Barcelona History

Writings about Barcelona History, whether you are a history buff or casually interested in some the stuff the dead people did to shape the modern Barcelona

Things to Do in One day in the Gothic Quarter

Natàlia Gibernau

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is steeped in history and brimming with charm. From its narrow cobbled streets, stunning architecture and historical ornament, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

But, we hear you ask, how many buildings in the Gothic Quarter are actually Gothic? In actual fact, fewer than you would imagine, as many of the buildings in this quarter were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that this neighbourhood is one of Barcelona’s most beautiful!

This article is packed with the best tips and things to see in one day in Barcelona’s stunning Gothic Quarter – discover its most historical monuments, hidden-away squares and the history written on its walls.

Things to do in the gothic quarter
Things to Do in the Gothic Quarter

Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia (Barcelona Cathedral)

Plà de la Seu

We’ll start our tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter – previously known as the Cathedral Quarter – at this stunning monument. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, this is one of the few examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in this area.  Get your tickets online here starting from €9, or visit in the morning before 12:45 or in the evening after 17:30 for free admission.

Eglésia de Santa Maria del Pi

Plaça del Pi

Another truly Gothic gem in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is this stunningly beautiful 14th-century church. Don’t miss its stunning stained glass rose window and its tranquil interior, which often hosts candlelit concerts.

Plaça Sant Felipe Neri

This quaint square in the Gothic Quarter is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre for a moment of peace. Yet the vestiges of its tragic past are visible on the walls of its Baroque church, which was subject to a horrific attack during the Spanish Civil War in January 1938.

Shopping at Avinguda Portal de l’Àngel

One of Barcelona’s liveliest shopping streets can be found in the Gothic Quarter. Head south from Plaça Catalunya and you can’t miss this commercial hub. With some of the best brands – including Zara, Mango, H&M, Pull&Bear and more – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Plaça Sant Jaume

This square in the Gothic Quarter is home to the Casa de la Ciutat (the City Council) of Barcelona, which despite being built in the 14th century, has a neoclassical façade. It’s open to the public on Sundays from 10am to 2pm and admission is free.

This square is also home to the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya – the seat of the Catalan government – with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance features.

Museu d’Història de Barcelona, MUHBA

Plaça del Rei

Step back in time at the Barcelona History Museum, where you can explore the ruins of the Roman settlement of Barcino. Here you’ll find the remnants of a former fish factory, a bodega, a church and more!

‘The Kiss’ Mural

Plaça d’Isidre Nonell

One of the most photographed spots in Barcelona is in the Gothic Quarter! This unique piece of street art is made up of hundreds of mosaic photo tiles submitted by locals capturing their very own ‘moments of freedom’.

Find more instagrammable spots in the Gothic Quarter and further afield in our article.

El Pont del Bisbe (The Bishop’s Bridge)

Carrer del Bisbe

This narrow cobbled street and bridge is one of the most famous sights in the Gothic Quarter. Despite its appearance, its not even 100 years old, and was built by Joan Rubió – one of Gaudí’s disciples – to join these two buildings.

Plaça Reial

This beautiful square shaded by palm trees was once home to the Caputxins Convent. Today, its stunning architecture overlooks some of the city’s most popular nightlife spots, and you’ll often stumble across street performers and artists in one of the city’s liveliest squares.

Don’t miss the two street lamps in its centre designed by Gaudí himself. If you want to discover more pieces by the master of modernisme, check out our article here.

El Temple d’August

Carrer del Paradís, 10

This Roman temple dedicated to the Emperor Augustus is a hidden gem in the city’s Gothic Quarter. What’s left today are four beautifully preserved columns surrounded by a peaceful courtyard, just behind the cathedral.

So there you have it, our mini guide to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Don’t forget to check out our apartments in the Gothic Quarter to make sure you don’t miss a thing on your trip to Barcelona.

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The Three Kings Day in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

The Three Kings Day is one of the highlights of the Barcelona Christmas Season.  Its name in Catalan is Dia dels Tres Reis d’Orient, and is also known as The Epiphany in religious terms, and happens on the sixth day of January.

It is a major event in the Catholic Church’s Nativity agenda. Three Kings Day marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men of the Orient to the birthplace of Jesus at his stable in Bethlehem.  They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn messiah, but in Barcelona, they arrive to give gifts to the city’s inhabitants.

For local kids here in Barcelona, Three Kings Day is even more special, as the focus of the day is on them and not really the grown-ups.  Rather like the traditional Father Christmas character in Northern Europe, children only receive gifts if they have been good all year long!  The city’s children also have to write a letter to the King’s Pages ahead of the Three Kings arrival to ensure they get the gifts they desire.

On the 5th of January, the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona with a spectacular street parade called La Cavalcada dels Reis d’Orient – which is a procession to symbolise the arrival of the Three Kings into Bethlehem mounted on their camels, each bearing their gifts for the baby Jesus.

Three Kings Day

This year, the royal entourage sets off at 6.15 pm and will cover a distance of 5 km, from Av. Marquès de l’Argentera (with Pg. Circumval·lació) to the Font Màgica de Montjuïc, passing through the following points at the following planned times:

  • 6.15 pm: Av. Marquès de l’Argentera
  • 6.35 pm: Plaça Antonio López
  • 7.05 pm: Plaça Antonio Maura
  • 7.33 pm: Plaça Urquinaona
  • 7.45 pm: Plaça Catalunya
  • 8.20 pm: Plaça Universitat
  • 8.35 pm: Carrer Sepúlveda with Urgell
  • 8.50 pm: Pl. Espanya
  • 9.10 pm: Av. Reina Maria Cristina

Check here their route.

The Three Kings parade features the Three Kings in their carnival style float among a whole collection of other floats and musical attractions, where the performers are laden with candy and sweets to throw at the children who catch them, normally in umbrellas that are held upside down.

Three kings day in barcelona - Reis Mags
After the parade has finished and before the children go to bed, they have to prepare some food and water for the Three Kings and their camels to take refreshment.  Normally unable to sleep with excitement, contemplating the next morning, the children will eventually settle to sleep and wake early the following morning, when they can see and open their gifts on Three Kings Day.

After the morning’s activities are over, the whole family will settle down for a very special lunch.  It is normally a four course sitting and traditional menus will begin with a buffet of tapas followed by a special soup and then a third course of meat or freshly cooked fish.

Then the pièce de résistance is served – Tortell de Reis (King’s Cake) – a puffy, circular, marzipan sponge cake filled with cream, resembling a King’s crown.  In fact there will be a crown in the centre and the cake is topped off with dried fruits symbolizing a crown’s jewels.

Tortell de Reis - Three kings day

But the King’s Day tradition doesn’t stop there, because inserted into the cake are two objects – a bean and a figurine of the baby Jesus.  Whoever recovers the figurine gets to wear the crown and is called King for the day (also signaling that that person will have a very lucky year) and whoever gets the bean unfortunately has to pay for the cake!

As you can see, Three King’s Day will be a very special day indeed for the city’s children. So why not make your stay in Barcelona just as special by renting a luxury apartment during your stay.  We have a wide selection of apartments to rent all over the city, so why not opt for one on the Three Kings parade route?  See here for our selection of beautiful places to rent during these unique celebrations.

Your Complete Guide to La Mercè 2022

Natàlia Gibernau

La Mercè 2022 is here and that means this rather sticky summer has almost come to end. Yet what better way to beat our blues than with a grand celebration of everything musical in the form of the city’s festa major?

As we’ve mentioned to you in our past articles about this event, La Mercè is celebrated in honour of one of Barcelona’s patron saints: Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy). In this 151st edition of the festival, we’re bringing the best La Mercè 2022 has to offer.

This year’s poster was designed by Bilbao-born artist, David de las Heras, who has called the Catalan capital his home for almost a decade. Capturing three generations of women in Barcelona towering above the city and its most monumental structures, the poster was inspired by all the versions of La Mercè that have been, that are, and that will be in the years to come.

La Mercè 2022 will run from Thursday 22 September to Monday 26 September, with the official day of celebration being Saturday 24, promising to be one of the biggest events of the year. Rooted in music and tradition, the programme is brimming with activities, performances and, of course, live music concerts in the city’s streets, squares and venues.

Get ready for La Mercè 2022!

La Mercè 2022
La Mercè 2022

Covid restrictions for La Mercè 2022

Unlike in past years following the Covid-19 pandemic, it will no longer be necessary to book your ticket online. All the events and activities during La Mercè 2022 are free and open to all.

The final line-up will be released on 12 September featuring more than 500 activities. Promising a total of 100 groups and artists, 80 companies at a range of 26 venues.

Regarding Covid-19 restrictions, this year La Mercè is celebrating a return to normal, with no masks and no capacity restrictions as in the past two editions. However, activities and concerts will be spread throughout the city to avoid huge crowds forming in central locations, with a focus on outdoor events.

Live music concerts at La Mercè 2022

La Mercè 2022 will host a diverse range of artists from Spain and around the globe for the BAM, Cultura Viva and Música Mercè programmes. With stages returning to Bogatell beach and Rambla de Raval, new additions at Ronda de Sant Antoni and Zona Universitària, plus all the usual venues throughout the city, including Teatre Grec, Moll de la Fusta and Plaça Joan Coromines.

This year’s BAM events, promoting alternative music, identities and genres will come jam-packed with interesting proposals from emerging groups and artists that include Fotos de la Novia, La Queency and AL-V at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm; Luna Ki, Molly Nillson, and Bones of Minerva at Moll de la Fusta; and Cartel Madras and Pedro Mafama at Rambla de Raval.

Other confirmed highlights include the much-loved Catalan group Els Catarres on Friday 23, the legendary La Oreja de Van Gogh, also on Friday, La Pegatina on Saturday 24 and Lola Índigo on Sunday 25. Remember the full line-up will be released on 12 September, so keep your eyes peeled for more announcements.

Another new addition to La Mercè 2022 is the Jazz & Food Festival at Moll de la Fusta on Monday 26th. With a focus on local talent and female musicians, it promises to be the perfect plan to bring this brilliant festival to a close.

Tradition at La Mercè 2022

Just like in past years, Catalan traditions and customs will play a huge part in La Mercè 2022. Expect to see traditional dances such as la sardana, the wildly entertaining fire run – correfoc –parades of immense hand-crafted giants (capgroços) and falcons, and performances of the UNESCO-recognised castellers, or human towers.

What’s more, the guest city of La Mercè 2022 is Rome. Find influences of the Italian capital throughout the festival, with an open-air cinema at Plaça de la Mercè showing films by Italian directors, in addition to performances by Italian artists over the four days.

Be sure to check out the full programme on the official La Mercè 2022 website when it is released on 12 September for times and locations.

Closing ceremony La Mercè 2022

On Monday 26, the last night of La Mercè 2022, the festival will be brought to a grand close with the stunning Piromusical firework display to a curated soundtrack. And this year, it will take place at its usual location of l’Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, by the Magic Montjuic Fountain.

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Can’t wait to see you there!

What to do in Barcelona in June – Discover the best plans

Natàlia Gibernau

Wondering what to do in Barcelona in June? We’ve got you covered with the best plans in this article. The summer is here and you’ll be delighted to know, after two years of pandemic, it’s packed with amazing plans for all tastes, ages and budgets. Find out how to make the most of the longest days of the year!

From outdoor events, traditional festivities, art exhibitions, and – above all – an eclectic mix of music festivals and concerts, there’s something for everyone who doesn’t know what to do in Barcelona in June.

So here’s our list of what to do in Barcelona in June with our top 8 plans!

Barcelona in June - Primavera Sound
Barcelona in June – Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound ­– 1 June to 12 June

Parc del Fòrum, Carrer de la Pau, 12

Kicking off the month is Primavera Sound. After being postponed for two years, Barcelona’s biggest festival is back with two weeks packed full of the best music. Expect innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking beats signed by Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, The Strokes, Gorillaz, Massive Attack, Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more big names. Parc del Fòrum will come to life with buzzing live performances.

Fito & Fitipaldis – 4 June

Palau Sant Jordi, Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, 08038

The amazing Fito and his band take to the stage at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi, performing songs from their latest album alongside some of their biggest hits. An unmissable date for fans and a must on our list of what to do in Barcelona in June.

Festival dels Jardins de Pedralbes – 7 June to 24 July

Avinguda Diagonal, 686, 08034

We couldn’t not include one of the most-awaited music events of the year on our list of what to do in Barcelona in June. This festival here with big names in jazz, pop, rock and more, in the most magical setting that is the Pedralbes gardens. Kicked off on the 7 June by James Blunt, this year will feature live performances by Simply Red, Crystal Fighters, Madness and more. See you there!

Sónar – June 16 to June 18

Avda. Reina Maria Cristina, s/n, 08004 and Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908

A ground-breaking electronic music festival that since 1994 has been bringing together creativity, business, technology and music in Barcelona. With nearly 200 activities, this is not your average music festival and is among the best plans for what to do in Barcelona in June. Sónar Day will take place at Fira de Montjuïc from 1pm to midnight, and Sónar Night at Fira Gran Via l’Hospitalet from early evening to the early hours. Highlights include The Chemical Brothers, The Blaze, Bonobo and Barcelona’s own Maria Arnal i Marcel Bagés.

Verbena de Sant Joan – night of 23 June

As the month comes to a close, if you’re still wondering what to do in Barcelona in June, Sant Joan is a celebration you can’t miss. The night of the 23rd–24th June is the shortest night of the year, and everyone in Barcelona gets together to celebrate the magical summer solstice. Expect fireworks, bonfires, and beach parties until dawn. Don’t forget that the 24th is a bank holiday and many shops and stores will be closed.

Gay Pride Barcelona – 23 to 26 June

After two years without Pride in the city, the much-awaited extravagant, colourful and eclectic parade will take place on Saturday 25th at 5pm, starting at Placa Universitat and ending at Passeig Lluís Companys. This year’s incredible line-up will be released shortly, so keep your eyes peeled for fabulous events taking place throughout the city. Pride 2022 features top on our list of what to do in Barcelona in June!

World of Banksy – throughout June until December 2022

Espai Trafalgar, Carrer de Trafalgar, 34, 08010

After its success Paris, this exhibition with work by the mysterious Bristol-born urban artists hits Barcelona. Featuring some of the renowned street artist’s most popular pieces, including Girl With Balloon and Girl Frisking Soldier.

Festa Major del Casc Antic – end of June

The central old quarter, known as the Casc Antic in Catalan, celebrates a week of festivities every year at the end of June. Although this year’s date has yet to be confirmed, expect correfocs (fire runs), giants and live music in Barcelona’s most central and – arguably most beautiful – neighbourhood steeped in history.

We hope you enjoy our list of what to do in Barcelona in June! With tonnes of things to see and do, you’re sure to make the most of your stay in this fun-packed city.

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Barcelona carnival 2022 – Featured Activities

Natàlia Gibernau

Barcelona Carnival 2022 is here and it promises to be one of the biggest and best ever! Despite being the second carnival during the pandemic, this year Barcelona will host an array of fantastic and flamboyant activities brimming with colour and excitement from 24 February to 2 March.

Barcelona Carnival 2022 will bring freedom and fantasy to all districts in Barcelona, so don’t miss our complete guide to a range of featured activities for young and old!

Barcelona Carnival 2022
Barcelona Carnival 2022

Barcelona Carnival 2022: Thursday, 24 March

Just like every year, Barcelona Carnival 2022 will be kicked off on Jueves Lardero, or Fat Thursday. Traditionally, this last Thursday before Lent marks the start of the celebrations and feasting before the upcoming period of fasting.

El Arribo – 5:45 pm

This year, El Arribo opening ceremony will take place on La Rambla in honour of all those who work in kiosks, and will be presented by King Tòtil and Queen Belluga.

This magical parade will end at Palau de la Virreina to hold the much-awaited Taronjada. This rebellious event dates back to 1333 when the Council of One Hundred prohibited the throwing of oranges, and is celebrated this Barcelona Carnival 2022 with the throwing of orange confetti and fireworks.

Culinary events

Similar to past years, Barcelona Carnival 2022 will welcome an array of gastronomic events on Dijous Llarder, from omelette competitions, coca bread tasting events, show cooking, and much more.

Highlights include the truita tasting and concert at 6 pm at the Centre Cívic Font de la Guatlla, the Centre Cívic el Coll’s Fat Thursday for the elderly at 5 pm and La Violeta Omelette contest at 8pm. What’s more, anyone can take part in the ninth edition of Entruita’t’. Find more information about this online omelette competition here.

And whilst we’re on the topic of food, don’t forget to try the traditional coca de llardons: this pork crackling bread topped with pine nuts is one of the most typical sweet-and-savoury Barcelona Carnival 2022 treats.

Barcelona Carnival 2022: Friday, 25 March – Saturday, 26 March

On the 25th, Barcelona Carnival 2022 brings us a plethora of parades, or Rúas. With 30 in total around the entire city, you’ll be spoiled for choice. This year, Barcelona Carnival 2022 will bring the city’s Old Quarter to life with a special event for kids at 5.45 pm, with two colourful parades starting from Plaça de la Mercè and Plaça de la Acadèmia respectively, and ending in Plaça del Rei.

Highlights on Saturday 25th include the ‘Carnavalassu adult’ (5 pm) with a parade starting at Sant Felip Neri and ending at Avinguda Francesc Cambó. Gràcia’s main parade will start at 6 pm in the Jardinets de Gràcia and will end at Plaça de la Vila. And in Les Corts things get started at 4:30 pm in La Plaça Comas, and will finish with a chocolate event and entertainment for kids in Plaça de Can Rosés.

Unlike in other towns and cities, which save the best for Sunday, Barcelona on Saturday will be brimming with a range of parades, pageants and processions in addition to workshops, tasting events, costume parties and masquerades. There are so many events to choose from in fact, we recommend checking out the official city council website to find out what’s going on in your area.

Barcelona Carnival 2022: Wednesday, 2 March

In Christian cultures around the world, Ash Wednesday celebrates the start of Lent. Bringing Barcelona Carnival 2022 to a close will be the traditional “Burial of the Sardine”. This ritual marks the seven days of decadence and celebration and gives way to a time of sobriety and abstinence. This procession symbolises a burial of the past to make way for the new and is an event that cannot be missed.

This Barcelona Carnival 2022, there are eight different burials to choose from in the city, each with its own peculiar traditions. Catch parodies of funeral processions, the burning of the King of Carnival and community meals of… you guessed it – sardines!

Some highlights include the Centre Cívic de Guinardó’s New Orleans-style sardine burial at 5:30 pm and the burial of the King of Carnival at 7 pm at the Cotxeres de Sants auditorium, to bring this magical time to a close.

But wait… it’s not over yet! La Barceloneta will celebrate its very own Carnival the following weekend. So get ready for more fun and frivolities!

From bizFlats, we wish you a very merry Barcelona Carnival 2022!

Barcelona carnival poster

The oldest Barcelona Christmas Market, Fira de Santa LLúcia

Natàlia Gibernau

A visit to a Barcelona Christmas Market is the best way to sample the city’s Christmas Spirit.  The oldest one in the city is the Fira de Santa Llúcia – situated in front of the Barcelona Cathedral at Avinguda de la Catedral.  It’s right in the centre of city and full of seasonal hustle and bustle, while brimming with traditional Catalan Christmas trinkets and decorations for house and garden.


Barcelona Christmas Market
This Barcelona Christmas Market was created to celebrate the feast day of Santa LLúcia on December 13, but has now grown into a major part of the city’s Yuletide celebrations.  This year, it runs from November 26, through to December 23.

What to find in this Barcelona Christmas Market

There are over 250 stalls which are arranged in 4 distinct sections; Nativity Scenes & Figurines, Greenery and Plants (which includes fresh mistletoe for romantic visitors), Crafts & Fabrics and Traditional Musical Instruments.

It still is a very traditional Christmas market, but over time the Fira de Santa Llúcia has grown and grown.  Today, it supplies additional products like toys and games for the children as well as decorations, hand crafted gifts and artisan products.  Expect to see the traditional specialty on display, turrón, a baked cake of nougat made of honey, egg white and sugar with toasted almonds, or nuts with a rice paper coating. Buy two, so at least one gets to make its way home with you!

Among the many religious and more modern gift ideas, a few of the more traditional decorations items are on display and for sale.  However, no Barcelona Christmas market would be complete without the infamous Caganer figures, a key fixture for the Catalan nativity scene, referred to as ‘El Pesebre’.  This normally depicts a peasant defecating and the Caganer’s exact origins are pretty much unknown.  But there he is, often hidden away in the far corner of a nativity scene, typically nowhere near the manger or main characters.  The Catalan tradition is to have children find the hidden figure.

El Caganer - Barcelona Christmas Market

El Tió de Nadal

This leads to another fascinating tradition… the Tió de Nadal or Christmas log.  The children will recite a famous song about el Tió de Nadal and before beating the Tió all the kids have to leave the room to pray, asking for the Tió to deliver a lot of presents.  This makes the perfect excuse for the relatives to do the trick and put the presents under a blanket behind the Tió while the kids are praying.  The Tió is not for large gifts, as they are brought by the three Kings on January 6th, but they are used more for smaller, communal gifts, treats and dried fruits that are shared by the whole brood… all of which are on offer at this Barcelona Christmas market.

Tió de Nadal - Fira de Santa Llúcia

How to get to Fira de Santa Llúcia

Due to the traffic jams during christmas holidays, we recommend you to get there using public transport. If you take the Metro, you can stop in Jaume I station (L4) and walk 3 minutes until the Cathedral.

Also you can stop in Plaça Catalunya, go down Portal de l’Àngel and have a walk in the main shopping street of the city until you get to the Cathedral (10 minutes walking)

The best way to discover this Barcelona’s Christmas Market is to rent a beautiful apartment in the city centre close by all the Christmas action, then please see our apartments in Barcelona here and book your festive vacation in Barcelona with us.

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Sant Jordi 2020 – When and how will be celebrated?

Natàlia Gibernau

Books and Roses

A new date has been announced for Sant Jordi 2020. This year, given the current circumstances, the official Booksellers Guild and Florists Guild of Catalonia have decided to postpone this eagerly awaited event on the Catalan calendar in line with Government guidelines. 

Sant Jordi – which is normally celebrated every year on World Book Day on 23rdApril – will be postponed to 23rdJuly with the safety of all in mind. All events, workshops and readings will also be postponed to this date, in addition to the Sant Jordi discount on books.

The proposal of the Booksellers Guild and Florists Guild foresees limited stops and pre-organized book signings to comply with security measures and hygiene. The proposal for Sant Jordi 2020 is pending approval by Procicat and the corresponding municipalities. In Barcelona has been planned to install a thousand stops, for which will be needed the approval of the Municipal Events Commission.

In addition, queues and movement between stops will be regulated, for which a maximum space will be set. All visitors must come with a mask, respect the distance of 1.5 meters and follow the instructions on safety and hygiene given by the organization.

Sant Jordi 2020

Why is Sant Jordi so important?

If you’ve had the chance to experience this day in Barcelona before, you’ll understand just how important it is. It is a day on which the young and old alike take to the streets to buy their loved ones a gift. All the main streets of Barcelona are lined with bookstalls and on every corner you’ll find rose sellers selling single roses. 

The origin of this literary celebration is a popular story in many cultures and is based on the story of Sant Jordi and the dragon. To read more about its history and how it’s celebrated, check out our Sant Jordi article here.

Sant Jordi 2020 will definitely take place in a very different way than usual

Sant Jordi 2020 at home

Lovers of Sant Jordi don’t despair! If you don’t want to walk around to visit the different bookstalls on the 23rd of July, you can also celebrate Sant Jordi 2020 from home!

This year, Casa Batlló is encouraging the citizens of Barcelona to bring the magic of Sant Jordi into their own homes. Every year on this day, this beautiful Gaudí house inspired by the mythical dragon is normally adorned with hundreds of red roses. 

So, be sure to follow the #SantJordialBalcons (SantJordiBalconies) initiative on social media and join in from home by decorating your own balcony with pictures, roses, dragons and book covers. Avoid boredom by getting creative and painting, drawing and making together with your loved ones.

Sant Jordi at home

Remember to upload your pictures to social media with the above hash tag. The ten publications with the most likes will win a collection of children’s books. 

Supporting local booksellers

Additionally, don’t forget that it’s still possible to buy books online from local sellers. Thanks to the platform “LlibreriesObertes” (OpenBookstores), you can order your books and pick them up once the lockdown regulations have been lifted.

The initiative was launched in order to support these local publishers and bookstores during these times of hardship. With the objective of selling 30,000 books, these advance sales will ensure the survival of the city’s bookstores.

Sant Jordi 2020 - books

Check out the website here and help support Barcelona’s bookstores: https://llibreriesobertes.cat

These are days of reading from home, this is why we also recommend you also 8 books about Barcelona that you will love.

How will you be celebrating Sant Jordi 2020 this year? Let us know!

8 essential Catalan phrases you can’t visit Barcelona without knowing

Natàlia Gibernau

Do you want to learn basic Catalan phrases for your next trip to Barcelona? You may be thinking that you can just get by with Spanish or English, but if you really want to impress and get to know the locals, these essential Catalan words and phrases will go a long way.

Why not use your time at home over the next few weeks to brush up your language skills in one of Spain’s official languages and add some of these useful phrases to your repertoire.

Whether you’re greeting a friend, ordering food or buying souvenirs, we’ve definitely got you covered. Preparats (ready)? 

CATALAN PHRASES

Basic Catalan phrases to use in your next trip

Bon dia (bon dee-ah) / Bona tarda (bon-ah tard-ah)

Good morning / Good afternoon 

When strolling along the streets of Barcelona, you’ll definitely hear this phrase used again and again. Put a smile on any local’s face with this common greeting (used more than “hola”). Remember, the afternoon starts around lunchtime and lasts all the way until just before dinnertime – which is around 10 pm – so don’t be surprised if someone greets you with “bona tarda” at 8 pm!

Si us plau (see oos plow)  & Merci (mehr-see) 

Please & thank you

If you’ve visited Barcelona several times and are familiar with the Catalan language, you’ll know has some similarities with the French language. These two phrases will go a long way during your stay, so please use them abundantly. 

With “merci”, remember to put emphasis on the first syllable “mer–”as opposed to on the final syllable, like in French.

Note: “merci” is used a lot more than “gràcies” but please take into account is is colloquial.

De res (deh res) 

You’re welcome

If it makes it a little easier to remember, you can literally translate this phrase as “of nothing”. What’s more it’s just like the French (de rien) and Spanish (de nada).

Adéu (ah-deh-ou)

Goodbye

Whether your waving farewell to your new Catalan friends or simply saying goodbye to the owners of your new favourite restaurant, be sure to do so with a friendly and heartfelt “adéu”.

Bon profit! (bon pro-feet) 

Bon appetit!

The Catalans are a very courteous bunch, so don’t be surprised if you get total strangers declaring “bon profit” as you tuck into your meal at a local restaurant. 

Quant costa – ? (kwant coh-sta)

How much is –?

The chances are during your stay at some point you’ll be buying souvenirs, tickets for the museum or a little treat for yourself. Use this phrase and simply add whatever it is you’re asking for or point and say “això” (ay-shoh), which means “this”.

El compte, si us plau (el com-teh see oos plow)

The bill, please.

Show off your language skills and impress your friends by asking for the bill in Catalan at the end of your meal. If you really want to blend in with the locals, try switching this phrase for “Em cobres” (um cub-ras), which literally means “charge me” and is used much more frequently by Catalans.

Parles anglès? (par-las ang-less)?

Do you speak English?

Whilst the majority of locals speak very good English, this polite question is sure to make you many a new friend in the city. Not only will they be impressed with your Catalan skills, they’ll be grateful you are trying to learn their language.

While we’ve got you covered for the basics, we encourage you to download a learning app or grab a dusty phrase book from your shelf and get studying for your next trip to Barcelona! 

See you soon! Ens veiem aviat!

Some more bites

P.S. Below is a small list of other some additional vocabulary and Catalan phrases we’re sure will come in useful!

CATALAN  ENGLISH 
Bona nit  Good night 
Perdó  Sorry 
Esmorzar  Breakfast 
Dinar  Lunch
Sopar  Dinner
Esquerra  Left 
Dreta  Right 
Obert  Open 
Carrer  Street 
Plaça  Square 

We hope you liked these brief guide of basic Catalan Phrases! Ens veiem in Barcelona aviat! (See you soon in Barcelona) 🙂

Also you may find interesting to learn more about Catalan culture, traditions and gastronomy in the following articles:

8 Important Catalan Traditions

Experience Catalan Cuisine

A Monument to Catalan Identity: La Sagrada Familia Basilica