Andalusian Dinner

Jazz Music

4011546039 63d4b9d0b7 Jazz Music As a multicultural city, Barcelona has a rich music scene, with influences from all over the world. Musicians from all continents have gathered in the city, offering some magic music.

One sunday a month, the Jazz Orchestra of Barcelona , “Orquesta de Jazz” plays at the concert house Apolo, lightening up the city for a while with their Swing. The orchestra was founded 10 years ago and is directed by the trombonist Dani Alonso, who has inspired music teachers, and young promising persons, to be a part of the world of jazz.
In Barcelona’s old town, Jamboree is another good place dedicated to Jazz, offering a high level on their daily programme. Jamboree is one of the legandary clubs of Jazz in Spain. During the 70´s, great jazz musicians like Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald and Lionel Hampton were holding concerts at this historical place.
The traditional yearly held festival in Terrassa is another wonderful event. Every yearin late march, you will be able to hear jazz during the night in Terrassa. More than 250 artists are participating in more than 40 concerts (12 of them are free), held in different places in Terrassa.
* Also have a look at other restaurants and bars that have jazz events every week in the evening or night.

»Live concerts and tickets to festivals

Classic Music

3592590300 d28fd0c394 Classic Music Music is a major part of the cultural activity of Barcelona. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the range of classical music on offer in Barcelona thanks to the opening of new facilities such as the L’Auditori (home to the Orquesta Simfònica de Barcelona), the Conservatori, the Museu de la Música, the Liceu (which since reopening has diversified its programme to include concerts and recitals), the Sala Winterthur, and the Auditori of the Caixa de Catalunya in the Pedrera or the Auditori of the Centre Cultural of the Fundación La Caixa, among others. Alongside these, Barcelona has other concert venues with an even longer history, such as the el Palau de la Música, with a new extension currently in construction.

In relation to the facilities detailed above, it is worth mentioning the high level of involvement in the special auditions for school pupils. Each year, more than 70,000 children and young people take part in these sessions, organized with the aim of enhancing young people’s appreciation of music.

Music in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that thrives on music, art, and dance catering to every musical preference. From jazz to hip hop, flamenco to world-famous DJs, Barcelona’s music and dance scenes have something for everyone. The Palau de la Musica Catalana is one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks where you can catch concerts from Sarah McLachlan to the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. Barcelona has many other venues for classical and contemporary shows alike, as well as excellent dance performances.

In the field of symphonic and concert music, Catalonia has been the birthplace of composers and performers of international standing such as Enric Granados and Isaac Albéniz, the avant-garde composer Robert Gerhard, or the great cellist Pau Casals. A number of interesting concert cycles featuring leading musicians and ensembles are held in Barcelona´s magnificent Modernist-style concert hall, the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Another area of increasing interest is up-and-coming music, which the city actively promotes through the Urban Musics programme, Músiques urbanes de Barcelona.

In the private sector, Barcelona has a host of venues staging live music, among which are clubs specializing in jazz and other related initiatives. The city is also an important point on the tour circuits of international pop and rock stars, and Barcelona was set to host the MTV Europe Awards in November 2002.
All of the richness of this musical diversity is symbolized each year in the Festa de la Música, which takes music out onto the streets of Barcelona in a whole range of different settings, with the involvement of an ever-increasing number of professional and amateur musicians, visitors to the city, and the people of Barcelona themselves.

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Festival Calendar

Events Calendar

1st of January	New Year’s Day
6th of January	Epiphany
1st of May	Labour Day
15th of August	Asunction
11th of September	Catalonian National Day
24th of September	Sta. Mercè
12th of October	Fiesta de la Hispanidad
1st of November	All Saints
6th of December	Constitution Day
25th of December	Chrismas Day
26 Diciembre	St Stephen’s Day

Monthly

January
Piel España
Expohogar Regalo/Primavera
Antiquaris Barcelona

February
Moda Barcelona Pasarela Gaudí
Moda Barcelona Bcn Fashion Week
Cosmobelleza
Planetfútbol
BNF Barcelona Negocios y Franquisias
Carnaval

March
Alimentaria
Festival de Sant Medir (entire month)
Saló de l’ensenyament i la formacion contínua
Expodidactica
Barcelona Marathon

April
Turisme
Global Look
F1 Grand Prix

May
Motorpro
IGC Internet Global Congress
Primavera Sound Fest

June
Festival de la mascota
Catalonian Moto GP
Home textile mediterraneo
Moda Barcelona Pasarela Gaudi Novias
Moda Barcelona Novia España
Sonar

July
Tall Ships Races
Summercase
Norma
Festival Cruilla de Culturas

September
Moda Barcelona Bcn Fashion Week
Expohogar Regalo/Otoño
Congreso Pain World
Barcelona Meeting Point
Liber

October
Saló de Brocanters i almonedas
Caravaning
Barcelona Jazz Festival (through December)
Maquitec
Hostelco

November
Salon de hobby “Ciudad de Barcelona”
Sitem
Global Look
Salón Náutico Internacional
Ocasión
Begs
Expominer
Nivalia
Bodas & Bodas
Expoaviga
EIBTM

December
Barcelona Tuning Show
Auto-Retro
Bcn Futur
Festival de L’Infancia

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Summercase Festival

Summercase is a two-day music festival held simultaneously in Barcelona and Madrid, usually in the middle of summer. The line up mainly consists of indie rock, electronic music and indie pop. Hence, the festival tries to blend indie pop, rock music and dance music into one. Summercase has built music prestige and gained much of its astonishingly quick popularity with big music names such as:

Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Fat Boy Slim, Primal Scream, Massive Attack, New Order, Mika, DJ Shadow and many other awesome artists and bands.

The first edition of the festival was organized in July 2006, with an audience of 60,000 + crazed music fans in Barcelona. But in the second edition celebrated on July 2007, the festival attracted over 109,000 fans from all over the world. In only one year, the festival has become one of the most important music festivals in all of Europe!

How to arrive
Parc del Fòrum, Rambla Prim 2-4. 08019

By train:
Rodalies R.E.N.F.E. from Aeroport to Sants Estació, Passeig de Gràcia or Arc de Triomf

By plane:
El Prat Airport, Barcelona, 932983838
Girona Airport, 972186600

By car:
From Plaça de les Glòries, along Av. Diagonal towards the sea right to Parc del Fòrum

By subway:
Line 4 to La Pau or L1 to Marina and there link with tram to Fórum station

By bus:
Lines 41, 43, 7, 36 and 141, and Night Bus N6

By tram:
Trambesós line T4, to Fòrum

By taxi:
The taxi’s fare changes depending on the time (at night they are more expensive) and the distance between where you are and the Fórum. From the city centre to the Fórum the prices may vary between 9 and 11€ aprox.

» Live Concerts and festivals tickets

Sardana

425428661 10a57745ef Sardana At many festivals in Barcelona and Catalonia, you are likely to see circles of people dancing a dance which resembles no other Spanish dance. La Sardana, Barcelona and Catalunya’s national dance, has origins thought to lie in the graceful dances of ancient Greece. One theory is that the Greeks introduced the dance during the period in which they maintained trading posts on Catalunya’s northern shores thousands of years ago. Others insist that the sardana was not practiced here until the fifteenth-century during Catalan occupation of Sardinia, hence the name. In any case, the sardana in its present form emerged during the 19th century Catalan renaissance and it has become a symbol of national identity.
As you can witness in Barcelona, sardana dancers link hands with raised arms, forming circles which grow bigger and bigger as more people join in. Traditionally, couples can join in at any point, but cannot cut in between a man and his partner on the right. When the circle gets too big, the dancers form more circles. People of all ages and ranks in life join hands and dance as if to emphasize that whatever their differences, they are first and foremost Catalans. The spirit of unity generated by the sardana is truly impressive. An extremely disciplined dance, the sardana calls for exact movements and expert timing, provided by a leader in each circle. For this reason, unless you think you’ve really got the knack, it’s generally inadvisable for visitors to join in – one wrong move can put the entire circle out of step.

Music for the sardana is played by a Cobla, a band consisting of 10 wind instruments, double bass and a so called “tamborí” (very small drum) played by 11 musicians. In Spanish and French Catalonia about one hundred and thirty coblas are active, most of which are amateur orchestras. Outside Catalonia there is one more cobla: Cobla La Principal d’Amsterdam. The best times to see an authentic Sardana are during the festival period in Barcelona - The Focs de Sant Joan festival on the 23rd June is one such example.

Sonar Festival

589636269 c0bc0c6815 Sonar Festival 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.

Barcelona’s Sonar Festival of Advanced Musics and Multimedia avoids convention and commercialism though remains mainstream in important artistic circles. This prolific music festival has been raving on since 1997 and is attracting a vast international audience each year. Are you a free soul that feels like a fish in the ocean when music hits your ear? Checkout this incredible festival this summer! June is all about Sonar!
Information:
From Spain dial 902 150 025, from Monday to Friday between 9am and 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

From abroad dial +34 934 929 180, from Monday to Friday between 9am and 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

Advance Sales
*Limited availablility

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Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound is a festival that takes place in Barcelona every year as Spring comes to an end. In 2005 the festival moved to the Forum site, giving our festival-goers the chance to enjoy concerts on a modern and spacious environment with many different stages each with it’s own personality. The spirit of the festival is to showcase independent and up and coming acts, as well as experienced bands with strong influence in the music that is done nowadays.

Spain’s alternative indie rock and electronica festival by the sea. This is your chance to check out Barcelona, one of the most vibrant and cultural capital’s of Europe, with the very best alternative music acts and electronica DJs playing in an area near to the city centre right by the sea. The music starts in the early evening and ends in the early hours of the morning in true Spanish style!

Primavera Sound takes place near the centre of Barcelona around Poble Espanyol in Parc del Forum by the Mediterranean Sea on May 31st, June 1st and 2nd. There is no camping in the city centre, however Barcelona is packed full of hotels and hostels all easily accessible by public transport. Check out this excellent festival featuring a massive line-up of top live acts and Djs!

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Castellers

221016949 19306493c5 Castellers Once a year, towns and cities across Catalonia celebrate their grand festival. As you will see in Barcelona, for example, the streets become filled with people celebrating a traditional custom, which originated in Catalonia in the late 18th century. Locals are happy to celebrate and share this traditional event with everybody and foreigners are particularly welcome.

You will be amazed by the strength and agility of the people (castellers) building spectacular human towers (castells). In Barcelona, and other parts of Catalonia, castells are built during this festival in which castellers compete and try to build the most stable and impressive castells.

Teams of men stand on top of eachothers shoulders as they try to create a human tower as high as they possibly can. Each tower, which can have up to 7 levels, is completed at the top with a small child, called an anxaneta.

A castell is considered a success when it is properly built and stabalized and then properly brought down (ie-it does not collapse). When the anxaneta reaches the top he raises his hand and shows four fnigers, which symbolize the straight lines of the Catalan flag. The anxaneta will climb up one side of the tower to the top and will come down on the other side.

Many people are required at the base of the tower to form the pinya, which helps support the tower and also acts as a safety net.

The dress is typically white trousers, a black belt, a scarf and a shirt displaying the team’s logo and colours. Traditionally, performances would take place on Sunday at noon in the middle of the village square, and were considered as one of the main activities of the local festivities. If you want to witness a traditional part of Catalan culture and amazing human ability, then you must try to see this spectacular event.

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