Here are just some of the many events happening in Catalonia. We will update the list regularly, so you can plan a few months ahead. Will will of course be visiting a few of them ourselves, so check out the blog for new posts. As always we are happy to help any visitor to our region, so please feel free to drop us a line at info@kmatourism.com or use the comment box below.
MARCH 2011
3rd – Festival of Sant Medir: This cute festival is celebrated in the lovely barrio of Gracia in Barcelona each year. Various groups or ‘colles’ from Gracia parade around the streets on horseback or on lorries, usually with a musical band in tow, throwing sweets to the watching crowds. In the evening there is a set parade route which finishes on the Gran de Gracia, the main street through this part of town. As the kmatourism office is right in the middle of it all, we will be out there with a camera to bring you the action!
webpage (in Catalan) http://www.federaciodecollesdesantmedir.cat/
related postcards: saints, sweets and horse poo! & sant medir 2011, gracias gracia
6th – Barcelona Marathon: Why anyone would want to run 26 miles anywhere is a bit beyond me, but people insist on doing it and Barcelona’s annual marathon is well attended and follows a fabulous route through the city. So, whilst leaving the trainers and stretchy shorts in the cupboard we will get up early on this Sunday morning to take a few pics.
webpage (in English) http://www.barcelonamarato.es/index_i.php
related postcards: blisters, bibs and barcelona & barcelona marathon 2011
26th, 27th & 28th - Barcelona to Sitges Car Rally: If old cars is your thing, then this event is not to be missed. It is the 53rd running of the event and the best time to see the entrants is on the Saturday when they will all gather in front of the Arco de Triumfo in Barcelona. On the Sunday they depart from Placa Sant Jaume at 11.00am and head south to Sitges. On the final day they all head off to the race track in Sant Pere de Ribes to do a few laps of the bowl circuit.
webpage (in Spanish) http://www.rallyesitges.com/?sect=1
APRIL 2011
18th to 24th – Barcelona Open Tennis: A firm favourite on the mens pro tennis circuit, it is a chance to see the sport’s best known stars in action. Rafa Nadal has confirmed he will compete this year and with first round tickets as little as 24€ it is a cheap day out.
webpage (in English) http://www.barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com/index.php
23rd – Sant Jordi: If you happen to be anywhere in Catalonia on this day don’t panic when you are confronted by hundreds of book stalls and even more rose sellers. This is the Saint Day of Catalonia and the locals celebrate with the entirely un PC tradition of buying a book (for your chap) or a rose (for your lady). Although you can grab a bargain with regards to the books, needless to say the price of a rose rockets until about 7pm when some last minute selling takes place. For more on the history of this special day please visit our post from last year.
http://kmapostcards.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/the-dragon-a-knight-a-rose-and-a-book/
MAY 2011
19th to 22nd – Formula 1 Grand Prix: The Formula 1 circus comes to town! Held at the Circuit de Catalunya in Granollers, there are three practice days, including qualifying, before the main event on the Sunday afternoon. With crowds usually topping 100,000 it really is a fantastic chance to see the best of the best in terms of motorsport. The webpage has all the info you could possibly need to come to the event including online ticket sales.
webpage (in English) http://www.circuitcat.com/HOME/
25th to 29th – Primavera Sound: The first big music event of the year is based at Poble Español and the Parc del Forum in Barcelona. With groups from all over the world in attendance, it is a great way to warm up for the summer festival season. Acts include Echo and the Bunnymen, Pulp and James Blake.
webpage (in English) http://www.primaverasound.com/ps/?page=home&lang=en
JUNE 2011
3rd to 5th – Moto GP Catalonia: After the four wheel boys last month, the Catalonia circuit hosts the lunatics on just two! Yes Pedrosa, Stoner, Lorenzo and Rossi are in town for this motorbike extravaganza. Three days of high speed excitement.
webpage (in English) http://www.motogp.com/en/events/Catalunya/2011
16th to 18th – Sonar 2011: Sónar is the festival of advanced music and multimedia art that takes place at various venues in Barcelona. Started in 1994 this pioneering event showcases avant garde and experimental performers. Confirmed so far are M.I.A. Die Antwood and Boys Noize to name a few.
facebook (in English) http://www.facebook.com/SonarFestivalOfficialPage#!/SonarFestivalOfficialPage?sk=wall
23rd – The Night of San Joan: The craziest night of the year in Barcelona. Celebrating the festival of St John the Baptist on midsummer’s eve, this is not to be missed. Basically it involves partying hard and letting off as many fireworks as you can get your hands on. There are several ‘official’ displays up and down the coast, but ‘doing your own thing’ is much more the norm, just don’t wear anything flammable!
For all the latest from Catalonia visit our home page http://kmapostcards.wordpress.com/
Note: kmapostcards and kmatourism are not responsible for external websites or changes made to scheduling. All the above information is provided in good faith for our blog visitors.
