Sonar Turns 20 !!

You know the summer is on its way when it's Sonar time. After the realllly slow and wet May, it's about bloody time for some fantastic weather and this week looks to be proving to be exactly that. And it's just in time for the return if everyone's favourite Barcelona Festival - Sonar. 13th to 16th June.

The Electronic Festival now seems to span so many different art forms it's becoming difficult to categorise but "International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art" sounds good enough for me. One of the big changes this year is the changing of locations for the Sonar by Day events, moving from the upper Raval around the MACBA and CCCB over to Plaça Espanya. Whether or not you believe the move is to gain 7000 more party go-ers or if the organisers have finally buckled under the pressure of neighbourhood groups  the fact of the matter is that it's moved, and will likely be louder and not annoy people as much so let's not dwell too much on that! It also means an easier link up with the night events over at Gran Via 2, let's hope.

This year sees Pet Shop Boys and Kraftwerk as the main headliners, but as always there's a whole host of shows and Dj's to boogie on down to as well as the many bars and clubs that jump on the bandwagon this week and offer their own nights.

Organisers are actually expecting less people this year -just over 85,000 according to the press releases compared to 98,000 last year. This also despite work on the night event location to allow another 7000 revelers in. Are you going? Looking forward to seeing anyone in particular ? Let me know in the comments!

Coming to Barcelona this summer? Check out BCN Rentals for some great deals on apartments.

Sonar Swaps Locations

Well, it's been confirmed. Sonar is changing locations for the Day events. For 19 years the Sonar by Day has entertained the crowds in the Raval at the CCCB and its surrounding area, but now, as we approach the 20th edition of the mega music show, things are hopping across town to the Fira de Barcelona and the extensive outdoor space. It's not a massive distance but it seems like the pressure from the authorities and the neighbours has finally got its way and this way, there's no worry about breaking the permitted sound levels and the like.

The site has dressed up the move as "helping the flow of people" and bringing the Night venue closer (true) but I personally think it's a shame that it's moved. Yes, the new space is bigger (I've been there for the Harley Davidson shows, for example) but there was something special about Sonar by day being in the heart of the Raval for me, and the expanse of the new location will take something intimate away (for me). I don't mean to sound negative and obviously, I'd love to be proven wrong  - What do you guys and gals  think ? Let me know in the comments!

Do you plan on going to Sonar 20 this year? www.bcn-rentals.com has some great deals on apartments!

Carnaval Parade Parallelo 2013

Carnaval Week is well upon us, with today being (pancake!) Fat Tuesday or "Mardi Gras" and as I've written about here there are some great activities going on all week for Laia's festival as well as the carnaval celebrations.

Last weekend, there were various parades all around the city in almost each and every neighbourhood of Barcelona, and as has become customary, many of the South American communities represented in Barcelona and the surrounding area descended on Parallel to dance along and celebrate their own traditions on this pagan date. 

 Although it was  a bit more low-key this year in comparison to other years, the various countries represented  still gave a great show and the vibrant colours and music on display didn't disappoint.

 Bolivia, Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay, Honduras, Ecuador and probably a few more I missed all paraded down the avenue with traditional costumes and hats banging on the floor, bells on boots and elaborate costumes (the photos are hopeless, really and don't do it much justice at all).

Each group was represented by varied age groups  - toddlers up to retired ladies and everyone gave it their all. Despite the cold temperatures, there were a fair few people sweating and each dance was really energetic and infectious for the spectators!!

 These guys were particularly energetic, jumping up and down and banging their hats on the ground.

 Some of the dances were so fast-moving, it was difficult to take pictures - I actually took way more then those I've added here, and the majority came out blurry!! Occasionally groups would stop and perform something a little more rehearsed in front of the stage pictured above and the "compare" would explain a little about each group (not only in Catalan, as he'd be reading some prepared text). For the part we were there, everyone applauded and cheered and it was all great fun.

 For me, it was a perfect example of the things I love about Barcelona - the multicultural aspects being celebrated and given an opportunity to shine and educate us all about their own rich traditions and history in a small way - Aztecs, Incas and the like - and appreciate and value the addition to the culture we have today in the city. We should rejoice in the variety we're lucky enough to live with and be humbled by each group and their offering to the party.

Check out this guy in the middle - like the old copito de nieve albino ape at Barcelona Zoo! There were others dressed up as wolves and all sorts - great fun and my kids loved them!

Did you go to any of the activities over the weekend? Let me know in the comments! Fancy coming to Barcelona this spring? Check out BCN Rentals group accommodation choices for some fantastic deals on apartment prices!

Laia Festival and Carnival 2013!

Well, January has sped by (at least for me) and the weather seems to be holding up as far as the cold is concerned, although it's very windy! The new year's resolutions have gone down the pan, the gym subscriptions have gone back to the drawing board and it's time to put off everything for another year, right?! So the second weekend of February in the Catalan Capital usually always conjures up two people: Carnastoltes and Laia.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about then, you should at least have realised that it's Carnival weekend all over the world, and that the best place if you're in Barcelona to celebrate is Sitges. As usual, my kids have been given their orders from Sa Majestat Carnestoltes and have been going to school this week in pyjamas, slippers and dressing gowns and the like.

Santa Eulalia, or Laia, as she's more affectionately known, is the children's saint and over the coming week, there are plenty of activities celebrating her - Tuesday 12th, for example, loads of Museums are free to visit and on the 16th and 17th, most others organise something special. Although many of the activities are created with children in mind (workshops, processions, puppet shows, expositions, etc.) there are also activities for adults, too - a great example is the audiovisual mapping of buildings as part of the Llumbcn festival with amazing shows from 19h to 2230h at Plaça Sant Jaume, revisiting some of the best shows of the past few years. There is literally far too much for me to explain in just one blog post, so click the lñinks I've left or download the programme here (pdf). Events occur all over the city, but principally around the old town - the cathedral (where she's buried), Plaça Padro (newly refurbished and the place she died), Las Ramblas, etc. See you there!!

Coming to Barcelona soon with friends ? Check out these great Apartments for groups in Barcelona from BCN Rentals for some fantastic deals.

3...2...1...SONAR !!!

I can hardly believe this as I'm writing it, but this year's Sonar is the 19th edition (can't wait for next year already!). Already such an institution in Barcelona, it has also spread its wings in a similar way that Primavera Sound has done with editions in Sao Paolo, Tokyo and Cape Town but it's the original and best which keeps defying the neighbours' complaints in downtown Raval for Sonar by Day and Gran Via 2 for Sonar by Night.   Think dodgems, carpets and a haunted conference hall style atmosphere. With flashing lights.

As usual, organisers have had no trouble attracting big names, and expect to see the über cool New Order (how col is that?), a plethora of different DJs and acts like Friendly fires, James Blake, Die Antwoord, Jack Beats, Annie Mac, and a whole shed load of people who are probably just as good if not better but I've never heard of them. I'll cross my fingers for a tribute to Adam Yauch somewhere. 

Sonar embraces the city and you'd have to say that the city embraces Sonar, too, with events actually going on all this week and off-Sonar parties galore, so don't let it stop you from going to that UB40 concert tonight if that's your thing guys and gals. Plenty of time to watch the footy after a Sonar by Day session or a beach trip along with dinner and cocktails before catching the buses at Plaça Carbon (to the right of Columbus monument, people) to the night stuff. If you need a handy day-to-day guide, then download that here. 

Anyone heading down ? Or down there now?! Leave a message in the comments! Looking for last minute Barcelona deals? Then Check out www.bcn-rentals.com for some great prices on apartment rentals. 

3rd Parallel Party This Saturday!

Parallel is considered to be the Theatrical artery of the city, and aims to cement itself as the broadway of the city - City Hall's plans to make it a gateway between the ever-bustling Port and cruise terminal and Plaça Espanya with the Fira and Las Arenas. With the re-opening of EL Molino and Ferran Adria's Ticket bar hoping to fuel the fires of traffic to the avenue, it's another turn for this year's Fem Paral·lel Festival this Saturday from 10am till 2am. Like previous years, the street is taken over with various stands and stages, workshops and tables with activities and displays for all ages.

Theatres including the Apolo, El Molino and Victoria also open their doors for the locals to have a nosey around and the party goes well on into the night with concerts and live music from all over the world. Full details and programme can be downloaded here (pdf). One of the best things avbout the day (in my opinion) is the fusion of two neighbourhoods with such cultural and ethnic diversity such as Poble Sec and Raval. I've been to the last two and they were great fun, so if you're in and around the area on Satuday, I can reccomend you popping down to check it out!

Anyone headed down there?Let me know in the comments! And if you're looking for accommodation this coming summer, check out BCN Rentals for some great deals on apartments.

Third Annual Puppet Festival! TOT Barcelona!

Well, time flies. I had a few posts ready as drafts for the rest of February and beginning of March, but that's too late now! I'd actually like a refund on February, cos it was terrible. My kids were ill, I was ill, then they were ill again. Never seemed to stop, really. So, apart from me being super busy with work, I'll try and keep up with the blog!

What better way to start, then with another one for the kids - big and small. This weekend sees the return of the Festival TOT  - the third annual festival of puppets and theatre. Puppeteers using their feet as puppets (no, really), different versions of The Emperor's clothes, shadow shows, giants there's all sorts going on this year and as always, there are workshops for families, kids, and shows for both young and old in the evening, too.

The festival starts tomorrow night, and takes place in Poble Espanyol which is a great place to host the event up on Montjuic. This year sees the Polish company, Bialostocki, offer a puupet version of Robert Scott's journey to the South Pole in the evening for the adults. Family tickets cost 25€ and then you have to pay for the individual shows that you want to go into, but this ticket also includes entrance to Poble Espanyol, where you can spend the whole day (they have kids gyncanas and all sorts of arts and crafty things like glass blowing and pottery making, etc.) so not a bad way to spend your Saturday or Sunday, right? Anyone been before? Thinking of going this year ? Let me know in the comments!

Thinking of visiting Barcelona this spring? Check out these Barcelona apartments instead of looking for a hotel.

Festa Major Sant Antoni

Happy New Year everyone! Well, I'm a bit late with the well wishes but it's been a busy start to 2012 for me, so there you go. Here's hoping this year is great for everyone.

There's no messing about in Barcelona, no moping about the cutbacks (ok, maybe just a bit) and shortly after the craziness of the King's parade, we're straight in with another local festival. Yes, from the 13th to 22nd January, it's the Festa Major Sant Antoni. No matter that the market itself is undergoing a (very slow) refurbishment, there's plenty going on all week for people of all ages, and if I'm not mistaken, it's a fairly long festival for just being a neighbourhood one.

This weekend just gone I wandered along with the kids and my wife to check out the opening parade. It had all the usual things I've come to expect with gegants, castellers, drummers and dancers, but what surprised me the most was the beginning, or rather, the people at the front.

I could probably look up somewhere the significance (or if anyone knows, please leave me a comment) but the people at the front had kind of fake old-style shotguns and fired EXTREMELY LOUD  shots into the air. We heard the procession from about 6 blocks away, and when the pistoleros were actually in front of you it was really deafening, like shake your body deafening. Very cool.

My wife and kids put their fingers in their ears, and some of those participating also had ear plugs in. Some of the guns also fired cofetti all over the floor, and it was great fun.

There was a comedy fire truck which was helping animate the crowds, and spraying paper all over the floor (and the BCNeta guys were not far behind!).

Mini-castellers:

Diablos with flares and the most attractive swine:

There are activities going on all week, so check out the programme in the link above, and leave me a comment if there's anything you'd like to specifically highlight or reccommend. Thanks!

Coming to Barcelona this month? Check out BCN Rentals apartments for a great deal on accommodation. And for a quick look at the city sights, see this Barcelona online Guide.

Woo-Hoo! It's the Raval(s) Cultural Festival 2011!!

As I've said before, I love my neighbourhood. Everyone chats to each other and there's no air of superiority like I've found in many other barris that I've lived in. I often wish I could speak so many other languages to be able to really chat to the various people I have come to know in their own language. I remember feeling frustrated in my first few years here, learning Spanish at that just-getting-by stage, as I couldn't really have proper conversations. Pleasantries were a breeze but if I was annoyed about something, then I could rarely make my point.

Anyway, enough about me. Starting tomorrow is the 9th edition of Raval(s) - a culture festival involving loads of different social groups, and celebrating the great variety of walks of life we have in the neighbourhood. According to the Fundacio Tot Raval, this year's participation is the highest yet, and if you live here, too, you'll have seen the funky posters haning up and around everywhere.

There's a really varied selection of events with Theate, poetry, dance, concerts and many guided visits to the main museums and historical buildings of the city, such as the newly re-opened Palau Güell, MACBA, CCCB, Liceu, and Sant Pau del Camp amongst others.

The festival kicks off tomorrow evening with an open concert at the Rambla Raval, and everyone is encouraged to come along and participate at 8pm. Organised by Taller de Musica in the upper Raval, it's an excuse to get those vocal chords a-warbling!

Plenty of daytime activities with painting and Henna for the kids and games of the world like cricket (!) and other stuff.

There are great deal of plays and theatre performances in the avried spaces around 08001 and for a full program of events, download the pdf here.

In recent years, I've been disappointed by the absence of live music in the raval during La Merçe festivities. When I first moved here, there was always a huge stage at the top end of the Rambla del Ravaln and it was great. During the summer, in the Festival del Barri del Raval, every little square and plaça had a concert going on with such variety - some really cool Bollywood at Nou de la Rambla, Rock in Hort de la Bomba and open mic rapping on the Rambla Raval. I made it up to MACBA late as it was raining and had just missed the concert! But you get the idea.

So I was pleased to see this year has some (early-ish) concerts each night, with Jazz on the menu as well as Cuban music, and the ever popular Raval's band. Go on, you know you want to....;o) See you there!

Gracia Festival Photo Review

OK, OK, I know I'm a bit late to be posting about a been-and-gone festival, but hey, Gracia Festival is one of the best in the city. When I first moved to Barcelona, I lived in Gracia for a few weeks whilst flat-hunting, and it's a great neighbourhood which stil retains the small-town feel. The festival is unlike many of the city's other offerings as lots of streets are permanently closed off to traffic and they are decorated, like caves from entrance to exit with different themes. Prizes are given each year to the best-decorated streets, and whilst it would be impossible to give you a full run-down of the amazing designs and efforts that go into the preparations, I thought it'd be fun to show you a few snaps.

I went down with my family (you'll spot them in a few pics) and purposely chose a day which would be fairly quiet to try and show the decorations, rather than the hundreds of people that gather both day and night. Each street has it's own typical meals - huge paellas, sardines on the bbq, and many meats and other typical catalan dishes.

This year, some of the best streets were the Peter Pan tribute (deserved winner), Magic Street, Coffee theme, kids themes such as Spongebob and Jungle Book, sea theme with pirates and mermaids, and even a tribute to the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. Many streets had kids paddling pools out for the heat, and the Alien/space street had great water features like valcanoes and a fountain.



Ingenious inventions with plastic bottles into laterns...
















Check out the steam!!
















Many decorations use recyclable materials...





Grilled Sardines on the barbeque...mmmmmmmmmm








The Jungle Book Tribute Street...








My kids trying to steal King Louie's banana...










great silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy & Michael flying through the streets




...with Tinkerbell in the tree!!




London Bus Front in Carrer Tordera...



The Yellow Submarine!!




Did you go the the festival this year? Let me know your comments!! For a quick look at the other city sights, check out this Barcelona Guide. And for some great options on accommodation, check out BCN Rentals apartments.

Grec Festival Kicks Off This Weekend

This weekend sees the start of a different kind of festival to the music ones happening already and is focussed around the Greek Theatre up on Montjüic. And this one goes on a lot longer, too - from 17th June to the 31st July you can enjoy a variety of shows at the Festival Grec. The festival actually spans many different forms of entertainment including dance, theatre music and art and uses various spaces around the city, but there's something special about the Greek Theatre.



I studied Greek Theatre at University and also many of the classic Greek plays, so maybe the affinity lies there, but for me there's a draw to that hidden corner of Montjüic in the open air which was built for the Open Exhibition of 1929 just like its neighbour Poble Espanyol.

The festival is celebrating its 35th year in 2011, and showcases both local and International acts (also partners with other companies from abroad and tends to have a theme each year from each "guest"). This year sees such diversity as Jazz orchestras, breakdancing nights, Tango beats and tragedy plays all on that same stage. It's impossible for me to gloss over the entire programme so for full listings, please see the official site here.

For accommodation during the summer, check out BCN Rentals who have a great selection of apartments at reasonable prices.

Sonar 2011

What can you say about Sonar that hasn't already been said before ? quite simply it's one of the best festivals in Europe, and something that despite being slap bang in the middle of a city rather than a huge field, gathers momentum every single year. It's something people look forward to each year more or less as soon as the official posters come out early in the year.

Sonar is as local as it is International. Many people repeat year on year, loads are first timers, and a high percentage of the assistants are locals, too (I have friends who take a week off every year and go to the whole thing, day night, non-stop).



As usual, the line up doesn't look to disappoint (although I must admit I was secretly hoping for the Beasties to come back after their very cool new release, but never mind - just have to do with the very cool Fight for your right revisited at Sonar Cinema), with heavyweights Underworld sure to remind everyone just how good Trainspotting was. Aphex Twin are another from years gone by (with some of the coolest videos ever made!), as well as Human League, Dizzie Rascal, and many more to mention. Full line up here. As usual, the BBC has their live lounge over the full 3 days and there's also Sonar Radio for those of you who can't make the whole lot. The whole city kind of embraces Sonar and there's pretty much stuff going on which can be related to sonar all week, although the "actual" stuff is only 16th, 17th and 18th June.

And lets not forget the kids!! Sonar by Kids comes into its third year ready to entertain and form those little creative brains of our offspring. Again, far too much going on for me to detail here without repeating a list, but such variety from paper puppets to beatboxing, dj classes and workshops and breakdancing - on all day Sunday 19th.

Are you nipping to Sonar this year ? Anyone in particular you're looking forward to seeing? Let me know in the comments...

and if you're looking for accommodation in Barcelona close to Sonar there's a good link. If you need to familiarise yourself with the local area, too, then see this guide to Barcelona's old town.

Primavera Sound 2011

You know when it's about time for Summer and Festivals galore when Primavera Sound creeps up on you and all of a sudden it's the end of May and the start of party-time. Into it's 11th year (making me feel very old, as I can remember the first), Primavera has cemented itself into a must-attend event, happily co-inciding with the end of finals exams for many, beginning of a new era, and excuse for a bloody good party under the sun and in front of the Med.

This year the San Miguel sponsored event makes the white elephant that is the Forum transform once more as hundreds of acts perform in various places around the city as well as the 8 main stages. Some might say the line-ups are never quite billboard fillers, but I'd disagree and think they've got the mix just right. Vintage classics such as Belle and Sebastian play this year as well as a reunion of Jarvis Cocker and his Pulp pals after an eleven year absence. PJ Harvey, Mogwai and Phosphorescent are more names you might recognise but sometimes it's those tyou don't that make Primavera sound what it is. Explore those dance tents and names you don't recognise - as with most Festivals, it's trying to squeeze it all in which is the main problem!!

Primavera Sound is taking place over 3 days, from the 26th to 28th May, with many parties and pre-shows filling the Barcelona clubs before that, so keep your eyes peeled, check the web for full listings of the concerts and gigs around the city, in Poble Espanyol and at Forum Parc, or follow them on twitter to keep up with the news...

Thinking of coming to Barcelona this summer? Forget hotels, and opt for a Barcelona apartment instead - leaves you much more freedom. And for a quick look at what's hot and what's not, check this online guide to Barcelona.

Barcelona Air Show - Festa del Cel

It seems like we're just getting over the festivities of another great Merçe show, and then there's another excuse to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air. One such reason is the Festa Major of Las Ramblas, taking place from the 1st to 10th October with even more giant parades and human castles so if you missed them, head on down this weekend. With Las Ramblas trying its best to gain UNESCO World heritage status, they're sure to put on a great show.Full details of the programme here (pdf).



Another great reason to head outside is to nip down to the Barcelona beach front and hope for some clear skies. No, I'm not suggesting you go for a dip in the Med, but look to the sky as this weekend celebrates the jaw-dropping "Festa del Cel". Air shows have always wowed me, and despite craning my neck for hours on end as a lad, Who didn't want to be a pilot of the Red Arrows, or Tom Cruise in Top Gun (even if half of us almost puke with a slight bit of turbulence on an EasyJet flight!) ?!

Well, this year's show doesn't look like it will disappoint. With over 31 different performers from around Europe and the world, there's even going to be an appearance by a Lufthansa Airbus 380 (currently the biggest passenger jet) on Saturday at 2pm. Parachute jumpers, and Wacky Races Style planes painting a canvas of smoke streams across the canvas of the Barcelona Sky. Obviously the best places to see certain attractions are close to the Olympic Village beaches, but I remember last year being over at Maremagnum when the Red Bull Air show was on, and seeing many of the planes coming in from El Prat Airport or returning to Sabadell and apart from maybe the angle of whatever some planes were supposedly writing, it was still great to see.

If you're looking for accommodation for this coming autumn, then check out these rental apartments in Barcelona from BCN Rentals as a great way to save some cash between friends.

La Merçe 2010 - Castellers at Plaça Sant Jaume

OK, so like every year, I try to take in as much of La Merçe as possible, and with so much choice, it's difficult to squeeze in everything while working, being full time parent, etc. It worked out as being a long weekend however, as Friday was a public holiday and meant that we could go out as a family and see some things that maybe weren't possible when the kids were so small.

Obviously it's difficult to resist the draw of the traditional elements of the festival and perhaps the most spectacular - so whilst I did go and check out the "Rices of the World" at the Rambla del Raval, it was almost finished at 13:30 (and advertised from 11am till 15h!!) so made our way to the Plaça Sant Jaume. So whilst last year I was there for the giants, this year was the human castles or castellers.



Despite making things look incredibly easy, there is a particular technique involved and it was interesting to see the big black "scarves" which were wrapped tightly around people's waist/lower back for support, and how the guys and girls bite their collars on their shirts when they join the tower, so the people who are standing on their shoulders don't slip on the fabric.



The youngsters have to wear protective helmets due to some unfortunate incidents in years gone by, but for me it doesn't spoil anything. Once the smallest child gets to the top, they have to raise their hand before beginning their descent. This is often literally a split second, so quite difficult to capture on camera, but I did ok!!



Did you see the castellers this year? Any impressions or take aways? Let me know in the comments! Are you thinking of visiting the city this Autumn ? Barcelona apartments are a great way to save money in groups, for example. And for a quick look at the city sights, see this Barcelona Guide.

Hipnotik Hip Hop

There's no denying Hip Hop has an influence on the urban landscape of Barcelona. Some of the best graffiti can be seen in the city at every turn, and although I don't mean to associate every graffiti artist with a Hip Hop culture, it's always there or there abouts. Then there's the skater's paradise that is Barcelona. Lax laws (or enforcement), kilometres of land on a slight gradient and plenty of wide open downtown plaças and spaces with benches and rails right out of a Jason Hernandez video. There are plenty of Hip Hop shops, and admittedly although many have closed down due to the "crisis" you can still find what you're looking for. So it's only natural that the people of the city would want their platform to express and enjoy themselves. Hell, why not make a festival out of it?!



Well, rolling into its 7th year this Saturday is the Barcelona Hipnotik Festival down at the CCCB in Barcelona's old town. Already home for those "rap-offs" of the youthful poets of today's society, this promises a great line up of local and international talent for the day's events billed as "Hip Hop without boundries". Four different sections of the area are dedicated to Mixing on the decks, graffiti art, DJ sessions and microphone controller battles (that's MC's to you and me). It all kicks off on Saturday at 12 noon, and goes on till the wee hours. Fancy going? Tickets still available. Let me know in the comments!

Coming to Barcelona this Autum. Check out these apartments for rent in Barcelona for a great alternative to hotel rooms.

Festival La Merce 2010

September brings with it the back to work, back to school, and this time round a pretty big drop in the temperatures. But fear not, as it's also time for some festivals and one of the best that the city has to offer - La Merçe.

Barcelona actually has a fair few patron Saints, one of them being Our Lady of Mercy, who celebrates her feast day on the 24th September. So in homage to their patron (and for any excuse for a bit of a shindig of course) Barcelona comes alive from the 18th to 26th September with open air concerts, workshops, circus, dances, markets, etc. etc. etc. You name it, La Merçe's got it. The whole city is involved and there are activities for young and old, dotted all the way around the city.

After living here for more than ten years, I've noticed (and have also mentioned before) that it really is the people of Barcelona's festival. Now, I know that might sound daft, but I mean that the difference between some of the city's other festivals like Sonar, Primavera Sound, Grec, and many others is that they have an international appeal and advertise themselves much more to the foreign (tourist) crowd. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that La Merçe doesn't offer just as much talent - not at all. What I mean is that the festival is hardly promoted outside of the city itself (not even in other parts of Catalonia) and for all the years I've been here, I've never once found a program in English (or Spanish for that matter). Full details need to be taken directly from here. Obviously being the modern age of mobiles and smart phones, you can sign up for free mobile updates, too.

Highlights include open days at Montjüic castle and the Frederic Mares museum (which will soon close for restoration work) as well as almost all your other museums on the 24th. There are also the ceremonial beasts on display which is worth a look if you're in the centre, as well as the always-hyped correfoc (fire run) which despite changes in European laws just seems to go out and do the same as always anyway! There also looks to be a tasty little show on the Friday at the Rambla del Raval, with "rices of the world" - different dishes from around the world will be prepared using rice and tasting from 13h to 15h! Mmmmmmm!!!



Guest city this year is Dakar, the Senegalese capital, and first sub-Saharian city to gain the honour of pairing for the week's activities. Expect dance, music, culture and traditions to bring a bit of African magic to this year's affairs. And especially some of the crazy African beats, from the likes of Ntapkeu de Bafia

So, looking forward to this year's Merçe? anything in particular caught your eye? Let me know in the comments! And if you're looking for accommodation in the city, apartments in Barcelona are a great money saver for families and friends!