Barcelona
Barcelona is Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia, one of the 17 regions that form Spain. The city has a wealth of unique historic architecture and has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe during the 1990s.
Barcelona has many quarters, but the most important and interesting for visitors are:
- Ciutat Vella - Barcelona's old town, including the medieval Barri Gotic.
- Eixample - Modernist quarter, noted for its art nouveau buildings.
- Gràcia - Historically a working class neighborhood, now rather gentrified.
- Barceloneta - Known for its sandy beaches and many restaurants and cafes along the boardwalk.
August is an excellent month to go to Barcelona, you'll find cheap accommodation and a much quieter city... it's easy to understand, a vast majority of Spaniards go on vacation in August. Business is low, people from Barcelona tend to be on vacation, hotels, that remain open but don't have their business customers tend to lower prices and make offers. And Barcelona has decent enough beaches... Though the people in Barcelona will really appreciate that visitors do not consider it a beach resort and keep decent clothes on, specially when visiting churches, etc...
- Festes de la Merce. Barcelona's main annual festival encompassing many events such as which group of 'castellers' can form the highest human tower, live music events, firework displays and processions involving wooden giants. All of this is accompanied by a heavy consumption of Cava, the national drink of Catalonia.
- Festes de Gràcia. The Festes de Gracia is a Catalonian celebration, held on the 15th of August each year to commemorate the Assumption. During the week of festivities that mark one of Barcelona's most important fiestas, the city of Gracia explodes with fun, excitement, colour and fireworks.
- Festes de Sants. Similar to Gracia's event, but smaller and later on in August. If you can't go to the Gracia's, try go to this festival instead.
- Sant Jordi. 23rd of April. Considered to be like Valentines Day. People give roses and books around the streets. Traditionally men give women roses and women give men books. It is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.
- Fira de Santa Llúcia. From December 2nd/3rd to December 23rd, to commemorate Sta Llúcia (December 13th). December 13th is the feast day of Santa Llucia, patron saint of fashion designers and blind people, who gather at the Santa Llucia chapel in the cathedral to pay their respects.
- Revetlla de Sant Joan. This is the midsummer solstice celebration. It is celebrated on 23rd June every year and is signified by the fireworks that are permanently on display during this time
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