Often quirky and always heartfelt, our Catalan traditions are alive and well in Barcelona, side by side with all the latest modernity. We make sure to cover them to add to your enjoyment of our city.
’Tis the season of eating onions charred over live fire… In a previous post, we talked about the best places around Barcelona to find a calçotada. Yet, in a quarter century of at least one or two calçotades a year, I probably only have ever had 2-3 in a restaurant. Funny thing was that I would just order off the regular menu while the rest of the party would eat the calçotada menu, like I was purposely avoiding it. More about this later.
From humble beginnings in the “Golden Triangle” of Valls, Reus and Tarragona, the tradition has now spread through most of Catalonia, in restaurants, and more important, at home. It has even reached further afield with calçotades available in Madrid, London or Rotterdam; even Anthony Bourdain featured a calçotada on his “No Reservations” tv show.
https://dailymotion.com/video/x2iprlx
A dear friend went as far as to throw a big calçotada party for all his friends in Orange County, USA to celebrate his 50th birthday! Nowadays, every company, social club or group of friends worth its salt has its yearly calçotada – the social aspects of the calçotada are key to its success – if you are anew arrival in Catalonia, no doubt you’ll get an invite to a calçotada – go for it!
Back to the real calçotada, the homemade – the feast lends itself quite well to doing it at home in an outdoor setting. First time I was ever invited for a calçotada, it was in Sitges at the home of my parent’s friends, and it was a friend of theirs from Valls who came over as the expert – an early sign that the ritual was expanding outside its homeland. He brought the equipment, a large reversible grill with different length legs allowing the grill to be higher for flaming the calçots and lower for grilling meat over coals. However, the most important bit of kit that he brought along was the recipe for the sauce: salsa de calçots. Any veteran will tell you it’s the heart and soul of the calçotada, getting it right is an art, too runny and it doesn’t stick to the calçots, too thick and it takes forever to dip. Starting from the basics of almonds and hazelnuts, roasted tomato, raw and roasted garlic and nyora (a type of slightly hot pepper), each chef adds their own touch, and the recipe becomes a closely guarded secret.
Just last week, with a group of friends we had a calçotada out in the country, very near my hometown of Artesa de Segre, just under the village of Montsonís with its castle looming over us. It was a perfect spring day, kids roaming freely all over thefields, making friends with random dog who just appeared, adults poking fun at a neighbour who was air-drying her multi-coloured thongs, and of course, grilling those calçots on a very original barbecue pit. It was a perfect day, but I still couldn’t get Agnès to tell me the (secret) recipe for the salsa de calçots.
Perhaps you don’t know yet what calçots are, but you’ve almost certainly smelled them if you’ve been walking in the streets of Catalonia lately and caught a whiff of burnt onions. Don’t worry, nobody has left the stove on, we’re just cooking calçots! It is known that us Catalans love any reason to host a get-together with friends and family, and in the winter months, calçots are why people come together and eat. To visitors of Barcelona, this may seem baffling: how can there be so much excitement behind a scorched onion? Well, read on to learn more about this distinctly Catalan tradition!
What are calçots?
Calçots (pronounced: kal-SOTS) are a Catalan delicacy originating from Tarragona, and is somewhat of a cross between a scallion and a leek, that can grow to about 25 cm long. The annual harvest is during the winter season, from January to April, and is celebrated with “calçotadas”, where friends and family gather around to eat this wildly popular dish.
The calçots are bundled tight onto an open-fire grill, and charred for about five minutes on each side until blackened, then wrapped in newspaper to keep warm and served on a red terracotta roof tile – an absolutely humble and no frills dish, and oh so tasty.
The ritual of eating calçots is messy business, but that’s half the fun! Roll up your sleeves, put on your paper bib (yes you’ll look a bit funny but so will everyone else) and get started by peeling the charred black layers of the calçot off piece by piece, until you get to the tender sweet pearly white center. Dunk it generously into the bright red romescu sauce, dangle it over your head, open wide, and chomp right into it. By the end of it, you’ll smell of onions, and have dirty black hands, plus a messy red-stained bib to wear as your badge of honour!
Find your Menu Calçotada in Barcelona
To make a full “calçotada” feast out of it, some restaurants offer a “Menu Calçotada” option, here you get calçots with romescu, plus a choice of barbequed meats like “butifarra” sausages, lamb or veal. Some establishments include toast, white beans, potatoes, and maybe even desserts like catalan cream, or honey with cottage cheese. All of the above is usually offered for a very reasonable price of 25 – 35 euros per person, which will leave your belly full and satisfied. Wash it all down with a “porró” or two of local red wine too.
Best restaurants near Barcelona to eat calçots – Countryside farms
The most authentic way to enjoy calçots is at rural restaurants or countryside farms, which also makes for a fun mountain getaway. Be sure to book ahead as it can get busy. Here are our top three recommendations:
Masia Can Vilallonga (Carrer Oceà Atlàntic, 80, 08173 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona)
Located off the beaten path near an equestrian club in Sant Cugat del Vallès, this family farmhouse dates from the 14th century and has a wonderful mix of modern and rustic design, with a backdrop of beautiful green fields and countryside. Outdoor seating available.
Can Carbonell (Carrer Muntanya, s/n, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona)
Offering rustic and hearty Catalan fare, this typical Masía catalane specializes in calçots. It’s charming fireplaces and wooden ceilings will transport you back in time to the 13th Just a 15 minute drive from Barcelona.
Can Borrell (Carretera d’Horta a Cerdanyola BV-1415, Km 3, 08171 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona)
Catalan cuisine with an idyllic setting in the heart of the Collserola National Park. Oak embers are used in their open-fire grills to give the calçots a wonderful smoky flavor.
Best restaurants in Barcelona to eat calçots – Restaurants in Barcelona
If you haven’t got an entire day to spare, there are some great restaurants in Barcelona city center which offer calçots too. Here are our rankings:
El Jardí de l’Àpat (Carrer d’Albert Llanas, 2, 08024 Barcelona)
Their elevated terrace offers a magnificent view, and is surrounded by ancient trees and garden, giving a sense of privacy and serenity in the hustle and bustle of the city. Park Güell is nearby for an after dinner stroll.
Taverna El Glop (Carrer de Sant Lluís, 24, 08012 Barcelona)
Opened since 1970s, their checkered tablecloths, and wooden chairs will have you feeling just as if you’re in the countryside, with the convenience of being located in Gràcia neighbourhood.
L’Antic Forn (Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 28, 08001 Barcelona)
Just two blocks from Las Ramblas, this is a wonderful little restaurant tucked away in a side alley, with affordable prices and friendly service the establishment is frequented by locals.
Have you tried calçots yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Which are the best things to do in Barcelona in December? The Christmas agenda is jam-packed with fun and interesting things to do and see. Below we select a few things to do you can’t miss:
Things to do in Barcelona in December: Christmas Concerts
As you’d expect, Barcelona has many open-air concerts during the festive season. Plaça del Rei hosts some of the best ones on a medieval square. It is situated in the Gothic Quarter and you will also find the Palau Reial (Royal Palace), Tinell Salo, the Chapel of St. Agatha and the Torre del Rey Martí. Also most of the city’s churches have things to do in December such as traditional religious events and classical music recitals. We recommend the St. Stephen’s Day Christmas concert at the magnificent Palau de la Música concert hall in Barcelona. A beloved annual Christmas event in Barcelona by The Orfeó Català choir and other choirs.
If architecture and music is your thing during your stay, then you must include this a visit to El Palau de la Música. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, El Palau Música Catalana is styled in a similar theme to that of Gaudí’s work, but more functional in contrast to many other buildings built in the modernism style throughout the city. The design of the Palau is typical of Catalan modernism.
Visit the most important Christmas Markets in Barcelona
Barcelona organizes many traditional and not-so tradition Christmas Markets (Mercats de Nadal). They’re excellent places to get some great Catalan traditional gifts, Christmas themed decorations and artisan food products. They are one of the most important things to do in Barcelona in December and are open throughout the holiday period. We recommend the oldest market, Fira de Santa Llúcia at Barcelona Cathedral or the largest one,Fira de Reis a la Gran Vía, which run along this main road between its junctions with Carrer Calabria and Carrer Comte Urgell. For more information read our article about the oldest Christmas Markets in Barcelona
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
If you are lucky enough to be visiting during the city’s busy New Year Celebrations, then your things to do in Barcelona in December list must include a visit to PlaçaEspanya to fully experience the Catalan New Year traditions. Get there early as the crowds will be massive as they wait for midnight to come and see in the New Year with grapes and cava – when the midnight bells toll you must eat a grape with every dong, and simultaneously take a sip of cava, 12 times in total, to ensure you have a lucky and prosperous 2018. There will also be the best fireworks show the city has to offer.
Christmas Shopping
If you are here in the search for the perfect gift for loved ones, then a visit to one of Barcelona’s shopping hotspots has to be among the things to do in Barcelona in December. We recommend the luxury shops all along the Passeig de Gràcia for top-end items. If you have time, there is the famous La Roca Shopping Village located just outside the visit for more top brands and luxury gifts at factory outlet prices. Plaça de Catalunya is also a great place to discover traditional Catalan Christmas themes and high street retail brands situated around the city’s largest square.
Barcelona Michelin Star Tapas Walking Tour
Things to do in Barcelona in December has to include Tapas, and what better way to experience the best tapas with Barcelona’s Michelin Star Tapas Experience. Your guide will take you to two very different restaurants, which are owned by Michelin-starred chefs and that represent different regions of Spain to try various tapas dishes and wines. The tour last for three hours and whilst also getting to sample some the best tapas in the city, the guide will also share some other culinary places of interest to discover during your stay.
So If you are choosing Barcelona as your Christmas destination this year, then there is no better option for your stay than renting one of our cozy apartments. Please see our selection here and book your accommodation with us.
Desde el año 2015, la propia UNESCO ha nombrado a Barcelona “Ciudad de la Literatura”.
Ello sólo es la corroboración de que esta ciudad ha sido desde hace mucho tiempo una de las ciudades que da a los libros una importancia significativa. Barcelona es la capital editorial del mundo de habla hispana y es una de las pocas ciudades en que hay una festividad completamente dedicada a los libros y la literatura.
La Diada de Sant Jordi es y será siempre la festividad más emblemática de la primavera barcelonesa, y un momento en el que más allá del eslogan de “libros y rosas”, la literatura es la protagonista de un evento reconocido internacionalmente y que es parte innegable de la imagen que Barcelona ofrece. Si la literatura es la imagen frontal de este evento, hablaremos de las novedades editoriales que podremos disfrutar en este abril en Barcelona.
Sant Jordi cada año nos trae las mejores novedades literarias
Estrellas ascendentes
Este año la diada de Sant Jordi se acompañará de eventos culturales adicionales, incluyendo un festival nocturno en la plaza comercial del Born, denominado “Nit del Drac”. Gracias a esta organización, varios autores estarán presentes en la ciudad y presentarán sus obras esperando cautivar a los apasionados de la literatura. Entre estos nombres, hay dos estrellas literarias ascendentes que vale la pena seguir y por supuesto, leer sus obras:
Los cuentos de Sara Mesa
A pesar de que la joven autora sevillana, Sara Mesa, fue galardonada en los inicios de su carrera por su obra en verso, son sus cuentos lo que le ha dado un reconocimiento nacional e internacional. En el año 2015 recibió el Premio Ojo Crítica de la Narrativa y ello ha potenciado la presencia editorial de su obra.
Este año 2017 presenta una edición revisada de su premiada obra “Un incendio invisible”, además de seguir promocionando su libro “Mala Letra”, publicado en el año 2016.
Rodrigo Fresán y la metaliteratura
Para los apasionados de una literatura que habla a la vez de tópicos universales y de sí misma, introspectiva y compleja, “La Parte Soñada” del autor argentino les viene como anillo al dedo. En este texto recién publicado en marzo de este año, el autor rehace y deshace a la literatura contemporánea. Este escritor detalla sus certezas dándole a su texto literario una forma pulida, dándole voz a una época en la que lo único válido es el silencio. También es una oportunidad para redescubrir sus otras obras como “Jardines de Kensington” y “La parte inventada”.
Recordando a Gloria Fuertes
En conmemoración de los cien años del nacimiento de Gloria Fuertes, hay dos libros a los cuales merece poner la pena: “Me crece la barba”, que es una antología poética y una bellísima antología, editada por Jorge de Cascante: “El libro de Gloria Fuertes. Antología de poemas y vida”.
Max Basora y la presencia catalana
No podía faltar una presencia local en una fiesta que es tan significativa en la cultura de la ciudad de Barcelona. Este año los reflectores estarán sobre el escritor Max Basora, autóctono de la propia ciudad de Barcelona y multifacético autor que estará presentando su libro en catalán “Aventures i desventures de l’insòlit i admirable Joan Orpí, conquistador i fundador de la Nova Catalunya”. ¿Suena interesante? También será una oportunidad de descubrir (o redescubrir) su primera novela corta “Volcano” que fue un absoluto éxito de la crítica.
Novedades Editoriales En Ciencia Ficción
Hay muchas novedades internacionales que seguramente estarán presentes en la Sant Jordi. Recordando que este año la festividad es domingo, ello dará la oportunidad a muchas personas de recorrer librerías a placer, y los fanáticos de este género no serán la excepción. Autores como los siguientes, tendrán nuevas publicaciones en el abril barcelonés:
Ken Liu
Brandon Sanderson
Cixin Liu
Peter Tieryas
Steven Erikson
Autores consolidados: Rosa Montero
La diada también puede ser la oportunidad de revisitar la obra de autores consolidados en el gusto del público y protagonistas del mundo editorial barcelonés como Rosa Montero. Su último libro “La carne” publicado en 2016 seguramente figurará protagónico en la oferta literaria de la fiesta del libro, y si hay quienes aún no hayan caído en las redes de esta maravillosa autora española, seguro lo harán al probar la exquisitez de su pluma y su manejo de la palabra.
Jaume Cabré y su esperado retorno literario
El autor Jaume Cabré ha tomado su tiempo para escribir esta fuerte serie de cuentos que buscan explorar las emociones más oscuras del ser humano. Su título en catalán “Quan arriba la penombra” y “Cuando llega la penumbra” en castellano, nos deja entrever que son trece cuentos que se asoman al lado oscuro de la vida, personajes que enfrentan periodos complicados, ladrones, suicidas, rebeldías… historias que no buscan moralizar sino mostrar crudamente la violencia y su origen y efecto en el individuo y la sociedad. A no perderse, además de que su publicación el 5 de abril cae justo para la Sant Jordi.
Algo diferente
Y en una nota especial, Marc Pastor presenta su libro “Farishta”, una compleja novela que nos lleva a seguir la vida de una huérfana de un héroe afgano y a la vez nos embebe con la historia de cosas que suceden en la polinesia francesa.
Estas novedades y ofrecimientos culturales y literarios acompañarán un programa que incluye presentaciones de la reconocida dramaturga francesa Yasmina Reza (encargada del tradicional pregón) y una serie de festividades de otras artes que soportan cual pilares el papel protagónico de la literatura como medio de unión social y de enriquecimiento personal que define a la Diada de Sant Jordi.
¿Visitas Barcelona en Abril? Entonces aprovecha tu estancia en un cómodo loft en esta ciudad para descubrir toda la variada y novedosa oferta literaria que hemos descrito y que es la punta del iceberg de una multitud de lanzamientos y novedades editoriales que pintarán el rostro de la tradicional festividad de Sant Jordi: libros y rosas para este 2017.
Why not end 2021 on a high with Barcelona’s 10K Cursa dels Nassos on December 31st?
On the last day of each year, Barcelona’s streets buzz with anticipation for the eagerly anticipated Cursa dels Nassos which sees the city become awash with shades of fluorescent Lycra as residents and visitors to the city gather together for this spectacular sporty affair. The race (not to be confused with Sant Cugat’s Sant Silvestre Barcelonesa race which operates on a smaller scale outside the city), is a hugely important fixture on the Catalan calendar and is the second largest of its kind in Spain. The unusually named event honors a legendary figure who is said to have as many noses as days of the year. According to folklore, the noses man (home dels nassos) sheds a nose every day, leaving him with only one nose on New Year’s Eve for when he finally leaves his house. The Cursa dels Nassosis a must for anyone interested in running and welcomes an impressive 14,000 runners (maximum) from over 50 countries every year.
Although the Cursa dels Nassos is a pretty speedy affair (11 athletes completed it in under 30 minutes last year), anyone over the age of 16 can take part by simply registering online and turning up on the day. There is also a race category for people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and wheelchair users. The route starts on Selva de Mar street in the Sant Marti district of Barcelona and takes runners through some of the most beautiful parts of the city. The Cursa dels Nassos is an undeniably brilliant way to spend the last day of the year and, with a 17:30 start time, it leaves you plenty of time to put your glad rags on for the evening’s celebrations.
The tradition of running on New Year’s Eve began in 1925 when a journalist in São Paulo (Brazil), inspired by a night race he had seen in Paris, decided to hold his own event. The race was named La Corrida de São Silvestre de São Paulo. It started at 23:40 on December 31st and finished in the early hours of January 1st 1926. Over the years the race gained in profile until Spaniard Antonio Sabugueiro decided to replicate it in Madrid, creating what is now known as San Silvestre Valle. Nowadays, similar events are held across Spain in cities such as Beasain and Vitoria.
So, if the Cursa dels Nassos whets your appetite for running and all things Lycra, you’ll be pleased to know that there are loads of organised races taking place in Barcelona during 2017.
Barcelona running events during the year
February – eDreams Mitja Marató de Barcelona
This is Barcelona’s second largest running event which saw 12,493 participants last year and is also open to wheelchair users. Water stations are placed approximately every 5 kilometers and there are bag storage facilities available. Note, there is a maximum completion time of 2 hours 45 minutes, so if your approach to running is slow and steady or you are new to the sport, this might not be the one for you!
March – Zurich Marató de Barcelona
This marathon started in 1977 and is fast becoming an important fixture on the international running calendar for its flat and scenic route around the beautiful city of Barcelona. There are water points, massage services and showers available to runners and refreshment stations available around the course.
May – Cursa de Bombers
This 10 kilometer race is a hugely popular event organised by Nike Runningand the city of Barcelona which accepts up to 20,000 runners – of which there are usually around 400 firefighters. Traditionally the race involved relay teams of four firemen where each member ran a 2.5 kilometer leg of the route in full firefighting gear weighing up to 20 kg to compete against other teams of firefighters. The Cursa de Bombers is an unmissable event for runners on the international athletics calendar and has been awarded the Bronze Label from the IAAF International Athletics Association.
So, with the Cursa dels Nassos and so many running events on offer in the city, make this New Year’s Eve and 2022 your year to get running!
Whether you´re simply passing through Barcelona in December or planning a more extended stay, we´ve compiled a list of unmissable events to mark the festive season. Keep reading, there are several things to do in Barcelona at Christmas.
Barcelona at Christmas: Must See events and must do activities
The Nativity Scene, Plaça de Sant Jaume
Every December Plaça de Sant Jaume comes alive with a giant nativity scene (Pessebre). Whilst all the traditional characters are represented (as well as Catalunya´s traditional Caganer or pooing man), they appear in different guises with the exception of the three kings. The nativity scene takes on a different theme each year and this year sees a more modern twist to the traditional setting with nine giant globes.
Christmas Markets in Barcelona
The Christmas market on Avinguda de la Cathedral, known locally as the Fira de Santa Llúcia, is another Barcelona must see at Christmas. It runs from 25th November until 23rd December, and, located in the heart of the Gothic quarter, offers the perfect setting to soak up the festive atmosphere. Here you can get your hands on some Catalan souvenirs such as él caganer (pooing man to go in the Nativity scene) or El Tió de Nadal (present-pooing log). However, if you prefer to pick up your Christmas gifts in a more intimate setting, make your way to smaller markets such as the Sagrada Familia market, The Three Kings Fair on Gran Via or the neighbourhood markets of Sants and Pedrables.
Xocolata amb Xurros in Barcelona
When thinking about chocolate with churros, it´s impossible not to think about the sweetest street in the city, Carrer de Petritxol, next to Plaça del Pi in the Gothic quarter. There you will find the best chocolatiers in the city such as La Dulcinea and La Pallaresa.
The Kings Parade, January 5th
The Kings Parade (La Cavalgada de Reis) is a procession where the three kings arrive in Barcelona on their impressive floats with their royal pages. They parade around the whole city handing out thousands of sweets from 18:00-21:00 before continuing their night´s work of delivering presents to children across the world. On this day, children go to bed early in the hope of waking up to find the presents they had asked for in a letter to the kings. According to tradition, children who have behaved badly during the year will receive coal.
Music and More
For a more relaxed way to get into the Christmas spirit, head to Palau de Musica, Liceu Opera House and Cathedral de Santa Maria del Mar for a variety of Christmas concerts. For those visitors with younger children, Poble Espanyol is packed with family-friendly events throughout December.
So, be sure not to miss out on these Barcelona must see Christmas events, there are loads of things to do in Barcelona at Christmas, and remember, we have several apartments in Barcelona that will make your holidays unforgettable, take a look!
Catalonia is known for it´s often unusual traditions and Christmas time in the region is no exception. This article explains the mystery of two important figures that appear in the festive season – El Caganer and El Tió de Nadal.
El Caganer
Often found among the more traditional Nativity scene setting is El Caganer (or the crapper). This funny figure, which traditionally takes the form of a gnome-type figurine, is often depicted in a red cap (barretina) with his trousers down and defecating! This bare-bottomed figure is said to bring good luck and his popularity has spread in recent years. El Caganer can be seen throughout Catalonia as well as other areas of Spain (Murcia), Portugal and Italy (Naples).
Nowadays, caganer figures are available in many different forms, including key politicians, football players, and even the pope (!) and are available to buy at Barcelona´s Christmas markets.
The origin of the Caganer isn´t entirely clear but he is believed to have appeared in Nativity scenes by the late 17th Century. Some claim that his faeces represent the fertilizing of the Earth within the Nativity scene and consequently ensuring that the scene would be fertile for the following year. Others claim he is a response to comtemporary social issues such as immigration and some claim El Caganer borders on blasphemy. The Caganer is largely tolerated in Catholic counties but opinion is divided as to whether Caganers are totally appropriate in Nativity scenes.
El Tió de Nadal
El tió de Nadal is a popular fixture throughout Catalonia at Christmas. El Tió is quite literally a smiley pooing Christmas log with a red Catalan beret, perched on stick legs and covered by a blanket. Children traditionally look after El Caga tió from 8th December (Dia de la Immaculada Concepció) until Christmas Eve, when he is placed by a fireplace and sung to. Whilst singing, children hit this cheerful pooing log with a stick before leaving the room to pray for presents (at which point, parents sneakily place presents under the blanket). Upon returning, children are met with a load of presents (typically sweets) that have been pooed out of the log.
The Tió de Nadal, now available to buy in Christmas markets across Barcelona, dates back several centuries to a time when the fireplace was a central part of family life. Traditionally, the log was burned after Christmas celebrations were over and its ashes scattered on the crops to promote fertility.
So, get ready to celebrate this festive season Catalan-style and be sure to pick up your very own Caganer or Tió de Nadal at the Christmas markets in December!
La Mercè, which celebrates the city’s patron saint (the Virgin of Mercy) from the 22nd to 25th of September, is Barcelona’s biggest festival and arguably one of the finest ways to experience Catalan culture. Legend states that a year after saving Barcelona from a plague of locust in 1687, the Virgin of Mercy was canonised and has been celebrated ever since. This spectacular festival, which officially first took place in 1902, marks the end of summer with a series of unmissable events at venues across the city. Here are just some of the festival’s highlights.
Opening and Closing Ceremoniesof La Mercè
Get into La Mercè spirit at the opening ceremony held at Plaça Sant Jaume where visitors will be treated to a show with giants and monsters dancing on stage. The end of La Mercè is marked by the Piromusical grand finale by the Magic Fountain at the foot of Montjuïc. Piromusical: 25th September, 22:00, Reina Maria Cristina Avenue.
Castellers
Plaça de Sant Jaume plays host to one of La Mercè’s most popular and impressive events, the Castellers (human towers) in which groups of Castellers compete to build the highest possible human tower, which is subsequently climbed by a child. 24th September 12:30
Gegants
Els Gegants (giants parade) is another event ideally pitched for families and features huge effigies of Kings and Queens marching through the streets, often to the sounds of small percussion groups. 24th September 11:00, Plaça de Sant Jaume.
Sardana Dance and Ball de Bastons
No Catalan festival would be complete without Sardana dancing. This traditional dance reflects Catalan unity and pride and can be witnessed in front of the Cathedral on 22nd September at 19,00. Head to Plaça de Sant Jaume on 23rd and you can also witness the Ball de Bastons (stick dance). This folk dance, similar to Morris dancing found in England and Wales, is conducted in row formation with dancers carrying one or two sticks.
Correfoc for adults and kids
In the evenings, the city is lit up with a famous projection show repeated at various intervals at Plaça de Sant Jaume. One of La Mercè’s most thrilling events is the Correfoc (fire runs). Certainly not for the feint-hearted, the Correfoc features community groups dressed as devils who run the streets of Barcelona with hand-held fireworks and bangers, accompanied by fire-breathing dragons. If you plan on attending the ‘adult’ Correfoc, held after the more harmless junior event, protective clothing is advisable as some fireworks are hurled directly at the crowds! 25th September,Via Laietana, junior event 18:30, adult event 20:30
You can check the whole program of La Mercè 2016 where you will find hundreds of activities.
If you are planning to come to Barcelona during La Mercè and you are looking for an apartment in Barcelona, do not hesitate to check our website
