It may seem impossible, but during the summer months, Barcelona, a city best known for its love of festivals and celebrations, turns into an even bigger playground for tourists. With an endless amount of festivities, ranging from some of Europe’s biggest music festivals, to fireworks, to human towers, there is no better destination than Barcelona for an unforgettable Mediterranean summer! Read on as we discuss a few of the biggest celebrations set to take the city by storm this season.

GREC Festival 2012

Barcelona GREC Festival, which runs throughout the entire month of July, enjoys a long history, with the first installment dating back to 1976. Its title was inspired by the main venue of the event, the Teatre Grec, on the foothills of Montjuïc. Held annually, the city is turned into a live stage for both local and international acts to show off their talents in the fields of drama, music, the circus, and more. Over the decades, this festival has gained a worldwide reputation as one of the best displays of stage arts, and with performers to cater to all age groups, a day out at this festival makes for a perfect family activity in Barcelona. Visit the official GREC Festival website for more information and ticket prices.

Primavera Sound Festival 2012

If you are in search of one of the best music festivals to hit Europe this summer, then look no further than the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona. World renowned for its eclectic mix of artists,  this spectacular 5-day event features musical acts with genres ranging from underground beats, to commercial pop and rock. The international lineup caters to even the most selective “muso”, and some of the performers this year include The Cure, who are set to headline the show in an unprecedented two hour set. Other notable artists on the program are Franz Ferdinand and indie rockers, Death Cab for Cutie. With a list of more than 200 bands confirmed for Primavera Sound 2012, every musical palate is sure to be satisfied. The festival runs from May 30^th-June 3^rd, and is sprawled across two main venues, Parc del Fòrum and Arc de Triomf. Visitors can purchase daily passes, or one that covers the entire event. For further information and ticket pricing visit the Primavera Sound Festival official website .

Nit de Sant Joan/Dia de Sant Joan

On the night of June 23^rd, the skies of Barcelona light up in honor of Sant Joan (Saint John) and mark the Summer solstice, the day with most sunlight in Barcelona, with a bang. Reaching back for centuries, this celebration was considered to be one of the most important events, one which the locals chose to commemorate with fire. Symbolic of abundance, purity and fertility, it remains to be one of the most anticipated summer fiestas in Barcelona, with fire and fireworks displays at the center of this memorable night.

Traditionally, the festivities begin with the lighting of the flame of Canigò, a holy mountain peak in the Pyrenees. From there, the fire spreads down to pits, bonfires and candles, which across the Catalonian regions. Some of the most famed activities that visitors can expect, (and even partake in) include fire-jumping, the sacrificial burning of old possessions or the customary act of writing notes with your wishes for the year, and placing them into the flames. With numerous Sant Joan-related celebrations that fill the city, both indoors and outdoors, this is a summer night in Barcelona not to be missed!

Sonar Festival Barcelona 2012

If you consider yourself an electronic music junkie, then Barcelona is most definitely the destination for you this summer. The city, which will play host to Barcelona’s 19^th International Festival of Advanced Music and Media Art, better known as Sonar, is sure to please new-age music lovers from all corners of the world. Labeled as one of Europe’s premier multimedia and music festivals, the 3-day event features everything from techno to house music, and even experimental sounds. With a line-up that includes deadmau5, Fatboy Slim, The Roots and Die Antwoord, this year’s edition is bound to be one for the history books.

 Not only does the festival offer a musical overload, but during the daytime, visitors can enjoy the visual aspect of contemporary technology, as Sonar offers a taste of new-age electronic styles utilized within films. The festival will run from Thursday, June 14^th all the way through to June 16^th and daily passes can be bought for 39€, while a ticket for the entire event can be bought for 155€. For the full lineup and venue information, check out the Sonar Festival official website.

Festa Major de Gràcia

An important day to Christians the world over has always been, and remains to be August 15^th, a holy day that marks the Virgin Mary’s ascendance into heaven. In commemoration of this religious event, the people of Spain (and the world over) celebrate with a grand feast of assumption. This day also marks the beginning of a week long festival, the Festa Major de Gràcia, when the normally tranquil town of Gràcia in Barcelona is transformed into a live stage for energetic artists and musicians alike.

The festivities kick off with a parade that starts in Plaza Rius I Taulet, where some of the most elaborate giant carnival figures called ‘gegants’ dance in the streets near the famous human towers, better known to locals as ‘castellers’. This celebration also brings the city to life with color, as neighboring towns compete for the much-sought-after title of “best decorated street”. With a vibrant and lively atmosphere, the Festa Major de Gràcia is certainly worth a visit while in Barcelona!

If you are spending your summer in Barcelona, you can expect a vast array of fantastic festivals, fun-filled fiestas and colorful celebrations. The list above is by no means extensive, with parties and festivities taking place all over the city throughout the warmer months of the year, so you will be sure to find an event to your tastes while on vacation n the Catalan capital this season.

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Known as an addictive dessert and aphrodisiac, the sweet taste of chocolate has been a satisfactory treat to the young and old alike for many centuries. The city of Barcelona may be renowned for its historical sites, amazing artworks and Gaudí inspired architecture, but it is also a chocoholic's dream vacation spot. Learn all about the history of chocolate with a tour through the famous Museo de la Xocolata, and with some of the most mouth-watering chocolate stores, cafés and restaurants around the corner, you are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth here in Barcelona.

Chocolate in Barcelona: A Sugary Tale

Chocolate first appeared in Europe over 500 years ago, after Hernan Cortés had conquered the Mayan and Aztec Empires of Central America. At first, when Cortés brought the cocoa bean back to Spain, it was used to make a drink known as “chocolatl”: a cold, chocolate-based beverage, made with chili peppers, vanilla and numerous other flavorings.

Over the years, chocolate has gone through many changes, including the process of sweetening it, and today, one can select from a wide variety of flavors, shapes and sizes of chocolate in Barcelona. The city is laced with world famous confectioneries including Xocoa, a store specializing in the art of chocolate. With a wide selection of flavors ranging from Jamaican pepper to Rosemary, you are sure to find something to make your tastebuds tingle. It also carries its own line of body products, and its very own line of beer, ‘Birracao’. Another noteworthy chocolate store in Barcelona is Cacao Sampaka. Renowned for its wide selection of chocolate ingredients for cooking, chocolate spreads and chocolate fondues and sauces, this store is truly one of a kind.

Barcelona Chocolate Museum: A Trip Back in Time

The Barcelona Chocolate Museum allows visitors an in-depth look at the long history of chocolate, and so much more. Home to Barcelona’s Confectionery Guild, the space offers an endless look at the cocoa bean and all of its uses over the centuries.

A giant white chocolate ape named Snowy welcomes guests upon arrival, and visitors are immediately given their own chocolate bar to chomp on as they make their way through the building. Surrounded by amazing sculptures ranging from Minnie Mouse to Louis Armstrong, and chocolate versions of famous Barcelona landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell, you will have to practice restraint to not bite into these unusual sights as you pass.

The museum highlights the impact that chocolate had on European nations after it was first introduced. While taking the tour, you can have a look at the traditional machinery formerly used to create chocolate, while learning about the entire production process from the first selection of the cocoa bean, until the minute you gulp down this sweet treat!

If you are visiting Barcelona with children, make time for an individual workshop called “Chocolate Artists”. This one-hour program is available everyday, is aimed at kids aged 4-12 years old, and is focused on the creation of chocolate figurines.

El Museu de la Xocolata is located at Carrer de Comerç, 36, right across from Parc de la Ciutadella. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm and on Sundays from 10am to 3pm, with an entrance fee of around 5€.

Still Desire a Chocolate Fix?

In the cold winter months, the people of Barcelona find sweet comfort in a traditional treat known as chocolate con churros. Best described as long, thin doughnuts, churros are dusted with sugar and are commonly found in a loop shape.

This delicious delicacy can be found in typical Spanish cafés known as granjas, or in any of the many chocolate restaurants to be found in Barcelona. It is customary for churros to be served with a hot chocolate that is so thick and creamy, one can only enjoy the treat with a spoon. Many choose to dip their churros into the drink, too.

Although there are plenty of granjas in Barcelona, many remain to be hidden treasures. Some of the most famous granjas can be found in the Gothic Quarter, on Carrer de Petritxol, a street famous for all things chocolate. One of these cafés, La Pallaresa, is always bustling with locals and tourists alike, and is best known for its churros and chocolate, as well as other 'dulces' such as crema Catalana and muffins.

Whether you choose to indulge in these addictive treats once in a while, or consider yourself a chocolate connoisseur, the city of Barcelona encapsulates the culture of chocolate and is the perfect destination for anyone with an active interest in the sweet stuff. From age-old traditional chocolate con churros, to unique confectioneries, to the amazing Chocolate Museum in Barcelona, one cannot miss the opportunity to experience all of the chocolate goodness to be found in the Catalan capital.

For more information about chocolate in Barcelona check out Apartment Barcelona’s video on Carrer de Petritxol!

Making your way to Barcelona? With so many beautiful areas in and around the city, you may find yourself confused as to which neighborhood best caters to your needs.  Check out our top five places to stay in the city, each one different from the last, and all of them sure to provide you with the perfect location for an unforgettable vacation!

Gothic Quarter

Home to some of Barcelona's oldest buildings, this area is rich with history, culture and architecture. The Gothic Quarter, situated in between the busy Las Ramblas and El Born, is known for its picturesque alleyways and amazing Gothic architecture, which can be found around every corner. Take a stroll and lose yourself amidst the many tourist attractions on offer in this charming neighborhood including the Catedral de Barcelona, the Plaça Reial and the grand government palace of Catalonia. Along the way, you will find intimate cafés and delightful shops that line the quaint streets. El Barri Gótic is a true historical gem of Barcelona, and renting an apartment here ensures that you and your loved ones experience both the history and culture of the Catalan capital.

Barceloneta

Prefer a beach apartment in Barcelona, perfect for soaking up that Mediterranean sun? Then be sure to make your way down to Barceloneta. With the additions of nearby Port Vell and Port Olímpic, this area has quickly become a favorite spot for tourists.Renowned for amazing seafood restaurants and ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars), this neighborhood allows you to experience both divine cuisine and amazing beaches, while still being merely a short walk from historical downtown. 

L'Eixample

Think of yourself as a Gaudí fanatic? If so, Eixample is the ideal choice for your trip. The area, home to some of the master architect’s greatest works, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia, offers the ultimate base for your escape to Barcelona. Not only is this neighborhood host to some of the most famous architectural feats in the world, but it is one of the most significant areas in Barcelona, as it was the first extension from the city square. The most famous street in this area, Passeig de Gràcia, is home to some of Gaudí’s other works, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), while simultaneously known for the couture shopping stores that line the street. By choosing one of the many Eixample apartments in Barcelona, you and your loved ones can enjoy all of the treasures that this city has to offer.

Gràcia

Fancy an upscale neighborhood known for its distinctive Catalan atmosphere? Look no further than Gràcia, an area located just outside the city center limits, at the end of Passeig de Gràcia. This quaint town offers an escape from the always bustling center of the city, and instead you will find charming restaurants, locally-owned boutiques and some of the most stylish, luxury apartments in Barcelona. Despite the large amount of tourists that flock to Barcelona, the distinct quality that sets Gràcia apart from the rest is that it still maintains a truly Catalan atmosphere. The area is also home to the famous Park Güell, another one of Gaudí’s masterpieces, which offers astonishing views of the city, while you and your loved ones still remain a short 5 minute journey from the city center.

 El Born

Wish to be transported back to medieval Barcelona? If so, El Born, also known as La Ribera, is the perfect choice for your trip to this cultural hub of Europe. One of Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods, you will find the list of activities here to be endless and sure to cater to your every need and desire. Quirky bars, enticing museums and trendy boutiques line the streets of this lovely area, with some of the most famous tourist attractions including the Picasso Museum. You can also find the renowned El Palau de la Música Catalana just a short walk away in the neighboring 'barrio' of Sant Pere. Passeig del Born was once the site of medieval joust tournaments and is laced in the history of this grand era. Take a short stroll around the area and another architectural work awaits you. The Santa María del Mar basilica is an astonishingly beautiful Gothic church, renowned as one of the most perfect examples of pure Catalan-Gothic style. Choosing an apartment in El Born ensures that all the history, culture and art that make this city so famous will be at your fingertips!

Whether you wish to lose yourself in the maze-like streets of the Gothic quarter, revel at the great works of Gaudí or simply relax on the beach while enjoying some traditional Spanish paella, Barcelona has a great variety of locations, perfect for your vacation. Choose one of the Barcelona apartments in any of these gorgeous neighborhoods and begin to experience all that this amazing city has to offer!

The cultural hub that is Barcelona is known for the culmination of various influences from the world over, alongside those from other parts of Spain. The city boasts a large population from Andalusia and have consequently adopted some of southern Spain’s most notable attributes, and added the Catalan touch to make them their own. La Feria de Abril, also known as the April Fair, is one of the most noteworthy festivals, and a definite must for anyone visiting Barcelona.

Originally a celebration native to Seville, the April Fair starts about two weeks after Easter, and for an entire week, Sevillians celebrate the gift of life with over-the-top costumes, delicious delicacies and all-night fiestas.

In true Barcelona style, La Feria de Abril is a lively event with Flamenco dancers, an array of bright colors, traditional Spanish paella and of course, lots of partying. This year, the festival will start on Friday, April 27^th and run all the way through to May 6^th. The Fair always attracts an abundance of locals from all backgrounds, as well as many tourists who wish to experience some typical Andalusian traditions. And, if you are on a family trip to Barcelona, La Feria de Abril is an event that should definitely not be missed.

A Festival for Everyone

The April Fair consists of two parts, the first being a large fairground featuring all that you would expect to see, including a giant Ferris wheel and rides for smaller children.Market stalls selling traditional trinkets and vans bursting with delightful delicacies line the venue. The second part of the festival is filled with marquees called “casetas” where you can experience the dancing “Sevillianas”, as well as free music, food and drinks native to Seville.

La Feria de Abril is set to take place at the Parc del Fòrum, located in the Diagonal Mar district of Barcelona. This location is easily accessible and with the Metro extending its operating hours for the event, there is no excuse for not making your way over. The nearest Metro station to the Feria is the Maresme/Forum on L4.

The opening times for the festival vary each day during the week. To ensure you will not miss any of the excitement, be sure to plan your trip to the fair at the following times on the following days:

Friday 27 April 2012 - 6pm to 4:15am

Saturday 28 April 2012 – 10am to 4:15am

Sunday 29 April – Thursday 3 May 2012 – 10am to 2pm

Friday 4 May 2012 – 10am to 4:15am

Saturday 5 May 2012 – 10am to 4:15am

Sunday 6 May 2012 – 10am to 11pm 

La Feria de Abril is undoubtedly one of the most extravagant festivals in Barcelona. It may simply be a smaller version of the original festival from Seville, but this bright and vibrant event dazzles with the Barcelona touch. Even better, admission to the Feria is free to the public! So, if you are making your way to Barcelona during the week of the April Fair, you must be sure to stop over at Parc del Fòrum and take in this unforgettable experience. You could even stay in one of many Barcelona apartments near the beach and soak up that April sun, before heading out to enjoy these fantastic festivities.

The cultural hub that is Barcelona is preparing for the 12^th annual Primavera Sound Festival, running from May 30^th to June 3^rd this year. A must for any music lover, the festival is one that caters to all tastes and is known to please fans with its eclectic mix of alternative, indie, electronic, pop, hip hop, dance, folk, jazz, metal, and experimental music.

Any Muso’s Dream

Since its first edition in 2001, Primavera Sound Festival has repeatedly satisfied fans and the reason for this may just be the grand list of legendary artists that have performed on its stages over the many years, including the likes of: Arcade Fire, My Bloody Valentine, Portishead, Sonic Youth, The Pixies, Franz Ferdinand and The White Stripes. This year the festival will proudly be sponsored by San Miguel and as the lineup continues to grow, Primavera Sound 2012 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

To top it all off, Brit band, The Cure is set to headline the show on June 1^st in an unprecedented two hour set. This unique performance will consist of tracks from all fourteen albums, including ‘Wish’, the album which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year.

Other names ready to highlight the event include Rufus Wainwright, an artist notorious for his own genre consisting of sounds influenced by rock, opera, theater, drama and film. If this is not music to your ears, perhaps you may prefer indie-alternative Washington natives, Death Cab for Cutie and Scottish post-punk revival band, Franz Ferdinand. Whichever genre best suits your taste, Primavera Sound 2012 is sure to please.

A Five-Day Musical Indulgence

This year’s Festival will run for 5 days and will take place across 2 main venues in Barcelona: Parc del Forum, in the Poble Nou neighborhood, and Arc de Triomf. It is estimated that around 100,000 concert-goers will hit the shows, and while daily passes are sold for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 75€-80€ each, many choose to purchase the full ticket for around 190€, and enjoy the all of the musical varieties on display. For more information about the venues or tickets, visit the Primavera Sound Festival website, and to see real-time updates on performers, check out the Festival’s Facebook page.

If you are thinking of heading to this year’s wild event, you will find plenty of Barcelona apartments close to both venues, as well as apartments at the beach, where you can make the most of the springtime sun on your trip, too. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as this year the Primavera Sound Festival is set to be one of the best ever!

The cultural hub that is Barcelona is preparing for the 12^th annual Primavera Sound Festival, running from May 30^th to June 3^rd. A must for any music lover, the festival is one that caters to all tastes and is known to please fans with its eclectic mix of alternative, indie, electronic, pop, hip hop, dance, folk, jazz, metal, and experimental music.

Any Muso’s Dream

Since its first edition in 2001, Primavera Sound Festival has repeatedly satisfied fans and the reason for this may just be the grand list of legendary artists that have performed on its stages over the many years, including the likes of: Arcade Fire, My Bloody Valentine, Portishead,

Sonic Youth, The Pixies, Franz Ferdinand and The White Stripes. This year the festival will proudly be sponsored by San Miguel and as the lineup continues to grow, Primavera Sound 2012 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

To top it all off, Brit band, The Cure is set to headline the show on June 1^st in an unprecedented two hour set. This unique performance will consist of tracks from all fourteen albums, including ‘Wish’, the album which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year.

Other names ready to highlight the event include Rufus Wainwright, an artist notorious for his own genre consisting of sounds influenced by rock, opera, theater, drama and film. If this is not music to your ears, perhaps you may prefer indie-alternative Washingt

on natives, Death Cab for Cutie and Scottish post-punk revival band, Franz Ferdinand. Whichever genre best suits your taste, Primavera Sound 2012 is sure to please.

A Five-Day Musical Indulgence

This year’s Festival will run for 5 days and will take place across 2 main venues in Barcelona: Parc del Forum, in the Poble Nou neighborhood, and Arc de Triomf. It is estimated that around 100,000 concert-goers will hit the shows, and while daily passes are sold for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 75€-80€ each, many choose to purchase the full ticket for around 190€, and enjoy the all of the musical varieties on display. For more information about the venues or tickets, visit the Primavera Sound Festival website, and to see real-time updates on performers, check out the Festival’s Facebook page.

If you are thinking of heading to this year’s wild event, you will find plenty of Barcelona apartments close to both venues, as well as apartments at the beach, where you can make the most of the springtime sun on your trip, too. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as this year the Primavera Sound Festival is set to be one of the best ever!

El Día de Sant Jordi, or Saint George’s Day, is celebrated with one of the most important and popular festivals in Catalonia. While most cities around the world see April 23^rd as just another day of the week, the people of Barcelona hold the day on a high pedestal trimmed with roses and literature.

Though the celebrations are in honor of love, La Diada de Sant Jordi is only somewhat comparable to “Valentine’s Day” for the residents of Catalonia. Instead of candy hearts, cards and chocolate, this festival has a long history resulting in more traditional gifts.

The Story of Sant Jordi

The history of La Diada de Sant Jordi begins with the commemoration of the patron saint of Catalonia, Saint George. The story goes that the saint destroyed a dragon that was terrorizing a town just south of Barcelona and was about to kill a beautiful princess. Once the dragon died, a rosebush grew from its blood, so Sant Jordi picked and delivered a rose to his princess.

In commemoration of this heroic event, men throughout Catalonia buy their women flowers, traditionally roses, to show their adoration and love, just as Saint George did. But wait, there’s more!

In honor of great authors such as Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare who both died on April 23^rd, 1616, this day has also become known as World Book Day. In the 1920s, booksellers in Spain noted the significance of this date, and began to promote their sales through the Díada de Sant Jordi. So, in return for their roses, women presented books to the men they love. This tradition is a now a big part of the Sant Jordi celebrations.

The Celebrations

On the Día de Sant Jordi, the streets are lined with vendors hoping to make a sale to a couple in love. Over 4 million roses are sold, as well as around 400,000 books, with makeshift book stalls and flower stands lining Las Ramblas, and authors coming to sign their work.

Though considered the most amorous day of the year in Barcelona, La Diada de Sant Jordi is more than just a “lovefest”. The atmosphere on April 23^rd is filled with Catalonian pride, as citizens wave the yellow and red flag and toast to the region they call home. You can also see the traditional dance, the Sardana, performed in the Plaça Sant Jaume in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.

The day also brings an opportunity that tourists cannot miss as El Palau de la Generalitat, Barcelona's principal government building, opens its doors to the public  for free! Here, you can take in a taste of the amazing architecture and smell the huge displays of roses created in honor of Sant Jordi.

If you’re coming to Barcelona in April, make sure you take a walk through the city center and enjoy this traditional experience. There are many Barcelona apartments that are located right on Las Ramblas where you can be part of all the action. Stay in a cozy 1-bedroom with your partner and celebrate love the Catalan way, finding the perfect rose or book to exchange with your loved one.

In a city filled with history, art and modernism bursting at the seams, Casa Batlló is undoubtedly one of the most admired buildings. Created by Antoni Gaudí , Casa Batlló is more than just an old residence, but one of Barcelona´s most visited tourist attractions. It goes without saying that when in the capital city of Catalonia, a visit to this masterpiece is a must.

There’s No Place Like Home

Josep Batlló was a distinguished textile industrialist in Barcelona, owning and operating many factories in the city. He and his wife only had one wish for their house: that it would be different than those of the others within the Batlló clan. Therefore, they chose to hire Antoni Gaudí to design an innovative and creative home, not limiting the artist in any way.

Casa Batlló was created between 1904 and 1906, but the original structure of the building, which is located on the bustling street of Passeig de Gràcia, was completed in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés. When Gaudí was first commissioned to work on the house, he was to knock down the existing structure and rebuild it from the ground up. However, it was later decided that renovations to the building would be much more practical.

The family lived on the noble floor of Casa Batlló until the mid 1950´s. The noble floor is the first floor in the building that currently houses the gallery, and from here the view allows visitors to overlook all of Passeig de Gràcia. Other rooms on display include the dining room, bathrooms, and many other spacious areas of the living quarters.

Animal Come to Life

Known for his symbolism and creative representation of daily images, Gaudí portrayed Casa Batlló in a similar way to his other works. The structure is based on the theme of an “animal come to life,” which evokes nature with organic structures and suggestive fantasy. Examples that are most evident include the façade, which boasts columns representative of bones, and a wavy shape that surrounds the entire face of the building, suggesting movement. The building itself is composed of beautifully colored mosaic tiles, representing fish scales and aquatic life. The roof of the façade bodes giant towers, symbolizing an animal’s spine, and these are doused with even more mosaic tiles.

The inside of the house was also influenced by mythical creatures, fantasy, and animal life. However, much of the house is built to be functional and practical too, and many consider it to be a “smart house,” even all these years later. One of the most apparent examples of this is the design of the handles on the stairwell, which are figurative of reptile spines, yet they are simultaneously shaped to fit the form of a human hand as one descends the inspired staircase.

Then and Now: Casa Batlló

Today, the house is a cultural museum for tourists and locals alike to witness and try to better comprehend the modernist mind of such a revered architect. The museum offers complete audio-guided tours for a general fee of around 18€.

Be sure to visit the roof of Casa Batlló, which offers a spectacular view of Barcelona, and is where even more of Gaudí´s masterpieces can be found. Tickets can be bought directly at the ticket office, located outside the front entrance of the building, or by visiting the Casa Batlló website. The building is open 365 days a year from 9am to 9pm. Located in the center of the city, on Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló is easy to find, and hard to miss due to its exquisite colors that sparkle under the Barcelona sun.

Elegant, sophisticated, yet tirelessly rustic, Catalan cooking combines centuries of French and Spanish culinary traditions and gives them a unique twist. Whether you're interested in navigating your way through a tapas bar menu or wish to attempt this classic cuisine in your own kitchen, the best way to learn is through sampling.

Mediterranean Diet

Catalan cooking is comprised of a variety of fresh ingredients found along the Mediterranean coast and inland. These main ingredients are

combined artfully in numerous concoctions, ranging from sweet to savoury.

·        Vegetables – Garlic, artichokes, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and aubergines play a starring role in baked dishes and sauces.They are also frequently roasted or grilled, typically with a lashing offruity olive oil.

·        Meat – Pork is heavily featured in Catalan cuisine, with the region being well known for its decadent blood sausages and the famous butifarra pork sausage. Other types of meat commonly used include poultry and lamb.

·        Seafood - If you are entering the coastal region through cheap flights to Barcelona, you will find that seafood is an important component of many local dishes, particularly anchovies, tuna and cod. These are used to craft rich stews, and are also simply grilled and served with an array of condiments.

·        Cheese – Catalan cheese is typically served as part of salads or eaten for dessert. Fresh cheeses include the sweet, unsalted Mato which is eaten with honey, and the thick, creamy Recuit. Those in search of sharper flavours may choose Garrotxa, an aged goat's milk cheese.

The Heart of Catalunya

Although you may hop on cheap flights to Spain seeking the vibrant perfume of saffron, there are other types of flavourings which are used more frequently in the Catalan kitchen. These sauces are at the core of what makes a dish typically Catalan.

Salvitxada is a rich, zesty dipping sauce comprised of toasted almonds, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, tomatoes, and chilli peppers. Allioli is an exceedingly simple yet addictive sauce used to flavour grilled meats or vegetables, and is made by pounding garlic with olive oil and salt in a mortar until a smooth paste is created.

Finally, no meal would be complete without picada, which is a rustic condiment traditionally composed of stale bread, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and hazelnuts. If you notice a pungent theme of garlic and olive oil running through all of these preparations, you are beginning to understand Catalan cooking.

Don't Forget Dessert

Sweets are also an integral part of Catalan cuisine. Many of the region's pastries are made specifically for festivals, such as the pine nut and

almond panellets made for Castanyada, or the chocolate egg encrusted Mona de Pasqua at Easter. The most famous dessert from this region is crema catalana, which is a rich, decadent yellow custard used to stuff pastries or eat alone garnished with fruit.

From Saturday November 26th to Thursday December 22nd the biggest Christmas market in Barcelona will officially be open and ready to be swarmed with eager locals and tourists! This year is special, as it will mark the 225^th anniversary of the Fira de Santa Llúcia! This fair gives you the best of Catalan culture and is filled with handmade gifts, nativity scenes, and much, much more!

You will find this wonderful Christmas market just outside the Catedral de Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter of the city. If you choose to stay in a city centre Barcelona apartment or a Ramblas apartment you can arrive at the Christmas market on foot, otherwise you can take the metro L4 to Jaume I, leaving you

right outside the fair. The Fira de Santa Llúcia will be open from 10:30am until around 8:30-9:30pm, and with over 275 stalls, the atmosphere is filled with Christmas joy and holiday cheer!

History

The market is named after Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, and dates back to 1786. Each year on December 13^th, people would flood the streets surrounding the

Barcelona Cathedral to commemorate the life of Saint Lucy. As she was known to be the patroness of seamstresses, tailors, needleworkers, and the blind, people would gather inside the Cathedral and worship her, praying for clarity and eyesight. Right outside the Cathedral is where the Fira de Santa Llúcia took

place. Similar to today, there were many stalls and festivities spreading holiday spirit throughout Barcelona. History also named this the ¨girls´ fair¨ as many people thought unmarried young ladies would go there in the hope of finding their future husbands.

The Day of Saint Lucy

A great day to visit the market is December 13^th, the day of Santa Llúcia. On this day, the market dedicates all of its

activities to Catalan Christmas traditions. You may find yourself chiming into the Christmas carols which can be heard throughout the fair, or partaking in a crib scene making course taught by the Association Crib Scene Makers of Barcelona. On this day, the famous Tió de Nadal is displayed. Tradition states that the children will hit their own smaller versions of this smiley-faced wooden log with a stick on Christmas day until they find presents or candies underneath its red blanket. You can also stumble upon the Carassa de Nadal parade during this day, during which sweets are thrown to the children as the Christmas figures pass by on lavish floats. 

The Market

The Fira de Santa Llúcia is split up into four sections so you can easily find what you´re looking for: Nativity and Figurines, Greenery and Plants, Crafts, and

Simbombes.The Nativity and Figurines section offers various items to make your own nativity scene such as Christmas lights, baubles, candles, and handmade models. In the Greenery and Plants area you can find the popular Tió de Nadal figures, lucky branches, and natural and artificial trees. The crafts section contains thousands of homemade gifts such as jewellery, clothes, and accessories. The Simbombes section presents musical instruments and adds the final touches to your Christmas holiday!

Whether you are looking to participate in the Christmas festivities or purchase gifts for your loved ones, the Fira de Santa Llúcia is definitely something you do not want to miss! You can find many Barcelona apartment special offers online to accommodate your stay in Barcelona, and our friendly staff will direct you to the Christmas market!