La Mercè is the Festa Major of Barcelona, when we celebrate the Saint’s Day of Our Lady of Mercy, La Mare de Déu de la Mercè. It has been an official city holiday since 1871, which first consisted of a Roman Catholic festivity commemorating St. Mercè on 24 September. The opening speech will be given… Read More
El Born Cultural Center is a unique and exceptional place that brings together three centuries of our history. Below the cast-iron structure of the iconic 19th century marketplace lies the Barcelona of 1700, the prosperous city that suffered the siege of 1714 and that put up an epic and heroic resistance before Catalonia’s national liberties were… Read More
Catalonia has preserved a great variety of arts and trades. All over the region traditional trades like lace cushion making, especially in Arboç, or palm leaves and ‘palmons’ (whitened palm leaf displayed on Palm Sunday) are still practiced. The trade of basket making or pottery and tile making has not been lost either, with… Read More
Barcelona is known for being one of the best cities in Europe to enjoy and participate in sports. The first foundation of a sports club in Barcelona was that of Cercle Equí (Horse Riding Club) in 1856. Since then, an important number of clubs have been created, such as Reial Club Nàutic de Barcelona, Futbol… Read More
Castells – Human Towers Castells (castles) are the towers that the Castellers build in town squares using their own bodies. All kind of people take part in a Castell, regardless of age or size. Castellers form colles, which are associations of people who train and prepare the castells together. Each Castell is made up… Read More
The city of Barcelona is proud of its Catalan culture and traditions. This summer it wants to share them with those living here and those just visiting. Until recently it was only possible to enjoy this kind of event on specific dates, such as popular festivals like Festa de la Mercè (Festival of Our Lady… Read More
Saint George is not only the patron saint of England but of Catalonia too. For that reason, April 23 is a day of big celebration. Although it is not a holiday day, people live it as if it was. On the day of St. George there is the tradition of giving women a rose as… Read More
The origins of chocolate can be found in Mexico, most likely in 1500 BC. Both the Mayans and the Aztecs had consumed cocoa mixed with water and other plants during ceremonies held by the high classes. The Aztecs even used it as a currency unit, and associated it with the goddess of fertility. It was… Read More
The Urban Sketchers is a non profit organization of artists that get together to draw scenes of their city. This is their manifesto: 1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation. 2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel. 3.… Read More
The oldest fair devoted to Nativity scenes and Christmas traditions will celebrate this month its 225th edition (1786-2012). As every year, the Fira de Santa Llúcia will take place in front of and around the Gothic Cathedral in Barcelona and will be opened from November 25 till December 23. The programme this year includes a… Read More
