| One does not sleep in Barcelona. For those who | | | | to a tree trunk into the fire from which presents |
| came to seek the sun in Spain, a surprise awaits | | | | then come out. Christmas dinner takes the form of |
| them - the night. The Spanish night life is one of the | | | | "escudella" and turkey, "torrons". New Year is |
| most developed in Europe, maybe of the world. At | | | | celebrated in bars, restaurants, and in the street |
| night, the street belongs to night birds who swarm in | | | | where people wear fancy dress just like in the |
| the most animated districts. Any pretext is good to | | | | carnivals. As the clock strikes twelve they eat the |
| organize a party. | | | | twelve grapes in time with each chime. |
| The origin of festivals in Barcelona is religious. A very | | | | In January the main celebration is the arrival of the |
| strong Catholicism recovered the entire pagan and | | | | "Three Kings from the Orient". The Carnivals, held in |
| accepted them. April 23, one celebrates almost | | | | February, and St. Valentines Day (February 14th) is |
| everywhere in Catalonia the day of the book (Sant | | | | also increasing in its popularity. On March 3rd the |
| Jordi), but there is also "the patum in Berga", the | | | | popular festivity of Sant Medir is held in Grácia |
| carnivals, the "Pastorets". At Easter there are the | | | | and there is a cavalcade and singing choirs. |
| "Caramelles", and the "mones de Pascua", the fights | | | | The most spectacular festivities are held on April |
| between "moros and cristianos" he festival of Gracia | | | | 23rd. These are the celebrations in honor of St. |
| in Barcelona between the 15 and the 21 of August | | | | George, the patron saint of Catalunya. In May a |
| which is a contest on street decoration. | | | | flower show is held, and on the 11th there is the |
| The popular festivities of La Merce, the patron saint | | | | typical festival of Sant Ponç held in El Hospital |
| of Barcelona, take place on and around September | | | | Street by the city's herbalists. The most important |
| 24th when there are typical dances such as | | | | celebration during the month of June is undoubtedly |
| "sardanas", parades through the streets, important | | | | the Eve of St. John. The Eve of St. Peter, on June |
| sporting events like sailing, regattas, judo, swimming, | | | | 28th, brings with it the festivities associated with the |
| walking races, religious celebrations, etc. In November | | | | summer solstice. |
| there is All Hallows Day on the 1st and All Souls Day | | | | From the end of June onwards, the Festival of "el |
| on the 2nd, and this is the time when typical cakes, | | | | Grec" begins. This consists of a series of theatrical |
| known locally as "panellets" are eaten. Around Santa | | | | performances as well as dancing, concerts, and other |
| Llucias Days the typical crib fair begins in the vicinity | | | | cultural events. The last great summer celebration is |
| of the Cathedral, and this goes on right up until | | | | that of the "Onze de Setembre". This is a national |
| Christmas. It is also the start of the opera season at | | | | holiday in Catalunya and they hold various official and |
| El Liceu and the time for concerts at the Palace of | | | | political ceremonies. The fact that there are so many |
| Music. These events continue for several months. | | | | traditional festivities held has led many people to say |
| Christmas is traditionally celebrated at home with the | | | | that Barcelona is a city of festivals in Europe when it |
| family and with the newly-revived custom of "fer | | | | comes to celebrations. |
| cagar el tio" - this consists of putting an object similar | | | | |