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.

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. 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!

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!

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.

Calling all film fans! If you´re coming to the beautiful city of Barcelona this October then don´t miss the Sitges Film Festival 2011! Beginning Thursday 6^th October until Sunday 16^th October, the picturesque town of Sitges, just outside Barcelona, will once again transform into a bustling scene of movie lovers and cinema producers as it hosts the annual International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia.

The event is known as the number one fantasy film festival in the world and it is a great attraction for movie-lovers, producers, directors and actors alike. Quentin Tarantino, George A. Romero, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Cameron Diaz and Jodie Foster are just some of the big names in Hollywood who, over the years, have experienced the wonders of one of Spain´s oldest film festivals.

This year will be the 44^th edition of the festival and to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Steven Spielberg´s film ´A.I. Artificial Intelligence,´ the event will have a theme centred around the main concepts of the movie. Artificial intelligence is often associated with robots and futuristic machines with human emotions, so many of the movies which will be presented at the festival will take this opportunity to demonstrate the latest in today´s audiovisual and technological cinema production.

As well as showcasing the up and coming horror and fantasy movies, the event is also home to the annual Sitges Zombie Walk - a spectacular gathering of film fanatics, who for one night only, fill the streets impressively disguised as the living dead. This year it will be held on October 14^th at 20:30, led by the stars of the movie ´Juan de los Muertos´ (also being screened at the festival). A free make-up zone will be set up from 12 noon in the Sitges Miramar Building, but seats are limited so get there fast! The Walk will be followed by a free beach party with fantastic music from Los Tiki Phantoms and Dj Niño - not to be missed!

Tickets to the Sitges Film Festival are available online from www.servicaixa.com or from various box offices in the town itself. For a full list of prices, screenings and more information on what else you can expect to see at the festival, visit www.sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng.

If you are staying in Barcelona this October and do not want to miss out on this amazing event, RENFE trains run regularly from Paseo de Gracia and Sants train stations in the city centre to Sitges and the journey takes less than 40 minutes. However, for those who would like to be closer to the action, renting a Sitges apartment is a great option. Soak up some Spanish sun on the beautiful beach before you head out to one of the festival´s many attractions, and who knows, you might find yourself sharing a restaurant with some A-list stars!

Spring-Summer in Barcelona : crowded city full of color and energy with open air Café-Terraces,chiringuitos (beach bars), flower filled parks, summer festivities and traditional cuisine is just the perfect season to be in the most amazing city of Spain, Barcelona!

Spring-Summer Flower Bloom  Barcelona is definitely a sea of color in spring-summer. There is many suggestions when it comes to this season. Collserola Natural Park located behind the hill of TIbidabo a place where you can do any kind of sports without venturing far from the city. This place offers walking trails, biking trails and lots of other things you can do to enjoy natural fresh air. Twice a month except on August this park offers “astronomy nights” with great information and hands-on telescope experience. Another iconic place to visit is Park Guell of Gaudí where you can enjoy amazing views from the terrace. If you are a rose lover Parc de Cervantes I Rosera is the park for you. With a collection of over 2,000 different species.

 Café Terraces  Roof top Bars in amazing hotels, Open Spaces, terraces over looking the Mediterranean Sea.This chill out terraces where you can go with friends and have a cocktail night with stunning city views.
From Ramblas to Raval, Passeig the Gracia to Barceloneta just to mention few of them. This season definitely marks the beginning of a great weather for you to enjoy this open spaces and roof top gatherings.

Beaches in Barcelona  A city known around the world for having the best beaches. When the weather is heating up, you definitely need to be ready for an awesome time. From La Nova Icaria Beach, Mar Bella Beach, San Sebastiá, Bogatell, Paseig Maritimo to Barceloneta and few more. The long coast line is just full of great beaches and people hanging out at the chiringuitos or “beach bars” listening to live music sitting and enjoying a cocktail and light meal with friends and family.

 Catalan Cuisine  Spring-Summer season is definitely the most enjoyable. As the beaches of Barcelona comes to life you may enjoy a tasty paella, a traditional seafood noodle broth at sea side. Or just a great shrimp salad with seasonal vegetables. Spring-Summer is a good excuse to be inventive in the kitchen and this cuisine experts are definitely great on being creative.

While the city warms up and starts leaving some winter clothing behind and submerse themselves into a great weather, this up coming season is definitely ready to give you an amazing time in Barcelona!

Check out an easy to book apartment in Barcelona: early booking or last minute offers. If you are coming to Barcelona you can stay in the city centre or at a beach apartment in Barceloneta. You will have a more private and relaxing time with your loved ones when you stay in a Barcelona apartment. It is becoming really popular to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel. This way you are able to discover the city freely in a whole new perspective. You will have a sense of independence that you will not find in a single hotel room. If you are traveling for holidays or business trip, you can take advantage of a comfortable living room and a fully equipped kitchen that is definitely a big plus for your trip. Rent an apartment in Barcelona and enjoy your stay in perfect accommodation!

 Join on  Facebook fan page now! and you will be instantly participating to win a weekend accommodation in a luxurious apartment in Barcelona Spain! Also for great city insights to help plan your trip ahead in Barcelona!

From August 15 until the 21, 2010 

Will be celebrated the famous festivals of Gràcia. This event is one of the most attended and popular “Fiestas” in the summer of  Barcelona

In this occasion, the entire streets are decorated by the neighborhood associations, which this year will be 17 different associations, each one  with its own theme with and magical atmosphere.

For twelve consecutive years, Gracia is being entertaining with a contest of decorating balconies and entrances where they are also rewarded by creativity and artistic concept. For one week will be events and activities organized from morning until late evening.

There will be activities for the whole family you can find: Markets, sports competitions, photographic and gastronomic, exhibitions, film screenings to outdoor, etc..

The cuisine will also be present this year will be hosted by Ismael Prados, who runs the restaurant “Els Jardinets de Gracia” (Passeig de Gracia, 116), and who will be the chief guest at the party. Check out the official agenda, will be surprised by the multiple activities!

  Some information on the Gracia festival Schedule  :

Sunday  July 15 :
8h : Big innaguration, fireworks and firecrackers will anounce the beginning of the festival in different points of Gracia  for example at Plaza Rovira.
13h : 4rto Gastronomic competition « Snails a la Graciença » Plaza Manuel Torrente.
18h : 5to Concert festival with the Dani Perez Trio at  Plaza Rovira.
22h30 :La Carrau concert  at  plaza del Sol.

Monday  July 16:
10h : Expositions  through out the whole event at Passeig Sant Joan.
13h :  D’All i Oli Competition (aioli) at Calle Fraternitat (Etis).
14h : Popular “Botifarrada” (Catalán grilled sausage testing) at Calle Fraternitat (Etis).
23h : Shiva Sound, Concert at Espai  Plaza Joanic.
Mid Night : Rumba NIght, an homenaje to at Gato Perez, Plaza de la Vila.

Tuesday  July 17:
12h : Truites competition (Omellete) at Placeta Sant Miquel i Rodalies.
21h : Sardinada (Grilled Sardine testing) at  Placeta Sant Miquel i Rodalies.
22h : Ball Plaza Swing at  Plaza Diamant.

etc.

 ¡Map of the neighborhood with reference points!

Be ready to experience one of the most cultural and exciting events in GRACIA !

 Rent an apartment with us in the Gracia Area ComeToBarcelona

For the second consecutive year Barcelona is preparing to welcome you from 18-28 June 2010 for the Pride Barcelona 2010, one of the largest Gay Pride in the Mediterranean.

Thirty associations, diverse companies and entire LGBT community have joined forces to organize a new LGBT Pride in Barcelona. For ten days it will offer you cultural activities, sports, debates, and entertainment in the village situated Avinguda Maria Cristina; and of course, a huge Party!

 This large popular event will highlight what the city has more to offer. It will be expanded to other cities of Catalonia to make a bold initiative.

 Many films, exhibitions and artists will be presented during the event. The party will be concluded with a huge parade on June 28 Sepulveda Street, starting at 18h in plaza de Universitat.

Exemplary in regard to LGBT rights, Spain now joins the festivities of the global gay pride. It reaffirms its openness mind.
So enjoy! Book your apartment with ComeToBarcelona, to attend the Pride in 2010. You will be the privileged witness of a unique event among LGBT Prides around the world.

Written by Benjamin Palmer

This Wednesday, November 18th, two up-and-coming bands will be at the Miscelanea.  Both bands, Ghost to Falco (Portland, Oregon) and Narwhal (Barcelona, España) are unique in their style and personality.

Ghost to Falco:

The music of this American band combines poetic lyrics and the experimentation of original style.  The band´s inspiration comes from various and diverse sources such as: Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Steve Reich.  Although the band is the creation of a single man, Eric Crespo, he ofetn collaborates with other artists on his CDs and at live shows.  Two artists that Erc recently collaborated with are Nick Bindeman(Jackie O Motherfucker) o Rachael Jensen (Parenthetical Girls).  Eric is now on tour is Europe in order to present his third CD, Exotic Believers, which was recorded in a warehouse in Portland.  On this occasion he will be accompanied by Bud Wilson who will assist him on the drums and percussion.

Narwhal:

Narwhal is a band formed by two local musicians, Simon Williams (Jahbitat) and Cristian Subirá (Summer Recreation Camp).  Their music falls under the electronica category and is sure to please.

Más Info:
El concierto empieza a las 20h y cuesta 5 euros o 4 euros para los
socios de Miscelanea.

Miscelanea
C/Guardia 10,
Barcelona

Rent a nice flat with ComeToBarcelona!