Thursday, March 19, 2009

10 Great Events In Barcelona

Here are 10 top events in Barcelona , more information about things to do in barcelona ..click here ...car hire from €50.00 per week

1..The Barcelona Book Fair

Held annually every September, the wonderful Barcelona Book Fair takes over the Passeig de Grácia with many stalls selling new, second hand and antique books. Easy to read novels mingle with some of the greats from the world of literature, and titles in all languages are available.

Visitors can find some rare gems here such as much sought after first editions in the finest condition, plus prints and comics in many languages. Traditionally in Barcelona, books are given as gifts on St. Georges Day, and this event attracts crowds from all over Spain and Europe. The fair is located in one of Barcelona´s most beautiful areas, and this is the perfect place for a stroll around the streets.

Contact details: Barcelona Tourist Office, Plaza Catalunya, 17, 08002, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 93 285 3834. Fax: 0034 93 304 3155.When: September, (Annual).

2..The Barcelona Carnival

Billed as one of Barcelona´s most gluttonous festivals, the city´s annual carnival combines traditional celebrations with a massive feast of all things fatty. The aptly named Fatty Thursday attracts big crowds and even hosts a tortilla competition with prizes awarded for the most original and tasty fillings. Spicy meats and local sausages are also something of a speciality here, and hundreds of dishes are prepared and enjoyed by the partygoers.

Hosted annually just before the fasting period of Lent, the streets are awash with colour and noise as the local carnival associations compete for the Golden Pepper Award. On the final Saturday, the highlight of the carnival takes place with a grand procession through the streets, where ornate carriages, decorated floats and colourful costumes wind their way through the city, to a backdrop of confetti and streamers.

Contact details: Barcelona Tourist Office, Plaza de Catalunya, 17, 08002, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 93 285 3834. Fax: 0034 93 304 3155. Website: www.bcn.es E-mail: festesicub@bcn.cat

When: 31st Jan-16th Feb,(Annual)

Entrance:.Free.

Opening hours: Day and Evening.

Getting there: Processions and parades through the centre of the city.

3..Barcelona Grand Prix,

One of the most breathtaking events to take place in Barcelona´s calendar is the Formula One Grand Prix – undoubtedly the king of motor sports. Being staged at the famous Catalunya circuit, with its fast straights and corners, this track has produced some amazing and memorable finishes. The speed of the cars and the deafening noise which erupts at the beginning of the race make this one of the most thrilling sports to watch live.

All of the top drivers will be taking part, in what should be one of the highlights of the racing season. To make the most of this amazing event, you can buy a three day pass and enjoy the two practice days in addition to the main event on May 10.

Contact details: Catalunya Race Track. Phone: 93 571 9700. Fax: 93 572 2772.

When: May 10, 2008. Practice Days: may 8th. 9th

Entrance:Tickets can be bought in advance from the racetrack.Opening hours:
Check with venue.


4..The Guitar Festival, Barcelona

Some of the world´s greatest guitar players will perform between March and May,at the Barcelona Guitar Festival. A programme of concerts by master musicians will take place throughout the city and at the fabulous Palau de la Música venue. This annual event attracts music fans from far and wide, and top performers of Spanish and electric guitars perform here. Past performers include Tommy Emmanuel, The Stanley Clarke Band, Ana Popovic and Chuck Loeb.

Contact details: Palau de la Música. Tel: 0034 902 442 882. Fax: 0034 93 295 7208.
When: 24 Mar - 18 Jun (annual)

Entrance:.Various.Opening hours: Various.

5..Barcelona International Jazz Festival

One of the most respected jazz festivals in the world takes place annually at the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. This established event attracts jazz fans from all over the world, and some of the biggest names perform here. The music comes in a wide variety of styles and includes latin, gospel and even acid jazz! Famous performers to grace the stage here previously include: Ornette Colman, Chick Corea, Harry Connick Jr, Eric Harland, Charles Lloyd and Zakir Hussain. In addition to the concerts, several workshops and classes are also held in and around the venue.

Contact details: The Palau de la Música, 2,C/St.Francesco de Paula, 08003, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 902 442 882. Fax: 0034 93 295 7208.

Info:atencioclient@palaumusica.org

When:23 Oct - 29 Nov annual

Entrance:.Various.Opening hours: From 6pm, but most concerts begin at 9pm.

6..Barcelona Poetry Week

Hosted annually, the Barcelona Poetry Week celebrates the written word with workshops, readings and competitions throughout this fabulous city. The works of poets past and present is displayed proudly at venues across the city, and even on bus and tube windows. A varied programme of activities takes place at venues including the Botanical Gardens, MACBA and The Museum of Natural Science. Lectures, conferences and tributes to writers are held to celebrate the great poets, culminating in a grand finale, the International Poetry Festival at the Palau de la Musica. Here, poets from around the world share their works, their ideas and wisdom to show how poetry can transcend language barriers and become a great part of our everyday lives.


Contact details: Barcelona Tourist Office, Plaza Catalunya, 17, 08002, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 93 285 3834. Fax: 0034 93 304 3155

When:21 to 27 May, annual

Entrance:.€6 to the International Poetry Festival.Opening hours: Various.Getting there: Metro or Bus to various venues.


7..Benidorm Fiesta Week.

Held annually, Benidorm Fiesta Week is the highlight of the town´s social calendar, and attracts visitors from all over Europe. This famous resort town explodes in a sea of colour, music and dancing, as the celebrations to honour La Virgen del Sufrage and Jaime Apostol, get under way. Religious processions, including a huge flower filled parade with carriages and traditional costumes, winds its way through the packed streets.

The statue of the virgin is dressed in a gold and blue costume and carried in procession to the plaza in front of the church of San Jaime. A whole range of activities take place over the six days of the festival, including football, fishing competitions, live music and a host of cultural events . Live midnight concerts are held at the Auditorium in Aiguera Park, and this incredible week culminates with a spectacular firework display.

Contact details: Benidorm Tourist Office, Av. De Europa, 3500, Benidorm. Tel: 0034 965860095. E-mail: touristinfo.benidormE@turisme.m400.gva.es

When: 7th November, (annual but dates may vary).

Entrance:.Free.Opening hours: Day and Night.

Getting there: Main Airport – Alicante. Events take place throughout the town.


8..Bread and Butter, Barcelona

One of the most prestigious and must visit events in Barcelona´s social calendar is the Bread and Butter Show held annually at the Fira de Barcelona. Fashionistas from all over the world show off their new designs and many emerging talents and well known labels showcase their creations here. Progressive and innovative styles are the name of the game at Bread and Butter, and the more funky designs usually take centre stage.

Split into different sections, the huge arena displays denim, fashion, sport & street and superior. Many designers combine music with fashion at the show, and many companies such as fabric producers, make up artists and even laundries show their wares. Hooch, Bench, Vans and Fly often take part at Bread and Butter and creations from some of the world´s most uber-cool designers can be found.

Contact details: Barcelona Tourist Office, Plaza Catalunya, 17, 08002, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 93 285 3834. Fax: 0034 93 478 4736. Open Seat Godo Website: www.breadandbutter.com

When: 16-18 January,annual

Entrance:.Free but visitors must register online first.

Opening hours: 16th Jan – 10am-7pm. 17th Jan – 10am-7pm. 18th Jan – 10am-6pm.

Getting there: Bus, train or car to the Fira de Barcelona from city centre.


9..Kosmopolis, Barcelona

Barcelona´s impressive Centre de Cultura Contemporánea (CCCB), plays host to the Kosmopolis Literature Festival in October, 2008. Held every two years, this prestigious event attracts afficionados from all over Europe, and includes relevant art and science displays, whilst keeping literature centre stage. Covering all aspects and literature subjects, the festival includes an exhibition by the famous Italian video Artists, Masbedo, with themes of contemporary Russian literature, Café Europa literature, Hyper Media and Interpersonal, which explores and analyses the changes and mutations of human relations in recent years. Participants include writers, novelists and essay writers from around the world.

Contact: CCCB, Casa de la Caridad, Montalegre, 5, 08001, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 933064100.

Fax: 0034 933064101. Website: www.cccb.org

When: October (Every two years).Entrance:.Various (see website).Opening hours: Various (see website).

Getting there: By Metro: lines 1, 2 and 3 (Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Universitat).By Bus: routes 7, 9, 14, 16, 17, 18, 24, 38, 41, 50, 54, 55, 58, 59, 66, 91, 141, L90, Tombús and Airbús.


10..Fira de Santa Lucia, Barcelona

Hosting the largest Christmas fair in the city, the Fira de Santa Lucia celebrations attract visitors from far and wide. Originally held in 1786, this yuletide extravaganza outside Barcelona Cathedral plays host to over 300 stalls selling hundreds of seasonal goodies including art and craftwork; traditional sweets and gifts.

Musical parades, a nativity scene and many other fun events take place to keep the children entertained. The caga tió is a mythical character which most Catalan children recognise, and is kept in many homes over the Christmas period. Resembling a smiley log, it is looked after by the children in the days leading up to Christmas, kept warm and fed until Christmas Day when it is put into the fireplace and the children sing traditional songs and share out its contents of sweets, nuts, dried fruit and turrón.


Contact details: Barcelona Tourist Office. Plaza de Catalunya,17, 08002, Barcelona. Tel: 0034 93 285 3834. Fax: 0034 93 304 3155.

When: December, 2008 (annual).Entrance:.

Free to visit.Opening hours: 10am-10pm.Getting there: Barcelona Cathedral, Centre of Barcelona.

More events information and things to do in Barcelona..... Cheap Budget Car Hire in Barcelona prices from €50.00per week click here

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