Sant Jordi in Barcelona

The 23th of April which is internationally known as the World Book Day is called The Day of Saint George (Diada de Sant Jordi in Catalan) and is a very special day here in Catalonia. Now what does it mean “ a special day”? We might say that it is known as a day similar to Valentine’s Day because of its romantic sense, but the Catalans take the day of  Sant Jordi as a day that is culturally closer to their hearts. Also, while Valentines Day is often recognized as a lovers day, Sant Jordi runs in larger circles, such as friends, family or in some cases even between strangers on the street; these days everyone chooses to whom they will direct their attention to.

 

But what does Sant Jordi really mean? Most people may say that the tradition of celebrating this day is related to Sant Jordi who is the patron saint of Catalonia from the 15th century; the tradition of celebrating this day also leads back to that time. Another origin comes from the story of Sant Jordi defeating a dragon and saving a princess that was chosen to be fed to the dragon as a sacrifice. In addition, in 1926 Spain declared the 23rd of April as a Book Day after the anniversary of the death of the writer Miguel de Cervantes by the example of England that had respected the same day as the death of Shakespeare.

The way of showing your kindness or affection to someone on that day is also   noteworthy.      Traditionally men give women a rose and receive a book as a present from women. That is why we suggest You to take a long walk around the city on that day because You can notice the way people live Sant Jordi. If You take a walk to the center of the town, or in any other areas around Barcelona, You will notice special offers and book sets laid out by the local book stores, but also florists that sell flowers on the corners of the streets more than usually. It is a day that fills the air with different feelings, but most of all, You can feel a special cultural vibe from the local people who like this day very much. 

Take a part of the local experience with the traditions of Sant Jordi during Your stay in Barcelona, You won’t regret it. 

Carnival in Barcelona 2014

The Carnival time in Barcelona is the time of joy and celebration. It ends with the Ash Wednesday and is traditionally known as the “last celebration” before the 40-day period of the Lent, run up to Easter. “El Carnaval” in Spanish, starts on the 27^th of February with the “Fat Thursday”.  As the name itself tells, this day is all about eating and drinking. The first parades are celebrated with the arrival of the King of the Carnival and this celebration also opens the whole Carnival celebration week.

On the following days there are also many parades held in different areas of Barcelona where many decorated and colorful  carriages and carnival groups move down the streets of the city. It is usual to dress up; there are different markets where people can try food in the local places, listen to the music, dance and simply have fun. It is also common to have food competitions in these areas. The Carnival ends with the Ash Wednesday on the 5^th of March, when the “burying of the sardine” takes place, symbolizing the end of the fun and the carnival. It will be held in the Park of Ciutadella.

In Catalunya the most famous Carnival celebration, though, takes place in a nearby town called Sitges, which is also known as the gay capital in Europe. The Carnival in Sitges can be also described as a huge and colorful party parade which is about 40 km from Barcelona. However, who decides to stay in the city has a great choice of special party events offered by the clubs all around Barcelona.  

BEST SUMMER NIGHT CINEMA IN BARCELONA

One of the nicest tradition in Spain is the "cine de verano" (summer cinema), consisting in open air projections of movies around the country (mostly in small villages, that get a lost of visitors during the summer) to enjoy under the sky and the stars. And being able to spend a couple of hours open air without getting burned!

These summer nights of cinema are specially charmy and romantic and are normally enjoyed with friends while having a beer or even eating your pic·nic under the stars.

Barcelona has re-invented this lovely tradition and has made it brand-new but without losing the original spirit of watching god cinema under the stars and enjoying the cool air. Barcelona has a climate particulary humid and sticky in summer so the cool air of MontjUic Monuntain is the perfect balm before going to sleep. Maybe that's the reason why The castle on the very top of the mountain has been chosen to play the movies: pleople seat or layon the grass of the pits within walls. And the walls themselves act like a screen. Amazing.

You are strongly recommended to book in advance: that's the best tip to avoid eternal queuin before entering the castle premises.

And a last tip: wear a light jacket or a thin sweater: you will bea on top of a Mountain afert all! :-)

enjoy it by clicking here

HOLA BARCELONA

When travelling for the first time to a city offering so much the whole year round, expectations are high and time is... low! This blog aims to help you make the most of your trip to Barcelona, and not getting too stressed. This is a Mediterranean city after all and you probably come to Barcelona looking for that Meditarranean flavour and way of life, which is (supposed) to be calmed :-)

Today, we have known a new way to discover the city in a really unstressing way, mostly for your budget: Free tours developped by locals! They will only get a tipo from you after the tour so feel free to leave as much €€€ as you can or you feel they deserve.

Check the website Discoverwalks and choose Barcelona, three interesting routes are waiting for you to be discovered.

Enjoy it!