Monday, July 13, 2009

Local Festivals - Raval

Raval Festival - Barcelona Sights
Barcelona always seems to have a festival going on somewhere. Apart from the big music festivals like Summercase, Sonar, this weekend's Sonisphere Rock gig, the Greek Theatre festival, la Merçe in September, Sant Joan....the list could go on. Well, apart from all of these, each neighbourhood organises it's own festival during the year. Perhaps one of the best is the Gracia festival where the tiny streets of the neighbourhood are decorated to the maximum.

However, this weekend from the 16th to 19th July, it's the Raval's turn. Last year's festival was a melting pot of different cultures combining to offer both traditional and international games and exhibitions. This year's programme seems to be following suit. There are also guided tours available in the MACBA, Liceu opera House, Palau Güell and Sant Pau del Camp Monastery to be taken advantage of, too.

Highlights this year include clowning activities for the kids; Friday's concert involving Mumba, Celtic music, Rock and Merengue all presented by a drag queen; Saturday's evening concert in the Rambla del Raval; Abbey Road Beatles tribute band and the Giants processions at 12noon on Sunday, too.

Looking for accommodation for this coming weekend? Try apartments for rent in Barcelona as a great way to save money. And for a quick review of the city's sights, see this great Barcelona Guide.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for your comments on Barcelona Festivals. I am researching regional festivals in Spain with the interest to visit next year as I am directing a regional festival in Australia. Would welcome knowing of experiences of other festivals in Spain set in country environments worth exploring. MP

Unknown said...

Hi Martin, thanks for the comment. If you're looking for more countryside festivals then try La Tomatina in Valencia, or the amazing Easter parades in Seville. Also look up Corpus Christi and for something very odd, try the "Dance of Death" on Maunday Thursday (search my blog for more info).

Hope that helps, and big hello down under!

 
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