Barcelona – Shopping and Festivities…!
You can get great bargains from the second week of January until the end of February and also during July and August.
Shops are open around 9 a.m. and work until 2 p.m. and then re-open 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
Shopping Centers:
Barcelona Glories: This large mall has 230 well known stores, 3500 parking spaces, cinemas, bars and restaurants. It is excellent for children because it has a lot of green areas, playground, jumping castle and much more.
Boulevard Rosa: It contains about 100 outlets mostly with clothes. It is located in Paseo de Gracia 55, Metro Passeig de Gracia.
Festivals
Barcelona is also well known for its festivals. Once you are there, if it is possible, make sure you visit them.
Procession of three kings (wise men) – On the 5th of January, Mago comes to town by boat and flaunts around town throwing sweets to children, young and old who are in the crowds that accompany the event.
Carnival – It is celebrated in February with a big parade and fireworks in the vicinity of Colles de dracs. Participants and guests are dressed in crazy costumes.
Semana Santa – This festival includes a religious procession around Calle Carme. It can be seen in the fourth Gothic Barcelona, where thousands of people carry Jesus to the cathedral accompanied by the sounds of drums and trumpets. It is as impressive and as frequently visited as Sevilla in the south of Spain. This spectacle takes place in April.
Sant Jordi – It is the traditional holiday when men and women exchange a rose for books. It is on 23rd April.
Feria de Abril – This takes place near the metro Selva Mar (Poblenou) in April. It is a one month festival that includes entertainment with lots of drinks and good food including authentic flamenco.
Festa de la Bicicleta – a day in May, when thousands of people leave the cars and engines and drive all day by bike. You can rent a bike and join this party on wheels.
Trobada Castellera – Have you ever seen a child who is at the back of a man who balances high above the ground while standing on the tower made of other people? If you want to see it, visit Barcelona in June.
Festival del Grec – a great summer festival of art, theater, games and music which takes place in the Poble Espanyol, the Plaça del Rei, the Palau de la Musica and other parks around Barcelona in July.
Festa Major de Gracia – festival accompanied by dancing, music, drinks and fireworks where the local streets compete for the best and most impressive decorations. Do not miss it! It is in August!
New Year – New Year’s Eve is followed by numerous parties around town. The custom is to eat 12 seeds of grapes in the last 12 seconds so you can be lucky during the next 12 months.