It’s been a long cold winter and a weird moody spring, but the strong sun and humidity are starting to emerge in Barcelona. Terrace tables are already unstacked, and people are already stepping out without a jacket. The city’s beaches really come into their own: it’s hot, almost too hot to sunbathe, noisy and crowded; so getting a table for a cold beer and a plate of fried prawns can be a real ‘mission impossible’ in the beach bars (chiringuitos).

I admit I am not selling the Barceloneta area very well to those who are not huge fans of the umpteen hundred pavement bars. However, those of you who are not fans of the sticky, humid, hot Barceloneta, can head uphill to Montjuic, south-west of the centre, along the zigzagging path behind the castle to the Caseta del Migdia. This is a great café-bar above the city, with tables and loungers beneath the trees. There are barbecues in the afternoons and DJs in the evening. From there you can head to Poble Espanyol (the fake Spanish Village) with a great variety of bars and Barcelona’s favourite alfresco club, La Terrazza. Hands-in-the-air action under the stars is guaranteed for those of you who are fans of high quality house music.

Summer is also the time for big festivals in Barcelona. Here are some of the major events happening throughout the summer:

Sant Joan
(23^rd of June, all over Barcelona)

This is a crazy, noisy night where the streets become a terrifying warzone of firecrackers, loud music and piles of alcohol. Actually, this is how here in Barcelona, we welcome the beginning of Summer! On the night of the 23^rd, there are bonfires and firework displays all over the city, especially on the beach until dawn. Cava and coca – flat, crispy bread with candied fruit – are consumed in abundant amounts during this day. Metro and trains run all night long. Be careful though: the 24^th of June is a holiday, so make sure you do your grocery shopping in advance!

 Festa Major
(happening across different neighbourhoods in Barcelona throughout the summer)

Throughout the summer, each of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods holds its festa major, which normally kicks off with a huge public dinner for the residents of the barrio, followed by live music until late into the night. These festivities last a couple of days and the activities vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, however they usually include a correfoc (fire-running, where huge dragons and locals dressed as devils chase the crowd and breathe sparks over the people), parade of giants, and even more live music. The biggest festa major is the one in Gràcia at the end of August, which also includes a street-decoration competition.

Música als parcs
(Various venues in Barcelona from June until late August)

This is a series of free outdoor concerts in different parks in Barcelona. Jazz concerts are usually held from June to August on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10pm in Ciutadella park. In July, young musicians perform varied classical concert programs in different parks across the city.

Sala Montjuic
(Outdoor cinema on Montjuic during July)

Three times a week throughout July the grassy area in front of the Montjuic castle is transformed into an outdoor cinema. Bring a picnic and turn up early for the jazz band. A free bus service runs from Espanya metro from 8.30-9.30PM and after the film.

Festes de la Mercè
(24th of September, all around Barcelona)

The end of summer is marked with huge, week-long festivities, plus a showcase for the best and strangest Catalan traditions: from all-day competitions of castellers (human castles) in the Plaça Sant Jaume to the correfoc (the fire-running).

Make sure you spend an unforgettable Summer in Barcelona!

Blogger: Lubi

 

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