One does not sleep in Barcelona. For those who came to seek the sun in Spain, a surprise awaits them - the night. The Spanish night life is one of the most developed in Europe, maybe of the world. At night, the street belongs to night birds who swarm in the most animated districts. Any pretext is good to organize a party.

The origin of festivals in Barcelona is religious. A very strong Catholicism recovered the entire pagan and accepted them. April 23, one celebrates almost everywhere in Catalonia the day of the book (Sant Jordi), but there is also “the patum in Berga”, the carnivals, the “Pastorets”. At Easter there are the “Caramelles”, and the “mones de Pascua”, the fights between “moros and cristianos” he festival of Gracia in Barcelona between the 15 and the 21 of August which is a contest on street decoration.

The popular festivities of La Merce, the patron saint of Barcelona, take place on and around September 24th when there are typical dances such as “sardanas”, parades through the streets, important sporting events like sailing, regattas, judo, swimming, walking races, religious celebrations, etc. In November there is All Hallows Day on the 1st and All Souls Day on the 2nd, and this is the time when typical cakes, known locally as “panellets” are eaten. Around Santa Llucias Days the typical crib fair begins in the vicinity of the Cathedral, and this goes on right up until Christmas. It is also the start of the opera season at El Liceu and the time for concerts at the Palace of Music. These events continue for several months.

Christmas is traditionally celebrated at home with the family and with the newly-revived custom of “fer cagar el tio” - this consists of putting an object similar to a tree trunk into the fire from which presents then come out. Christmas dinner takes the form of “escudella” and turkey, “torrons”. New Year is celebrated in bars, restaurants, and in the street where people wear fancy dress just like in the carnivals. As the clock strikes twelve they eat the twelve grapes in time with each chime.

In January the main celebration is the arrival of the “Three Kings from the Orient”. The Carnivals, held in February, and St. Valentines Day (February 14th) is also increasing in its popularity. On March 3rd the popular festivity of Sant Medir is held in Grácia and there is a cavalcade and singing choirs.

The most spectacular festivities are held on April 23rd. These are the celebrations in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Catalunya. In May a flower show is held, and on the 11th there is the typical festival of Sant Ponç held in El Hospital Street by the city’s herbalists. The most important celebration during the month of June is undoubtedly the Eve of St. John. The Eve of St. Peter, on June 28th, brings with it the festivities associated with the summer solstice.

From the end of June onwards, the Festival of “el Grec” begins. This consists of a series of theatrical performances as well as dancing, concerts, and other cultural events. The last great summer celebration is that of the “Onze de Setembre”. This is a national holiday in Catalunya and they hold various official and political ceremonies. The fact that there are so many traditional festivities held has led many people to say that Barcelona is a city of festivals in Europe when it comes to celebrations.

Anil Gupta
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Picture: La Rambla street Barcelona