Barcelona Local Custom Tips by Dariana

La Festa de la Merce is the most popular festival in Barcelona and also in Catalunya.It was back in the 13th century when The Virgin of the Mercy appeared in a dream to a local.In 1637 The Virgin saved the city from a plaque of locusts,and thereafter she became the Saint Patron of Barcelona.This festival`s revival is not for a touristic purpose.It is a joyful and brightful expression of Barcelona`s identity.
For a hole week ,the streets are bursting with life and colours:parades,giants( huge carnival figures in papier machee), castells (human towers),dance lessons on the street,fireworks, street performance on Las Ramblas or in Barri Gotic

Leave a Comment

Website: www.bcn.es

It`s hard to describe the incendiary atmosphere spread all over the city.We arrived in Barcelona in the midlle of this fiesta:getting out of the car in Plaza de la Seu I`ve found myself into a circle of people who were dancing sardana; so, we put our luggage in the midlle of that circle near other handbags and shoping baskets,and we begun to learn how to dance it.Peoples were amazing trying to show us the steps.(very difficult !)
On the second day,late in the evening after a good meal and a huge glass of sangria it was time to learn samba in Sant Jaume Square.
During this week we had the pleasure of a wine tasting on Rambla del Mar :sweet or dry,red or white wines ,exquisite flavour
born under the sun of Catalunya.

At the end of the festival (20-24 september) ...surprise:a firework show combined with music,water and lights

Leave a Comment

Website: www.bcn.es