Poster for La Mercè Festivity 2011

A festival brimming with colour, energy, joy and light. That was how the Colombian illustrator Catalina Estrada wanted to portray Barcelona’s annual festival in the poster for La Mercè 2011.

Using the style and shapes she is known for, she has brought together the traditional features of the festival and the essence of this year’s, which will see lots of circus activities, music and art on the city’s streets.

With this in mind, this year’s guest city will be St Petersburg, one of Russia’s cities with a very strong dance and circus tradition.

The festival’s other big name revealed this Wednesday was that of journalist Joaquim Maria Puyal, who will get La Mercè 2011 under way with the traditional opening speech in the Saló de Cent at the City Hall on 22 September, over the three days of the festival, one less than last year because the 24th falls on a Saturday .

More than 40 Catalan street art companies will demonstrate the high standard of the shows produced here, some of which have received international awards. Parc de la Ciutadella and the Castell de Montjuïc, two star festival venues, will provide a showcase for these artists to put on their creations.

Inevitably tradition will play a unique part in the festival. This year the fire-totting devils and beasts will lead the way through Hell’s Gate, which will span the whole of Via Laietana.

And once again the City Council facade will turn into a cinema screen for La casa màgica, by Franc Aleu.

Night of Fire at La Barceloneta (Sant Joan)

Fire Night in Barceloneta will commence with a drum parade, the Tabalada , which will cover several of the neighbourhood’s streets and finish up in Plaça de la Barceloneta.

The square will also host to the Devils’ spectacular and where visitors will be able to watch the Sunset and the Moonrise. Immediately after that, there will be music to raise the party spirits, with a Gran Concert Diabòlic on Plaça del Poeta Boscà performed by El Rey de Espadas.

Place: Plaça de la Barceloneta, 1 & Pg. Marítim | District: Ciutat Vella

[+] Festival of St John in Barcelona: Night of Fire & Witches [+]

Dancing Egg during Corpus Christi Festival

The Corpus Christi festival is the oldest in Barcelona. The procession dates back to 1320 and the dancing egg, one of Barcelona’s most authentic traditions, has been celebrated since 1637.

This year the festival starts on Thursday, 23 June, with an open day at the City Hall, Palau de Capitania, Palau Centelles, Ateneu Barcelonès, City History Archives-Archdeacon’s House (Casa de l’Ardiaca) Museu Frederic Marés and the Casa dels Entremesos.

Also on Thursday but continuing until Sunday you will be able to see how eggs dance over fountain jets in cloisters and gardens from 10 am to 8 pm.

That means in the Museu Frederic Marès garden, at the City History Archives-Archdeacon’s House, in the Cathedral cloister, the Santa Anna church cloister, the Puríssima Concepció basilica cloister and the Sant Jeroni de Montbau parish church.

The origins of this tradition, which dates back to the 17th century, is uncertain. One interpretation is it symbolises the exaltation of the Eucharist, represented by the egg, while other versions see the fullness of spring in it, an explosion of fertility and life.

Sant Joan, the Night of Fire

The evening of June 23rd is the Eve of Fire before the Feast Day of St John the Baptist. Revetlla de Sant Joan is the Catalan name for this Eve.

In Barcelona and related Mediterranean areas, ancient pre-Christian traditions related to fire festivities are still among the most popular. Bonfires are lit in the streets or on the sand of the beaches, the rituals are jumping over the fire, touch the water that is blessed in the night or asking for some wishes, and there are fireworks too. Special meals are also served on this occasion. Coca de Sant Joan, a traditional Catalan pastry, can be found on every table.

Both if you are plannig to go to the beach, or staying in one of our terraces in Barcelona, make sure to enjoy this magical Eve and be ready for firecrackers and fireworks all night long.

What do you remember from Christmas in Barcelona?

We will draw a free New Year’s Eve in Barcelona among all voters.

Christmas is always a special time on the year. For one reason or for another, everybody remembers Christmas. Núñez i Navarro Hotels wants to join you on next Christmas, and has started a poll to know what represents Christmas in Barcelona.

How to participate:
First thing you need to do is visit our facebook page, and join us (Like)

Once you are part of our facebook community, you can check the Poll tab, and cast your vote.
And that’s all you need to do. Wining a Free Stay in Barcelona has never been so easy.

Xmas street lighting.
With beautiful old buildings, narrow streets and numerous plazas, Barcelona is a great backdrop for Christmas light displays. Central streets and commercial areas such as Plaça Catalunya, Portal de l’Àngel and Passeig de Gràcia have large and beautiful displays, while small streets have traditional settings usually maintained by neighbours and shops.

Traditional market Santa Llúcia.
Fira de Santa Llúcia is not only a traditional market in front of the Cathedral, but one of the oldest and most firmly rooted Christmas traditions of Barcelona. First written evidences date back to 1786, referring to it already as a tradition. In this market, you can mainly find Nativity scenes and all their complements, Christmas greenery such as moss, bayleaves or Christmas Trees.

Caganer and nativity scenes.
In Barcelona, as well as in Spain, France or Italy, traditional Christmas decorations consists of a model of Bethlehem, similar to the Nativity Scenes of the English-speaking world, but encompassing the entire city rather than just the typical manger scene. The caganer is a particular feature of modern Catalan nativity scenes, and accompanying Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Shepherds and company, the caganer is often tucked away in a corner of the model, typically nowhere near the manger scene. The figure is depicted in the act of defecation. The exact origin of the Caganer is lost, but the tradition has existed since the 17th century. Originally, the Caganer was portrayed as a Catalan peasant wearing a traditional hat called a barretina — a red stocking hat with a black band; but nowadays you can easily find other popular characters assuming the caganer position, such as nuns, celebrities, sportsmen, politicians, etc…

The 3 Kings Parade.
All children in Barcelona impatiently wait the evening of January 5th. The visit of the 3 Wise Men, the famous distinguished foreigners who are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. They usually arrive to Barcelona sailing, and are greeted at Port Vell by the City Authorities. After that, the 3 Magi start a long Parade through all the city, accompanied by their large entourage and Royal Carriages, where children can see them and give their wish letters. Those who have been good during all the year, will receive their Christmas presents at night.

Join us on facebook and participate in our poll. The prize consists of:

• 2-nights stay at B-Hotel, on a double room, on December 31st 2010 and January 1st 2011.
• Breakfast included.
• 1 Bottle of Cava.
• The prize can not be used in conjunction with other item or goods.
• The prize can not be exchanged for any other item or goods.
• The prize is personal and non-transferable.
• People under 18 years old can not participate.
• Maximum one vote per person. People voting with more than one profile will be automatically disqualified.

Winner will be randomly chosen among all voters of the poll. Winner will be announced on November 26th 2010.

Tradicionarius: International Folk Festival

The Tradicionàrius International Folk Festival takes place for the 23rd time, featuring nearly 50 artists, seven album presentations and four new shows that will fill the CAT stage with folk songs and rhythms while including other city venues.

Once again Tradicionàrius wants to make local traditional music and culture more accessible to city residents, without abandoning its aim to evolve and expand. So, until 26 March, Barcelona will be moving to the rhythm of folk.

More inf@: Tradicionarius Website