VisitBarcelona #DontLetPlansGo

Things to do in Barcelona in 2018 Index

JANUARY APRIL 01. Lady Gaga. Jan 14, 16 p. 4 24. G3 featuring Joe Satriani. Apr 7 p. 17 02. Guitar BCN. Jan 27-July 16 p. 4 25. Vladimir Ashkenazy. Apr 9 p. 18 03. Gustavo Dudamel and the Vienna 26. International Comic Fair. Apr 12-15 p. 19 Philharmonic Orchestra. Jan 14 p. 5 27. Roger Waters. Apr 13, 14 p. 20 04. Yuja Wang & Chamber 28. Rallycross World Championship: Orchestra of Europe. Jan 20 p. 5 Catalunya FIA World RX. Apr 14, 15 p. 21 05. Rosemarie Castoro. Focusing 29. Lana Del Rey. Apr 19 p. 21 on infinity. Until April 15 p. 6 30. Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, 66th Trofeu Conde Godó. Apr 21-29 p. 22 FEBRUARY 31. Sant Jordi Festival. Apr 23 p. 23 06. Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric. Symphonic Festival. Feb 11-24 p. 6 32. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. Apr 23-29 p. 24 07. Llum BCN. Feb 16-18 p. 7 33. D’A Film Festival. Apr 26-May 6 p. 24 08. SÂLMON< Festival. Feb 8-25 p. 8 09. Brassaï. Paris’ Eye. Feb 19-May 13 p. 8 MAY 10. Beehave. Feb 16-May 20 p. 9 34. Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix. 11. Liam Gallagher. Feb 24 p. 9 May 11-13 p. 25 12. After the End of the World. Until Apr 29 p. 10 35. Picasso’s cuisine. May 25-Sep 30 p. 25 36. Barcelona Primavera Sound. MARCH May 30-June 3 p. 26 13. Sir John Eliot Gardiner & London 37. International Musem Day. May 18 Symphony Orchestra. March 6 p. 11 & The Night of Museums. May 19 p. 27 14. Andrea Chénier by Giordano. 38. Barcelona Hotel Tapa Tour. May 1-31 p. 27 March 9-28 p. 11 39. Patum Berga. May 30-June 3 p. 28 15. Zurich Marató de Barcelona, 48. Festival REC.0 Experimental 40th anniversary. March 11 p. 12 Stores. May 9-12 (New date) p. 35 16. Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric. Spring Festival. March 11-15 p. 12 JUNE 17. Bach’s Passion according 40. Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric: to Saint Mark. March 22 p. 13 Fin de saison June 3, 5, 7, 8 p. 28 18. Bob Dylan. March 30, 31 p. 14 41. Catalonia´s Craf Week and The 19. Ferrari Land at PortAventura Craftroom. First week of June p. 29 World. From March 23 p. 14 42. Orfeo ed Euridice with Jaroussky. June 5 p. 30 20. TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil. 43. Barcelona Design Week. June 5-14 p. 31 March 23-May 20 p. 15 44. Extreme Sailing Series™. June 14-17 p. 31 21. Disney. The art of telling stories. March 22-June 24 p. 16 45. Gran Premi Monster Energy MotoGP de Catalunya. June 15-17 p. 32 22. La Quinzena: Metropolitan Dance Festival. March 1-18 p. 16 46. Sónar. 25th Anniversary. June 14-16 p. 32 23. Festival Internacional de Jazz 47. Imagin Extreme Barcelona. June 16-17 p. 34 de Terrassa. March 7-23 p. 17 49. Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. June 6-July 13 p. 36 More information: visitbarcelona.com

50. A Vista d’Hotel. Barcelona OCTOBER Hotel Terrace Week. June 2-11 p. 36 78. Sitges Festival Internacional 51. Festival of Sant Joan. June 23 p. 37 de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya. Oct 5-14 p. 55 52. Benvinguts a pagès. June 9, 10 p. 38 79. Fira de la Mediterrània. Oct 4-7 p. 55 53. Vida June 29-Jul 1 p. 38 80. Barcelona Triathlon by Santander. Oct 7 p. 56 54. Bruno Mars. June 20 p. 39 81. Picasso-Picabia. 55. Ringo Starr & All Star Band. June 26 p. 40 Oct 11 2018-Jan 13 2019 p. 57 56. Summer nights. June-Sep p. 40 82. Saló Nàutic Internacional 57. 080 Barcelona Fashion. June 25-29 p. 41 de Barcelona. Oct 10-14 p. 57 63. Pride Barcelona. June 23-30 (New date) p. 44 83. Toulouse Lautrec. Oct 17 2018-Jan 20 2019 p. 58 JULY 84. 48h Open House Barcelona. Oct 20-21 p. 59 58. Guns N’ Roses. July 1 p. 42 85. Mercat de Mercats. Oct 19-21 p. 59 59. Lenny Kravitz. July 5 p. 42 86. Beefeater Festival In-Edit. Oct-Nov p. 60 60. Shakira. July 6 & 7 p. 43 87. Mostra de vins i caves de Catalunya. 61. Pearl Jam. July 10 p. 43 Date to be confirmed p. 60 62. VinyaSons. July-August p. 44 88. 50th Voll-Damm International 64. Grec Festival de Barcelona. July 1-31 p. 45 Jazz Festival of Barcelona Oct-Dec p. 61 65. European Balloon Festival. July 12-15 p. 46 66. Gala Dalí (Gala, artist and muse NOVEMBER of the 20th century). July 6-Oct 14 p. 46 89. Loop Barcelona. Nov 8-17 67. Cruïlla Festival. July 12-14 p. 47 (Festival); Nov 15-17 (Fair) p. 62 68. Barcelona Beach Festival. July 14 p. 48 90. Velazquez by Museo del Prado. Nov 20-March 2019 p. 63 69. 33rd LEN European Water Polo Championships July 14-28 p. 48 91. 95th Jean Bouin. Nov 25 p. 63 70. Vijazz. July 6-8 p. 49 92. BEFF Festival: Barcelona Ethical Fashion Fest. November p. 64 71. 16th San Miguel Mas i Mas Festival. July-Sep p. 50 93. Manga Fair. Nov 1-4 p. 64 94. Festival del Mil·lenni. Nov. 2018-May 2019 p. 65 AUGUST The Shopping Night Barcelona. 72. Circuit Festival and Girlie Festival. 95. Nov 29 p. 66 August 9-19 p. 50 96. Human Rights Film Festival. November p. 67 73. Trofeu Joan Gamper. August p. 51 74. Castells de Sant Fèlix de Vilafranca. August 30 p. 52 DECEMBER 97. Drap-Art Festival. Dec 16-30 p. 67 SEPTEMBER 98. Fira de Fia-Faia - Bagà and Sant Julià de Cerdanyola. Dec 24 p. 68 75. Mercat de Música Viva. Sep 12-16 p. 52 99. Christmas in Barcelona. Dec p. 69 76. Picasso Discovers Paris. Sep 19-Jan 6 p. 53 100. New Year’s Eve. Dec 31 p. 70 77. Festival of La Mercè. Sep 21-24 p. 54 01

Lady Gaga Jan 14, 16

The most spectacular diva returns Lady Gaga returns to Barcelona for two consecutive performances to present her latest studio album “Joanne”. GAGA made number one of the Billboard list with this Catalan, acoustic and electric, album, the first female artist to achieve this four consecutive emerging and veteran acts – times in this decade. The all this and more fills the many latest pop star has already had city venues that take part in 02 Guitar BCN. such resounding successes as “Telephone” or “Alejandro”. The 2018 edition of this A successor to stars like Madonna or Kylie Minogue, eclectic festival features a the diva from New York, hasn’t Guitar BCN programme as diverse and stopped reaping success since 2018 enticing as ever. The inaugural 2006, when she released the concert sees Jorge Drexler amazing “Just Dance”. Today Jan 27-July 16 (27/1) perform at Gran Teatre we can now speak of one of the del Liceu. Bob Dylan (30 and greatest musical phenomena The festival for all tastes 31/03) is on stage at the same of all times. Lady GAGA is here venue while Ringo Starr (26/6) This may essentially be a to present her syncopated plays at Palau Sant Jordi. Also festival based on only one rhythms, a mixture of electro on the bill are the mythical instrument, but the sounds, and pop, with stunning staging: Deacon Blue (1/2) at sala Barts, performers and styles on the the show is ready and not only India Martinez (17/2) at Sant her costumes. programme could scarcely Jordi Club, and other acts such be more wide-ranging. The Palau Sant Jordi: as Rozalén (22/2), Rosario skill of the organisers, leading livenation.es (2/3), M. Arnal i M. Bagés (3/3), Spanish music promoters The David Otero (16/3), G3 (7/04), Project, in bringing together Asaf Avidan (26/04), Joan Catalan, Spanish, European Queralt & The Seasicks (4/05), and international performers Pau Vallvé (10/05), Juanito from a variety of musical Makandé (25/05) and many genres is quite something. more. Flamenco to pop, classic Cuban to contemporary guitarbcn.com

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Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Gustavo at the emblematic New Year’s Yuja Wang Dudamel and Concert, broadcast in over & Chamber 90 countries. He is now back the Vienna at the Auditori to perform Orchestra of an extraordinary concert Philharmonic alongside the world-famous Europe (20/1) Orchestra orchestra. An unforgettable Jan 20 evening, to enjoy the Adagio Jan 14 from Symphony no. 10 by An unmissable event Mahler and the Symphonie Monumentality at its finest Fantastique by Berlioz. Yuja Wang is one of the leading pianists of today. She is now Gustavo Dudamel, from L’Auditori: back in Barcelona to play her Venezuela, is conducting the auditori.cat piano along with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the cultural ambassador of the European Union. The repertoire includes Chopin’s Concerto no. 2 and the overture of A Midsummer’s Night Dream by Mendelssohn. L’Auditori: auditori.cat

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classical music. In February, a Rosemarie Barcelona Symphonic Festival has been Castoro. Obertura created with the following programme: Barcelona Focusing on Classic & Lyric. Symphony Orchestra at L’Auditori (11/2); Josep-Ramon infinity Symphonic Olivé & Francisco Poyato at Until April 15 Festival 2018 the same venue later in the day (11/2); the Palau de la Feb 11-24 The minimalist artist of Música Catalana plays host to interrelation the Münchner Philharmoniker Barcelona adores classical (12/2); the Marinsky Orchestra The Macba presents the first music performs at L’Auditori (13/2); institutional retrospective Barcelona’s cultural scene Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette of Rosemarie Castoro, includes three classical music is at the Gran Teatre del (1939-2015). The exhibition venues: the modernista Palau Liceu (14/2); violinist Patricia focuses on the period from de la Música Catalana, the Kopatchinskaja and pianist 1964 to 1979. Castoro was historic Liceu opera house Polina Leschenko on stage at a multidisciplinary artist, and the modern Auditori. L’Auditori (15/2); another recital who formed part of the New Barcelona Obertura Classic from the Barcelona Symphony York vanguard, with wide and Lyric is a collaboration Orchestra at L’Auditori artistic experience that created in 2015 to promote a (23/2); and finally soprano included abstract painting, series of events in these three Diana Damrau, tenor Jonas Kaufmann and pianist Helmut conceptual art, street and iconic places. It’s an initiative Deutsch perform together studio performance actions, that puts the rich variety of at the Palau de la Música sculpture, installations music played in Barcelona on Catalana (24/2). and land art. “Rosemarie the world musical scene as Castoro. Focusing on one the the cities that adores barcelonaobertura.com infinity” also analyzes her activist aspect. It examines how her interest for dance is shown in her way of reading a space and in the performance photographs of her works, which she describes as “stages and containers for the body”. MACBA: macba.cat

6 international artists have Llum BCN 2018 created installations that bring Feb 16-18 transformation by using light 07 in six of the most emblematic Barcelona shines when night locations in Poblenou; this falls year’s guest artist is the Canadian Monique Saboya, Running since 2012, Llum who brings a selection of BCN is a festival of light that immersive art projects. At the aims to counter the darkness same time, to demonstrate of winter with the splendour the city’s emergent creativity of light (llum means ‘light’ in and talent, students from 14 Catalan) reflected on some Architecture, Art and Design of the city’s most beautiful schools have prepared special buildings and spaces. This artworks based on the creative year the Llum BCN festival use of illumination. Both series has not only doubled in can be seen by following an size, it’s also moved to a easy-to-walk itinerary around new home: Poblenou, a the district. district currently immersed in an intense process of Poblenou: transformation. Over a dozen lameva.barcelona.cat well-known Spanish and

7 who work under the system of 08 artistic residencies. It is very 09 much an organic event, each year building on and evolving from the performances and SÂLMON< creativity of previous festivals; Brassaï. it also adapts to what is Festival 2018 happening in the world at large Paris’ Eye Feb 8-25 and the way that the use of Feb 19-May 13 public platforms, such as the The dance artists of today stage, changes. This year the The photographer specialized festival offers performances in Paris Lovers of the most daring, by artists such as Amalia innovative, dynamic and Gyula Halász (1899 - 1984) Fernández, Anna Borralho even off-the-wall performing from Hungary, better known and Joao Galante, Associació arts can’t afford to miss this as Brassaï, his pseudonym, Blink Flash, Javier Vaquero and festival. The sixth edition was one of the photographers Streetjizz, among many others, of SÂLMON<, headed by the who undoubtedly redefined who come together to bring us Mercat dels Flors, Barcelona’s the potential of photography their imaginary worlds, desires, leading dance venue, during the 20th century, as ideas and experiences. features a packed two-week an artistic medium. Brassaï programme showcasing a Mercat de les Flors: focused particularly on range of formats by both local mercatflors.cat the city of Paris, the core and international creatives salmon-dance.com concept of some of the most iconic and significant images. His powerful and artistic eye captured vital moments of the everyday life of the city, especially its nighttime appearance and vitality. We now have the chance to observe his work in an exhibition organized by Fundación MAPFRE and curated by Peter Galassi. Fundació Mapfre: fundacionmapfre.org

© Estate Brassaï Succession, Paris

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Liam Gallagher Feb 24

Icon of britpop In the nineties, the band of Liam and Noel Gallagher (Oasis) became one of the leading bands of the britpop movement. Their original style of singing and their stage presence undoubtedly led to Liam Gallagher to become one of the most well-known artists of British music. Oasis split up in 2009 and Liam Gallagher formed the band 10 Beady Eye, which disappeared in 2014. In 2016. Liam started his solo career, releasing his transformative immersive first album “As You Were” in Beehave experiences. The show will also 2017. He is now in Barcelona to Feb 16-May 20 include a room with pieces by present it live, and he will sure the artists responsible for the to run through some of the Bees in danger of extinction urban interventions. great tracks of Oasis. Beehave is an exhibition From March 15th to June Sala Razzmatazz: project that reflects 17th, Beehave will also unfold salarazzmatazz.com contemporary artists’ growing throughout Barcelona with interest in the survival crisis actions aimed at raising citizen affecting honey bees and awareness concerning the many other insect pollinators. important role that honey bees play in preserving biodiversity, The exhibition at the Fundació on which the endangered Joan Miró will include a series balance of our planet’s of newly-produced installations ecosystems depends. that will invite visitors to approach a variety of aspects Fundació Miró: of the cognitive world of bees fmirobcn.org while providing them with

9 society’s responsibility to the After the End generations who will be born of the World and grow up in it. The project brings together voices from 12 Until Apr 29 the various disciplines of creation and thought; together, The future of the Earth artists, filmmakers, novelists, “After the End of the World” playwrights, architects, is an exhibition about the designers and scientists planet of 2017, irreversibly will imagine scenes, stories transformed into an and escape routes to the Anthropocene planet after different possible worlds that two centuries of human we can build, according to intervention in natural the decisions we make in the systems. But it is also an coming years—decisions in exhibition about how we which we are all much more will reach the world of than mere spectators. the latter half of the 21st CCCB: century, and about our cccb.org

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Sir John Eliot Jonas Kaufman, who made Andrea Chénier his debut at the Liceu with Gardiner by Giordano a staged opera; Antonello Palombi and Jorge de León. & London March 9-28 Sondra Radvanovsky takes on Symphony the female role and the main This stormy love story, set in cast ends with the baritone, Orchestra the upheaval of the French Carlos Álvanrez. For the setting, Revolution, is a four-act opera the stage director David March 6 by Umberto Giodano, which McVicar uses the sets by Robert opened in La Scala of Milan Jones and costumes by Jenny One of the classical music in 1896. It is characterized Tiramani. Andrea Chénier forms events by its great vocal and choral part of the Barcelona Obertura One of the classical music effectiveness. On this Spring Festival. events not to be missed this occasion the main role is Gran Teatre del Liceu: year is this concert by Sir John shared between tree tenors: liceubarcelona.cat Eliot Gardiner conducting the acclaimed German artist, the London Symphony Orchestra. He will delight us with a program that includes Schumann and Berlioz. According to Gardiner, Berliaz is one of his personal refuges. The conductor also feels at home at the modernist temple of the Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música Catalana: palaumusica.cat

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Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric – Spring Festival March 11-15

The Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric reaches its peak The Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric reaches its peak to offer 15 the idea of running a 42.2km with even greater exuberance, route around one of the a selection of music and continent’s most aesthetically performances, to put the rich pleasing cities. The number of variety of music played in Zurich Marató globally recognised landmarks Barcelona on the international passed by participants, map, and place it on the world de Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Família musical scene, as one of the and Camp Nou, as well as 40th cities that adores classical noteworthy “vistas” including music. The three classical anniversary the seafront, historic port and music theaters of the city (the Ciutadella Park, make this a March 11 modernist Palau de la Música one-of-a-kind sporting event. Catalana, the Liceu -historic 40th anniversary of one But that’s not all. The opera theater- and the modern of Europe’s most popular Barcelona marathon is much Auditori) is holding the concerts marathons more, with entertainment of this festival. The Barcelona As running becomes for the crowds that includes Symphony Orchestra at increasingly popular with concerts, traditional Catalan L’Auditori (11/3); the Philamonia millions of people around the culture and different local Orchestra (12/3) at the same world, the numbers coming drumming groups, a four- venue later in the day; Rafal to take part in Barcelona’s kilometre Breakfast Run the Blechacz (13/3) and Mark marathon grows each year. day before the race, a Kids Padmore (14/3) at Palau de la It’s now the fourth largest Race, and Expo Sports, a fair Música Catalana and finally the marathon in Europe after focused on outdoor sports that opera Giordano with Andrea Berlin, London and Paris, with has numerous stands from Chénier at Gran Teatre del Liceu over 17,000 people signing up. major sporting companies. (9-28/3) Doubtless part of the appeal is zurichmaratobarcelona.es barcelonaobertura.com

12 Amics de la Unió. While the Bach’s Passion original music of Bach has according to unfortunately been lost, the fact that a lot of it was either 17 Saint Mark recycled from other works or used in latter compositions, March 22 plus the existence of the libretto by Picander, has led New interpretation of classic since the 1960s to a number work of different projects to try and Jordi Savall is one of reconstruct it. Bach’s Passion Catalonia’s leading according to Saint Mark was contemporary conductors first performed on Good Friday and here he heads up a new in 1731, making it a fitting interpretation of J.S. Bach’s piece to be played at the start ‘Passion according to Saint of Easter week in Barcelona’s Mark’ with El Concert des impressive Auditori concert Nations and La Capella Reial venue. de Catalunya (two vocal and L’Auditori: instrumental ensembles auditori.cat formed by Savall himself), as well as the youth choir of

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Bob Dylan March 30, 31

Music wouldn’t be the same without him What more can be said of a man who changed the world of popular music for ever. He exploded onto the scene 50 years ago with songs that have become anthems, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind”, “Masters of War” and “The Times They are a-Changin’”. Since then 19 he has released 38 studio albums that have traced his path through the world of rock Formula 1 experience as you and created lyrics rich enough Ferrari Land at accelerate in your F1-style cars to earn him the Nobel Prize for PortAventura from 0 to 180km/h in just five Literature. Now he is coming seconds and climb to a height to the iconic Gran Teatre del World of 112m along a 1km-track! Liceu in Barcelona for a live What’s more, this year sees the From March 23 performance of his songs from inauguration of a new kids’s the album “Triplicate”, reprising area in Ferrari Land with five A tribute to the world’s sports thirty great standards of North attractions aimed at different American music. car brand par excellence that age groups: for example, Junior people of all ages can enjoy Gran Teatre del Liceu: Red Force is a mini roller- guitarbcn.com Already declared the best coaster that gives children the theme park in Spain by chance to experience the speed TripAdvisor users, PortAventura of the vertical accelerator, while World has now taken visitor Kids’ Tower is a ricochet and experiences to a whole new freefall tower of nine metres, level with the 2017 opening and Champions Race lets all of Europe’s first Ferrari Land. the family feel like the drivers This adrenaline-filled place of a mythical Ferrari 250 Testa with thrills for all ages covers Rossa. 60,000m2 and has numerous portaventuraworld.com/ attractions, such as the Vertical ferrari-land Accelerator that offers a lifelike

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TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil From Mach 23-May 20

A show that celebrates the evolution of human life The Cirque du Soleil, one of the world’s largest theater companies, is returning to Barcelona with their new show, Totem, at the Gran Carpa Blanca in the Cultura District of L’Hospitalet. Every new show by the renowned Cirque du Soleil is a sell-out wherever they perform. This time round, Totem features a total of 46 artists on stage including acrobats, actors, musicians and singers who perform 12 incredible numbers involving juggling, aerial acrobatics, contortionism and action. It is inspired by the ancient civilizations and depicts the evolution of the human species, from its amphibian origins to the final desire to fly. Attractive and cosmopolitan characters will excite and thrill the audience as they perform on the trapeze, skates, trampoline, hanging rings and much, much more. An elegant and visually dazzling spectacle that strikes the perfect balance between high technology and the timeless allure of the circus. Districte Cultural de L’Hospitalet : cirquedusoleil.com

15 metropolitan area of Barcelona, covering the municipalities of Barcelona, Badalona, Santa 21 22 Coloma, L’Hospitalet, Cornellà and Espluges. Programmed in theaters, but also in streets, squares and subway stations, Disney. The La Quinzena: dance at its finest now has a art of telling Metropolitan Festival that includes classic and contemporary dance, hip stories Dance Festival hop, jazz, traditional dance March 22-June 24 March 1-18 and any other style. The program this first year includes From classical stories to A new dance festival has performances by the Spanish- cartoons been created that inundates Dutch dancer, Marina Mascarell the metropolitan area of at the Mercat de les Flors and Disney imaginary dates back Barcelona Aina Alegre at Sala Hiroshima. many years. The childhood The festival closes with a of millions of children La Quinzena is a new dance participative show inviting the from all over the world was festival which will display audience to come and dance. marked by the versions that all styles and genres to a potential audience of 5 million Different venues: the Disney studios made of dansametropolitana.cat classical tales and legends, people.”La Quinzena” Festival like King Midas, Hercules, will take place all over the The Three Little Pigs, The Grasshopper and the Ants, Snow White, Cinderella or Robin Hood. All this wealth of inspiration is now displayed at the exhibition “Disney. The art of telling stories”. Through a wide range of drawings, visitors can wander through the creative background of the Disney studios.Thie illustrated material is complemented with production notes, storyboards and studies on people, which help to understand how classical stories became cartoon films. CaixaForum: caixaforum.es

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Festival Internacional de Jazz de Terrassa 24 March 7-23 with the latest edition of Much more than just music G3 featuring his G3 tour; running almost Jazz music, but also Joe Satriani every year since 1996, G3 exhibitions, movies, family sees Satriani take to the road sessions, dance, competition April 7 with two special guests for a and gastronomic routes. The memorable concert experience Terrassa Jazz Festival has Rock out with electric guitar that electric guitar fans can’t become a must for jazz lovers, legends miss. This Barcelona edition and is now in its 37th edition. Barcelona’s long-running sees Satriani joined by John There will be almost thirty annual guitar festival, Petrucci of Dream Theater, and performances at different GuitarBCN, this year includes Uli Jon Roth, lead guitarist of venues, including European this appearance by US Scorpions. As well as hearing jazz, the US scene and local musician Joe Satriani, whose these pros sharing a stage, it’s talent. Performers include extensive career has included your chance to hear Satriani names like Nnenna Freelon, collaborations with the likes perform from his latest Terence Blanchard & The of Mick Jagger, Glenn Hughes solo album (his 16th!) What E-Collective and Uri Caine and Chad Smith as well as Happens Next , which was Ensemble. teaching some of today’s released in January. Different venues: most renowned guitarists. Auditori del Fòrum: jazzterrassa.org Satriani comes to the city guitarbcn.cat

17 1987 and 1994. Ashkenazy’s career Vladimir has taken him all over the world, with Ashkenazy stints at the Czech Philharmonic, the 25 European Union Youth Orchestra, and Apr 9 the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He also has close links to Iceland The prestigious pianist and through his wife, and in 1970 helped conductor visits Barcelona found the Reykjavik Arts Festival and Born in Russia in 1937, Vladimir is conductor laureate of the Iceland Ashkenazy is an acclaimed pianist Symphony Orchestra. In Barcelona, and conductor. His began his Ashkenazy will conduct the Maggio career focused on the piano and Musicale Fiorentino from Florence, is renowned for a lengthy and Italy – he replaces Zubin Mehta, wide-ranging repertoire; different the chief conductor of the Maggio performances both as a soloist Musicale Fiorentino who has had to and in chamber music ensembles pull out due to health reasons. The have earned him six Grammys. bill features Beethoven’s Seventh After several decades, he decided to Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s branch into conducting and became Symphony Nº 4, Op. 36. the principal conductor of the Royal Palau de la Música Catalana: Philharmonic Orchestra between palaumusica.cat

18 stands selling memorabilia and Saló Internacional books new and old, awards and del Còmic video games. There’s also a new ‘Comic Kids’ section, aimed at 26 (International 5 to 12 year olds that hopes to encourage them to read and Comic Fair) become a new generation of fans – April 12-15 activities include drawing, games, story telling and an exhibition that An unmissable date for comic fans explains how comics are made. And who knows, maybe some of these Pow! Zap! Comic book lovers youngsters will grow up to join the rejoice. It’s time once more for ranks of the many attendees who Barcelona’s celebration of anything come to the fair dressed up. From and everything to do with graphic Princess Leia to the Joker, Super novels. This year is the 36th Mario and Klingons, they create edition of this International Comic a colourful, amiable and lively Fair that’s an unmissable event universe where an addiction to for fans of the likes of Batman, comic books is the uniting force. Asterix and Gokū. It has everything you’d expect: guest authors and Fira de Barcelona: illustrators, workshops, exhibitions, ficomic.com

19 mention just two, his ‘The Wall Roger Waters Live’ world tour (2010-2013) is April 13, 14 to date the highest-grossing tour by a solo artist, and he 27 was behind the epic ‘The Musical icon performs over two nights Wall – Live in Berlin’ concert, played in 1990 to an audience When it comes to the greatest of around 200,000. Roger musicians of the 20th century, Waters comes to Barcelona Roger Waters is up there as part of his latest tour, ‘Us + near the top. Co-founder Them’, which combines Pink of Pink Floyd and later its Floyd tracks, solo hits and new creative driving force for material, such as Is This Really many years, Waters is famed the Life We Want? (2017), his for his singing, song writing, fourth solo record and his first composing and bass guitar rock album since 1992. playing, and he has so many accolades and achievements Palau Sant Jordi: to his name that surely even livenation.es he can’t remember them all; to

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Lana Del Rey April 19

Indie star plays Barcelona’s biggest concert venue With the release of ‘Video Games’ back in 2011, Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known professionally as Lana Del Rey, dived headfirst into the indie pop scene and has been making waves there ever since. Its elegant sound 28 combined with Del Rey’s distinctive vocal style created an internet hit and it’s since been listened to over 200 Petter Solberg and Matthias million times on Spotify. Del Rallycross Ekström as well as the current Rey started experimenting World title-holder, Swedish driver with music in her late teens, Johan Kristoffersson – don’t learning the guitar, writing Championship: miss your chance to see them songs and performing in and numerous other experts Brooklyn clubs. After five Catalunya FIA behind the wheel compete in years of writing and recording, World RX 2018 these spectacular compact interspersed with a job working vehicles that are fitted with in the community helping April 14, 15 600-HP engines. The FIA World the homeless and with drug RX of Catalunya is also part and alcohol rehabilitation, her World’s best rally drivers of the Horse Power Festival, debut album was released in For the fourth year running, which means that as well as 2010, and the US musician the Circuit Barcelona being able to watch a series has hardly stopped working since. She’s collaborated Catalunya welcomes many top of exciting races, spectactors with Brian Wilson, Courtney international rally drivers to can make the most of a wide Love and Børns, performed the FIA World RX of Catalunya, range of activities related at Kim Kardashian and Kanye which is also the inaugural to motor sports and cars for all ages during the whole West’s pre-wedding event, and event of the 2018 Rallycross released a further four records. World Championship. Among weekend. those taking part are such star Circuit Barcelona Catalunya: Palau Sant Jordi: names as Sébastien Loeb, circuitcat.com livenation.es

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part of the World Tour include the Barcelona Queen’s Club Championships, the China Open and the Dubai Open Banc Tennis Championships) and is Sabadell, 66th as much a social event for fans of the sport as a key clay fixture. Trofeu Conde Taking place in the warmth of the Barcelona spring in one Godó of Spain’s leading clubs, the April 21-29 Reial Club de Tenis Barcelona 1899, which has 18 clay courts An amazing event with a including a stadium one with strong following that is part capacity for almost 8,500 of the ATP World 500 spectators, this is an excellent chance to discover another side Created back in 1953 by the to the city’s sporty character. then Count Godó, Carlos This year’s event sees ATP Top Godó Valls, this tennis Ten players such as Grigor contest has become a Dimitrov, Dominic Thiem, David popular event on the ATP Goffin and local favourite Rafa World 500 (the third highest Nadal take part. series of competitions for professional male players; Reial Club de Tennis Barcelona: other tournaments in this barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com

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can also try the innovative Sant Jordi Sant Jordi bread, a soft loaf Festival that’s made with cheese, spicy ‘sobrassada’ sausage and April 23 walnuts to create the colours of the Catalan flag. Barcelona One of the most popular is noted as a literary city; not festivals! The streets are filled only is it an important centre of with flowers and books to publishing in both the Spanish honour this Catalan tradition and Catalan languages, in when people give their loved December 2015, UNESCO ones books and roses named Barcelona among the The feast day of Catalan latest intake for its City of patron saint Sant Jordi (Saint Literature programme. You George in English) on April 23 can appreciate this facet of is one of the most festive in the city by taking a literary Barcelona. Across the region, tour, or going to one of the it’s celebrated as a day of love special Sant Jordi events: and literature; according to Món Llibre, held the weekend tradition, men gift a rose to before Sant Jordi (Apr 14, 15), their lover while women buy is a literary festival for children a book for their partner. City and young adults held at the streets are filled with book CCCB and MACBA; Sant Jordi and flower stalls, and people Dialogues (Apr 19-21) are stroll around enjoying the dedicated to authors, both special atmosphere. Many national and international, in local organisations mark the conversation about their work; day in their own way: this year and the Night of the Dragon Casa Batlló covers its façade (Apr 22) pays tribute to Catalan with roses, while Casa de les authors whose birth or death Punxes holds activities that anniversaries fall this year. explore the legend of Saint lameva.barcelona.cat George and the dragon. You

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Barcelona Pronovias and Rosa Clará, and this event attracts close D’A Film Festival Bridal Fashion to 300 labels from almost 90 different countries, making April 26-May 6 Week it one of the biggest in the world. The trade fair (Apr 27- April 23-29 Unmissable contemporary indie 29) is ideal for professionals cinema to network with designers and Home-grown and foreign manufacturers. And if you’re The D’A Film Festival of brands present their getting married and looking Barcelona is an essential creations at this four-day for a classic dress, want to springtime event for aficionados event showcasing beautiful discover cutting-edge trends of contemporary indie and bridalwear for a memorable or simply need inspiration, auteur cinema, both local and wedding the fashion shows (Apr 23- from around the globe; some of As anybody who’s got married 27) feature beautiful outfits the films shown have already will say, organising a wedding for the whole bridal party as won awards at other festivals takes a lot of work. Thank well as party dresses and while many are getting their goodness then for events accessories for any special Spanish premiere. This year D’A such as the Barcelona Bridal occasion. So prepare to be reaches its eighth edition and Fashion Week, which is just wowed by romantic, trendy, on its programme for 2018 are as relevant for anybody avant-garde and generally features such as a retrospective planning a wedding as those breathtaking creations that of Japanese director Nobuhiro working in the bridal industry. will make any wedding day Suwa, and new and avant-garde Barcelona has a long tradition one to remember. Spanish talent whose works, of creating bridalwear, thanks both fiction and non-fiction, are Fira de Barcelona: to local brands such as produced at the margins of the barcelonabridalweek.com mainstream industry. With close to 100 films being presented, one of the highlights of D’A is always the attendance of many of the directors whose works are being shown for round tables and Q&A sessions about their productions. As ever, various venues show the films selected for D’A: Aribau Club 1 and 2 cinemas, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), the Filmoteca de Catalunya and SGAE Catalunya. dafilmfestival.com

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and an amazing opportunity Spanish to see the celebrated drivers Picasso’s and teams taking part in one cuisine Formula 1 of the most thrilling sports Grand Prix in the world. This circuit May 25-Sep 30 is regularly used as a test May 11-13 venue meaning that many of The relationship of the artist those participating are very with gastronomy through his Fast cars thrill fans at familiar with its straights work Barcelona’s race circuit and curves, and feel right at This exhibition focuses on the Those loud engines are getting home on its 4.66km. Current approach of Picasso’s work ready to rev once more at World Champion Lewis through an original theme: the Circuit de Barcelona- Hamilton won on this course gastronomy This approach is Catalunya. Over three days in last year, only his second thoroughly investigated and May, Barcelona hosts the fifth victory on the Barcelona includes all essential themes event, and the first in Europe, circuit, and will be looking to in the life of Picasso. The of this year’s F1 Championship join the likes of Alain Prost presence of food is constant in the artist’s work and also in Season, the Spanish Grand and Jackie Stewart with a literary texts. Prix. This is undoubtedly third chequered flag. one of the biggest dates on Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya: Museu Picasso: Barcelona’s sporting calendar, circuitcat.com museupicasso.bcn.cat

25 An amazing festival where you served by Primavera Pro, a can discover up-and-coming get-together that schedules and established musicians debates, networking sessions, conferences, workshops and 36 For some years now, Barcelona showcases. When it comes has established itself as to the main festival, each a premium music festival year the roster of acts, both destination. Throughout the Barcelona home-grown and from around year, fans can enjoy a wide the world, gets longer, more Primavera range of events dedicated diverse and more inviting. Get to showcasing multiple your ticket this year and you Sound genres, and in the summer have the chance to hear Father May 30-June 3 in particular, the city draws John Misty, Björk, Nick Cave, crowds from near and far to Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lykke revel in al fresco live shows Li as well as various DJ sets, from their favourite acts and Catalan and Spanish talent, the discovery of unfamiliar and other big names – all performers. Primavera Sound adding up to a fantastic few is undoubtedly one of the days of top music. leaders of this pack, both for the public and music industry Zona Fòrum: professionals; the latter are primaverasound.es

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Barcelona Hotel Tapa Tour May 1-31

The third edition of the Hotel Tapa Tour is here activities. The aim is to raise The Hotel Tapa Tour is an initiative awareness in visitors about designed to promote hotel the key role museums and cuisine through tapas, those other cultural centres can tasty morsels that are so deeply 37 play in the development rooted in Spanish popular culture. of society. The following The challenge is to bring hotel evening, Barcelona holds cuisine to the outside world and its Night of Museums, when show to both visitors from abroad International participating venues stay open late into the night, and locals that it is a authentic Musem Day offering a different way to culinary option when deciding (May 18) & experience the permanent where to eat out. and temporary exhibitions Numerous five-star and five-star The Night of currently on show, as well GL hotels across the city are as the chance to enjoy taking part in this signature-tapa Museums different activities, such trail/competition in which local (May 19) as family workshops, live produce, gastronomic innovation performances and guided and sustainability plays a decisive The perfect excuse to visit tours. This is also a global role. During the event, each hotel Barcelona’s museums, both event, one that started in will serve two different tapas: a during the day and until Berlin in 1997 and is now tapa that is part of the competition the early hours, seeing the celebrated in around 120 exhibitions and enjoying European cities each year. and will be judged by a panel of special activities Signed up to the two events culinary experts, and a ‘good- in Barcelona are a wide cause’ tapa that isn’t part of the May sees two excellent variety of centres whose competition. Funds raised during events for those who love specialisations include art, the event will be donated to a visiting museums. On May archeology, history, author, social or environmental cause, 18, International Museum ethnology, paleontology, while the success of the first Day is celebrated, a ceramics, zoology, movies, editions of the Hotel Tapa Tour, European initiative that sees design and much more. another one is already planned for numerous institutions open the autumn! their doors for free and put lameva.barcelona.cat on a special programme of icom.museum hoteltapatour.com

27 Barcelona Obertura Classic 39 40 & Lyric: Fin de saison Patum Berga June 3, 5, 7, 8 May 30-June 3 Incredible classical music performances One of Catalonia’s most ancient cultural traditions Created with the aim of telling the world about Barcelona’s Experience one of Catalonia’s buoyant, extensive classical longest-running cultural traditions, music scene, Barcelona Obertura an annual event that in 2008 UNESCO declared to be part of its Classic & Lyric brings its current list of Intangible Cultural Heritage: season to a close with five the Patum of the north Catalan world-class concerts in some town of Berga. The festivities, of the city’s most memorable which date back to medieval venues. Kicking off the series times, take place during the week is conductor Kazushi Ono of Corpus Christi and originated and the Barcelona Symphony as part of the Catholic Church’s efforts to educate congregations about the holy scriptures; in the face of general illiteracy, theatrical representations of the fight between good and evil were employed, and over time, these became more elaborate and the focus of the celebrations. A patum is defined as a figure that represents a fantastical creature and appears in processions and traditional festivities, although it’s also the sound (‘pa-tum’) made by the drums that play a key role in the numerous parades involved. Today’s Patum is an amazing sight, with celebrations featuring fireworks, live music, acrobatics, characters including eagles, dwarves and giants, angels and demons, and locals dressed in period costume. Berga: lapatum.cat

28 Orchestra performing Dvorak’s Requiem by at L’Auditori. That’s followed by acclaimed French baritone Philippe Jaroussky taking the male title role in Gluck’s 1762 opera Orfeo ed Euridice at the Palau de la Música Catalana. June 7 has two events scheduled: Puccini’s Manon Lescaut at the Liceu Opera House starring Ludmyla Monastyrska and Gregory Junde; and at the outdoor Teatre Grec, there’s an evening concert of Händel’s Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. Finally, the season ends with a bang, as Sir Simon Rattle conducts the Berliner Philharmoniker at the Palau de la Música. Various venues: barcelonaobertura.com

round table discussions explore the Catalonia’s Craft role of such crafts in the modern Week (Setmana world, while everybody can enjoy such happenings as exhibitions, guided 41 d’artesania tours, workshops, concerts performed using artisan instruments and more. de Catalunya) One of the highlights of the event is and The Craftroom The Craftroom, a fair held in Barcelona that features numerous Catalan First week of June artisans, both established names and younger creatives, who come to The beauty of Catalan crafts showcase their products. Browse the For the sixth year, the tradition and stalls in El Born Centre de Cultura i contemporary beauty of craft making Memòria and discover locally made across Catalonia is celebrated with jewellery, clothing, accessories, items this week of events aimed at both for the home, and gifts, among many professionals and the general public. other beautiful objects. Numerous activities are scheduled to El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria take place throughout the region – for and other venues: those who are involved in the sector, ccam.gencat.cat

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Orfeo ed Euridice with Jaroussky June 5

World-famous French baritone performs in iconic venue For centuries now, Greek myths and legends have provided inspiration for artists, writers and musicians; with their tragic tales, intense emotions and enduring life lessons, these classic stories remain as relevant for audiences today as two millennia ago. Once such example of this is Christoph Willibald Gluck’s adaptation of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, which he wrote in the 1760s. The work was the start of a new departure in the work of the German composer, heavily influenced as it was by French opera and a desire to move away from the Italian school and return opera to its simpler origins and focus on human drama and passions. Taking the male title role is Philippe Jaroussky. The French baritone triumphed at the Palau de la Música Catalana last season with his interpretation of Bach’s Cantantes and now returns to take on the challenge of playing Orpheus. Palau de la Música Catalana: palaumusica.cat

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Extreme Sailing Series™ June 14-17

High-performance sailing close to shore For the second year, Barcelona hosts an event in the Extreme Sailing Series, a season of sailing events specially designed for the enjoyment of spectators. In 2018, the Extreme 43 Sailing Series takes in eight countries on three continents, and the races attracts some This year, the BDW includes of the best sailors in the world Barcelona around 100 activities taking who compete in hydro-foiling Design place in different parts of the GC32 catamarans along short, city, although the main focus quick courses that last 10 to Week of activities will once more 15 minutes each. Barcelona be Barcelona Disseny Hub’s is its third stop this year and June 5-14 building, where the opening for four days, the city will be ceremony, the congress and full of free activities all based An essential event for the the main exhibition will take around the world sailing and design community place, along with other items which are open to all. To watch Barcelona Design Week (BDW) on the programme. Parallel the impressive spectacle of the returns to the city from June activities such as workshops, participating catamarans, head 5 to 14. One of the most talks, exhibitions and other to the free-to-enter Race Village important Design Weeks on initiatives based on creativity located beside the Hotel W in the international calendar, this are held throughout the city Plaça Rosa del Vents, or from one is organised by the BCD (BDW City). All in all, it’s an Sant Sebastià Beach. Or, if you Barcelona Design Centre. It’s unmissable week in Barcelona prefer, opt for a VIP experience both a key meeting point for during which which design, that lets you race on board companies and professionals creativity and innovation are one of the high-speed boats of the sector and a fascinating the star performers. as a Guest Sailor; dry land VIP event for anyone interested in options are also available! Different venues: creativity. barcelonadesignweek.com extremesailingseries.com

31 motorbike drivers such as Marc Márquez (last year’s overall champion), Dani Pedrosa and 45 Pol Espargaró, while other Spanish stars include Jorge Lorenzo. This race was added to the championship schedule in 1991 although there was Gran Premi already a Spanish MotoGP Monster Energy event because of the level of local success in the sport. MotoGP de It’s run over 25 laps and the popular Italian driver Valentino Catalunya Rossi says it’s one of his June 15-17 favourite tracks. Indeed Rossi has won it six times since 2001, One of Valentino Rossi’s with Australian Casey Stoner favourite race tracks the only other man to have any which won’t fail to impress impact (in 2007 and 2011) on motorbike-racing fans the Spaniards’ hegemony over this course, although last year’s Another big Barcelona sporting winner was Italian Andrea weekend arrives as the Dovizioso. So join the excited MotoGP World Championship crowd and see if a home returns with the Monster favourite can once more regain Energy Catalonia Grand this particular crown. Prix. There’s always a lot of local interest for this event, Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya: thanks to Catalonia’s tradition circuit.cat of producing world-class

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Sónar. 25th Anniversary June 14-16

32 25 years of this prestigious into Sónar by Day and Sónar Gorillaz, LCD Soundsystem, music festival by Night, hundreds of activities Modeselektor, Cornelius, take place in various venues GoldLink, Rosalía, Yung Lean, Sónar is a festival of advanced of the city, including concerts, A-Trak, Alva Noto, Amp Fiddler music and multimedia art. DJ sessions, screenings, x Tony Allen, Niño de Elche & But it’s also much more than debates, conferences and Israel Galván, Fatima Al Qadiri, that: Sónar has become an an abundance of multimedia Laurel Halo, Chino Amobi, international benchmark by projects. This year Sónar Charlotte de Witte and Henry developing what is essentially marks its 25th anniversary Saiz. music to become an explosion and organisers are celebrating of multimedia language, art sonar.es the auspicious occasion in and electronica, attracting fans style, as seen by the artists eager for innovation from all who have already confirmed over the world in the process. their presence: Thom Yorke, Over three dates, and divided

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Imagin Extreme Barcelona June 16-17

Barcelona turns into the world capital of extreme sports While some of us are quite content to enjoy traditional sports such as football, tennis and cycling, there’s a growing number of aficionados for extreme sports, so-called for their high levels of risk whether that be from the sheer speed or height involved or due to the complexity of the equipment involved. Unsurprisingly, Barcelona, a place known for its love of the cutting- edge and challenging, is the host of the International Action Sports and Urban Lifestyle Festival. It’s two days full of stunned gasps, holding your breath, and relieved, thunderous applause. That’s if you’re in the audience, of course. For the experts whirling on their BMX bikes, twisting and turning on their skateboards and inline skates, and leaping on their scooters, it’s a very different story. This outdoor festival has something for everybody, not only the competitions but also food trucks, a market, kids’ events and more. Parc del Fòrum: imaginextremebarcelona.com

34 of the best in Catalan fashion. Festival REC.0 Over 80 labels take part including: Experimental Levi’s, Adidas, Mango, Sita Murt, Pepe Jeans, Kickers, Lacoste, Ikks, 48 Stores Nice Things, Camper and Castañer, as well as Catalan designers and May 9-12 (New date) labels, like Miriam Ponsa, Josep Abril, Txell Miras, Who, Susi Sweet Fashion pop-up stores in former Dress, Carlota Oms and Dorotea. factories Children’s clothing labels also The latest edition of Rec.0 participate, such as Tiny Cottons, Experimental Stores takes place yporqué, Bean’s Barcelona, Boboli, in the old industrial district of Rec Piu et Nau and many more. Rec.0 in Igualada, just 40 minutes from isn’t just about fashion, though. At Barcelona. This fashion festival, Rec Street Food, visitors can visit which transforms one-time textile around 40 food trucks and pop-up factories into pop-up fashion bars, and there’s also the chance stores, sees leading labels and to enjoy a range of concerts, designers hold special sales of recitals, dance, video screenings, stocks at seriously low prices. performed on the festival’s three stages. Festival Rec.018 Experimental Stores combines major Igualada: international brands with some rec0.com

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Tom Jones, Zaz Angus, Julia Festival Jardins Stone, Jessie J, to cult figures de Pedralbes including Simple Minds and local acts like Miguel Ríos, June 6-July 13 Sara Baras, Niña Pastori, Ainhoa Arteta & Josep A fantastic experience at the Carreras, Miguel Poveda magnificent palace of Pedralbes or Pastora Soler, the bill is Only created five years ago, the always carefully curated; Festival Jardins de Pedralbes and as well as the main has enjoyed a rapid rise to concerts, there’s a special day success thanks to three key dedicated to families. Finally, features. The first is the setting. festival organisers Concert Pedralbes Palace is a splendid Studio have consistently 1920s building located in the made gastronomy a uptown part of the city, and priority, collaborating with its landscaped gardens of chefs to ensure the whole fountains, statues, lawns and festival experience is one to many types of flora play host remember. to the festival’s concerts. The Palau Reial de Pedralbes: second key is the programme. festivalpedralbes.com From esteemed stars such as 50

A Vista d’Hotel. Barcelona Hotel Terrace Week June 2-12

There are views of Barcelona you won’t be able to see if you don’t visit the roof terraces of Barcelona’s most iconic hotel.

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Festival of Sant Joan June 23

The night that celebrates the beginning of the summer The festival of Sant Joan (Saint John in English) is one of the most popular festivals among the residents of Barcelona. It commemorates the arrival of summer, and the occasion is marked with bonfires and fireworks, as has been the traditional way of doing it for generations. Throughout the city people burn piles of Entertainment, cocktails and privileged terraces. What’s wood and old furniture, while tapas... more, it’s not just a question fireworks and firecrackers fill of savouring a fine mojito or the air throughout the night. The sights of Barcelona are refreshing G&T accompanied Music and popular festivities a pleasure to behold, from by lip-smackingly good tapas, flood the streets, the squares the mix of architecture to the because all the places taking and the beach. The coca de seemingly endless lines of part lay on special events to Sant Joan (a sweet flat bread trees, the café terraces full of make the experience even traditionally topped with fruit people and the seafront with more appealing. Live music and pine nuts, although other its bars, bustle and bathers. performances, DJ sets, varieties are also available) But there is another side of magic shows, wine and other is a must-try. It’s a delicious Barcelona that deserves to tastings, even synchronised dessert that’s typical of the be seen, and that’s the view swimming displays – this is no night of Saint John and is across its rooftops. Now in ordinary way to watch the sun usually eaten accompanied its seventh year, Barcelona’s set over the city on a balmy by a glass or two of cava. And Hotel Terrace Week is the summer evening. even though this is really the perfect time to head to the shortest night of the year, for top of some of the city’s masquehotelbarcelona.com many people it is, without a finest hotels and appreciate doubt, the longest one. the expansive panoramas you can enjoy from these lameva.barcelona.cat

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Benvinguts a pagès Jun 9, 10

As well as being a hub for new technologies and innovative scientifice research, Catalonia continues to have an active agricultural sector and this event created in 2016 is a great opportunity to discover local food producers. Benvinguts a Pagès (which can be translated as ‘Welcome to the Farm’) is a weekend 53 that sees farms throughout Catalonia open their gates to show their fields,equipment, animals, and products location in the gardens of a including honey, cheese, Vida 2018 16th-century country house olives, fruit and vegetables, Jun 29-Jul 1 with two main stages, a all free of charge. You can VIP section and a Club area also meet fishermen and for DJ sets; nearby woods go on board their boat, and Global stars headline seaside provide smaller performance most regions offer a range music festival areas, picnic zones and a of complementary activities With the season of outdoor kids’ zone. Accommodation related to the land, produce music festivals in full swing, options include the Vida and nature. What’s more, Festival Vida is ideal for Campsite, which this year has at participating restaurants anybody looking for an you can enjoy Benvinguts a a swimming-pool, additional intimate event in a beautiful shady areas and an extended Pagès set menus, giving you venue and with a line-up the chance to sample fresh, bar service along with food including some of the biggest trucks and a (paid) bus shuttle seasonal local produce. And names in music. The coastal if you really want to make a to the festival. Last but literally town of Vilanova i la Geltrú is weekend of it, accommodation not least, acts this year include a short train ride to the south in hotels, country houses and St Vincent, Franz Ferdinand of Barcelona and provides a hostels is offered at special and Hookworms. refreshing change of pace rates. Welcome to the farm! and atmosphere from the city. Vilanova i la Geltrú: benvingutsapages.cat Attendees love the festival’s en.vidafestival.com

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Bruno Mars June 20

Award-winning US musician For an evening full of bling, high-paced dancing and stormingly popular songs, you could do a lot worse than bag some tickets to see the multi-award-winning Bruno Mars (earlier this year he won all six Grammys that he was nominated for) at the Barcelona concert of his current ‘24k Magic World Tour’. Still only 32, Mars has essentially dedicated his life to his art; born into a family of musicians, he first took to the stage when he was four and he’s been working hard ever since, becoming one of the most-liked pop stars of recent times, both on and off stage, along the way. His influences are numerous (think Elvis, Prince, Little Richard and Michael Jackson) and as well as singing, he plays piano, guitar and drums not to mention dancing like a dream. Don’t miss his energetic show that’s already been seen by thousands of fans around the world. Estadi Olímpic: livenation.es

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and, since 1989, performing Ringo Starr & with his All-Starr Band, which Nits d’Estiu All Star Band features various musicians successful in their own right. (Summer (Guitar Bcn Starr has garnered many plaudits for his skill on the nights) Festival) drums, and earlier this year, June-September June 26 he was named Sir Richard Starkey (his given name) for The art nouveau landmarks World-famous drummer his contributions to music. and other places in the His appearance at GuitarBCN city offer music, food and A real coup for Barcelona’s 2018 is the first time he’s entertainment including Guitar Festival sees Ringo Starr performed in Barcelona post- open-air films come to perform at the city’s Beatles and sees the Palau biggest concert venue. This Sant Jordi converted into an English musician clearly needs amphitheatre-style venue; on no introduction – as drummer the programme will be songs for The Beatles, his name is from his latest album, 2017’s instantly recognisable. However, Give Me More Love, as well, of he was in the band for just course, as Fab Four classics. eight years, 1962-1970, of an extensive musical career that Palau Sant Jordi: includes singing, composing guitarbcn.com

40 Throughout the summer, most screenings like Sala Montjuïc, evenings see special cultural which shows movies at the and gastronomic activities castle on top of Montjuïc, held at venues around the city. Gandules, a free event at the Many modernista spaces, such CCCB where the audience 57 as Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, sits in deckchairs (gandules Palau Güell, Casa Amatller, in Catalan), and Cosmonits, a La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló, programme of sci-fi films at host concerts, suppers, drinks CosmoCaixa. Finally, the city’s 080 Barcelona and audiovisual shows. In parks host evening concerts turn, several cultural venues, and the Liceu goes al fresco Fashion including Poble Espanyol, with the outdoor screening of June 25-29 CaixaForum and El Born one its operas. Centre de Cultura i Memoria, A showcase for new styles, Various venues: open late at least one night trends and concepts visitbarcelona.com a week, allowing you to enjoy Barcelona is home to a thriving their exhibitions and special activities away from the fashion industry and twice a daytime crowds and heat. year, the community gets to Film fans can head to open-air show off its skills at the 080 Barcelona Fashion event. New talent combines with well- known international brands and established Catalan labels to offer audiences the opportunity of seeing a spectrum of styles, trends and concepts. At the summer 2018 edition, the 22nd, over 30 brands and designers fill the Sant Pau Modernist Site with catwalk shows and glamour that showcase the looks that will be hitting the streets and shops in coming seasons. There are also prizes up for grabs awarded to the best collections, emerging designer and international brand, as well as talks and activities for those looking to break into the fashion industry, and a commercial and business area for buyers interested in the Catalan market. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista: 080barcelonafashion.cat

41 of all time in their home country, a success that is in no small part built on 58 the back of that single. The 59 fortunes of Guns N’ Roses haven’t always been so shiny, unfortunately, with various members leaving Lenny Kravitz Guns N’ in the 1990s including emblematic guitarist Jule 5 Roses Slash after disagreements Jule 1 with lead singer Axl Rose. Cool sounds and cool style However, the band never Known as much for his style as his Iconic riffs and an award- totally broke up and the sounds, Lenny Kravitz is one of the winning tour original line-up eventually coolest musicians in the industry – reunited, along with some From an introductory and has been for quite some time new additions, in 2016. guitar riff that started as now. After a childhood surrounded Their ‘Not In This Lifetime a warm-up exercise, an by musicians and being inspired by Tour’ has been on the road iconic song was born. the likes of the Jackson Five, Miles ever since, covering the ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ fired Davis and Fela Kuti, his own career world and becoming one the US rock group Guns started at the end of the 1980s, and of the highest-grossing N’Roses into the big time really got going in the 1990s with tours ever. And now it’s in and the record books: their hits like ‘It Ain’t Over ‘til It’s Over’ and Barcelona. debut album, Appetite for ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’. Winner of the Grammy for Best Male Rock Destruction (1987), is the Palau Sant Jordi: Vocal Performance four years in a biggest-selling first record livenation.es row from 1999, Kravitz is famed for playing numerous instruments when recording as well as doing backing vocals. Away from music, he’s appeared in several movies and even has his own interior design company. This summer he’s in Barcelona as part of his Raise Vibration tour – put on your shades and get ready to rock! El Poble Espanyol: livenation.es

42 60 Shakira 61 July 6 & 7

Unbeatable figures three decades of awards With her latest album “El Pearl Jam and album sales in the Dorado”, Shakira continues July 10 millions, as has the group’s to beat records: a few hours conscious effort to always after its release, it was More than rock stars follow their own path. As well number 1 in iTunes in 37 as making music, they’re countries and it achieved Pearl Jam come to Barcelona active in numerous social, 5 of the 10 first places in as part of their latest world political and environmental the Latin iTunes charts. tour, a promotional event for movements, while also The album is now number the release of their eleventh resisting rules of the one in the “Billboard Top studio album. The Seattle entertainment business (eg, Latin Albums”. Her video band, whose sound is an in the 1990s they refused “Chantaje” has been viewed alt-rock style that’s more to make videos for their over 1400 million times. complex than the ‘grunge’ singles) that they feel need With these figures, her label it’s usually given, has to be broken. No wonder their performance in Barcelona, kept its four core members many adoring fans look upon within the “El Dorado World since its creation in 1990, them as so much more than Tour”, is sure to be an no mean feat in such a rock stars. outstanding event. demanding industry. This consistency has doubtless Palau Sant Jordi: Palau Sant Jordi: contributed to Pearl Jam’s livenation.es livenation.es

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Pride Barcelona June 23-30 (New date)

Barcelona is covered in the colours of the rainbow The 10-year anniversary of Pride Barcelona, the Med’s largest gay pride event, takes place from June 23 to 30. The city will be filled with music, workshops, dance, sports, 62 live shows, exhibits, the biggest foam party in Europe, galas and more; and based on the success of past editions, it’s likely that Combining beautiful over 200,000 participants will VinyaSons Catalan landscapes, the join in with the fun and festivities July-August warm evenings of the that always have a serious season, quality musical message behind them. Among Summer festival of Catalan performances, and tastings the programme’s highlights are: music and wine of local wines, cavas and the reading of this year’s LGBTI other specialities, it’s the manifest, which sets out the Bringing together three ideal marriage of food, drink aim and focus of Pride (Jun 23, popular elements of and entertainment. Among 7pm, Plaça Universitat); varied Catalan culture, music, the artists taking part, you activities for all at the Village and wine and gastronomy, this might hear a chamber Main Stage (Jun 29-30, Avinguda annual festival organises orchestra, a barbershop Maria Cristina); and, of course, the intimate concerts (many of quartet or a rising Catalan fabulous Parade, including a pre- them outdoors) in wineries pop star. What’s more, party and closing celebrations (Jun around the Penedès, Bagès VinyaSons is an excellent 30, start: Avinguda Paral·lel). and Empordà areas of opportunity to sample local pridebarcelona.org Catalonia. Vinya means wine and cava varieties ‘vine’ in Catalan, and sons you might not yet be translates as ‘sounds’, familiar with, and discover describing the fusion of why Catalan wines are these two art forms, and increasingly popular with during the summer months critics and the public alike. numerous events around the region showcase Various venues: their natural relationship. vinyasons.com

44 You’ll be amazed by of the most atmospheric Barcelona’s GREC Festival! performances. Each year, an extensive programme is put For many Barcelona culture together by the organisers, 64 lovers, summer means one a wide-ranging selection thing: the Grec Festival, a that features national and wide-ranging arts event that international artists and offers sees the city through one of cultural experiences for all Grec Festival the hottest months of the year tastes and ages. de Barcelona and into its traditional holiday period. Theatre, dance, music, Various venues: July 1-31 circus and children’s activities lameva.barcelona.cat/grec fill Barcelona’s venues, although it is the iconic Teatre Grec, an outdoor amphitheatre in Montjuïc, that not only gives the festival its name but also provides the location for some

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this significant person for European Gala Dalí (Gala, surrealism and its influence. The exhibition includes works Balloon artist and muse from institutions throughout Festival the world, such as the Museo of the 20th Nacional Centro de Arte Reina July 12-15 century) Sofia, the Museo Thyssen- Bornemisza (Madrid), The The biggest gathering of hot July 6-October 14 Salvador Dalí Museum of air balloons in Spain. St. Petersburg (Florida), the An artist in her own right The European Balloon Festival Museo di Arte Moderna e in Igualada is the biggest Gala is known worldwide for Contemporanea di Trento e gathering of hot air balloons being the wife and muse of Rovereto, and the Pinakothek in Spain (this year is the 22nd Salvador Dalí. She is the center der Moderne of Munich. You will edition) and welcomes around of this exhibition organized also be able to see a selection 25,000 visitors over four jointly by the Museu Nacional of paintings, drawings and days at the start of July. It’s a d’Art de Catalunya and the photographs from other artists meeting point, a competition Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí associated with surrealism and a festival in one, with of Figueres. It explores the such as Max Ernst, Picasso, more than 50 balloons enigmatic figure of Gala and Man Ray, Cecil Beaton and taking to the air. Competitive her relationship with numerous Brassaï. flights take place early in the artists and intellectuals. Museu Nacional d’Art de morning and at dusk, when It will therefore be a great Catalunya: conditions are ideal, and if you opportunity to discover museunacional.cat want a taste of the high life, balloon rides can be booked in advance. But there’s plenty © Gala Salvador Dalí to enjoy from ground level, whether it’s the different skill challenges in the competition, live music, kids’ activities and workshops, or the magical Night Glow event, in which balloons are fired up but don’t take off, glowing like lanterns and accompanied by a fireworks display. Igualada: ebf.cat

46 Perhaps not as well-known as Gilberto Gil, and local acts like its Barcelona summer music La Pegatina and Joana Serrat; festival peers, Primavera and the closing evening is a Sound and Sónar, Cruïlla is treat with the likes of David 67 ideal for those people looking Byrne, Orbital, Fatoumata for top-notch indie and Diawara, young Basque band alternative musicians, along Belako, Catalan star Nuria with smaller crowds and a Graham, and a performance Cruïlla Festival more compact programme. from the always amazing Based in the same venue as Barcelona theatre group, La July 12-14 Primavera, the Parc del Fòrum, Fura dels Baus. Add in food this year’s programme has trucks, a market with clothes, Interesting bands that play already got music fans excited: accessories and beauty indie and alternative music the opening night headliners treatments, free WiFi and a include Jack White, Bunbury cashless payment system, and and Seasick Steve; Friday 13 your perfect summer weekend is anything but bad luck with is set! a line-up featuring Prophets Zona Fòrum: of Rage, N.E.R.D. with Pharrell cruillabarcelona.com Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley, electronic star Kygo,

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stars arrive to compete in Barcelona 33rd LEN the European Championship. Beach Festival European Fittingly, the sport has a long history in Catalonia, and since July 14 Water Polo the 1980s, local teams and players have triumphed at The best EDM and electronic Championships, both European and global music. Barcelona 2018 levels; one such player, Manel The best in current electronic Estiarte, took part in six music and EDM (Electronic July 14-28 Olympic Games and is now Dance Music) is showcased recognised as the world’s at this year’s Barcelona Another major sporting event greatest water polo goal scorer. At this year’s competition in Beach Festival 2018, which is Barcelona is no stranger Barcelona, 16 male and 12 marking its fifth anniversary to welcoming international and is held once more at female teams are taking part, sporting contests to the city; the Platja del Fòrum and the including current champions among the numerous events Parc de la Pau in Barcelona. Hungary (women) and Serbia it’s hosted in recent times are Each year, this festival (men), while the Spanish sides the 1992 Summer Olympic gains in reputation as the will doubtless be hoping for Games and Paralympic greatest contemporary dance the advantages provided by a Games, the 2010 European music extravaganza, with home crowd. line-ups that bring together Athletics Championships, the very best Spanish and and the 2013 World Aquatics Bernat Picornell Swimming international DJs. Passing Championships. And this July, Pools, Montjuïc: through the booth this year it will be the venue for another wp2018bcn.com are some of the best-known such fixture, as water polo names from the current scene such as David Guetta, Don Diablo, Axwell^Ingrosso, The Chainsmokers, Oliver Heldens and Spanish house star JP Candela. In an incomparable setting with the beach as a backdrop, and nearly 14 hours of uninterrupted music, the BBF has established itself as the best one-day electronic music festival in Spain. Zona Fòrum: bcnbeachfestival.com livenation.es

48 Now in its 12th edition, this cava, this is your chance to try summer festival celebrates some of the best reds, whites, the exceptional partnership of rosés and cavas from the jazz and wine. Taking place in celebrated region of Penedès; 70 the Catalan town of Vilafranca around 40 different wine- del Penedès, a short train makers take part, alongside ride from Barcelona, a variety local restaurants offering of venues host tastings and specially created tapas and Vijazz concerts featuring some of numerous producers of the biggest names in jazz in Catalan gourmet specialities July 6-8 the world. Musicians like Chick including ham, cheese and Corea, Maceo Parker and smoked fish. It’s also a great Jazz, wine and summer in Chano Dominguez, among a opportunity to explore the Catalonia long list of other stars, have town in between chilling out elevated Vijazz to the list of to the music and sampling the Europe’s best jazz festivals. delicious food and drink. When it comes to the wine and Vilafranca del Penedès: vijazzpenedes.com

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Circuit Festival and Girlie Festival August 9-19

The world’s biggest LGBTI festival. A unique Mas is one of Barcelona’s atmosphere with packed most emblematic music events all over the city. companies, as the owner of the historic Jamboree With the beaches full and 71 jazz club, as well as techno holiday season in full swing, club Moog and the flamenco Barcelona welcomes back venue Tarantos, all of which two of its most emblematic are located in the very heart summer events, Circuit 16th San of the city. These three Festival and Girlie Circuit. all host shows during the Billed respectively as the Miguel Mas i festival along with equally biggest international gay Mas Festival iconic venues as the Palau festival and the biggest de la Música Catalana, El international lesbian July-September Born Centre de Cultura i festival, and both produced Memòria... One of the city’s leading music promoters stages This year’s edition includes concerts at its iconic venues jazz artists such as pianist Bruce Barth, trumpeter Eddie While most of the people Henderson and his Quartet, involved with organising live singer René Marie, Catalan music in Barcelona head off jazzman Joan Chamorro on a well-deserved holiday accompanied by upcoming in August, the yearly Mas stars from the local scene i Mas festival keeps the and leading Spanish city’s concert scene going saxophonist Perico Sambeat with a packed programme playing alongside Henderson of performances including and Barth in a tribute to Blue jazz, classical music, Note recordings from the blues, soul, song music, 1960s and 1970s. flamenco, electronic music, theatre and dance. Mas i masimas.com/festival

50 73 by Barcelona’s Matinee business of leagues and Group, they see thousands Trofeu Joan competitions begins. It’s of visitors from across the Gamper also a fantastic chance to world come to the Catalan visit the majestic Camp Nou capital for days of parties. August stadium, Europe’s largest Circuit is 11 days of fun with and a must-see for any real a programme that includes: An opportunity to see the soccer aficionado; indeed pool parties, including the new signings in action at it’s one of the most-visited biggest and most popular the majestic Camp Nou places in Catalonia. To event of the festival, the FC Barcelona gets a contest the trophy (until Water Park Day (which lasts new season of football 1996, it was actually a all day and goes on into the underway with its four-team competition with night) at the nearby La Isla traditional friendly that two semi-finals and a final Fantasia water park; DJ is named after the club’s played, but a rise in other sessions (with performances founder. The Joan Gamper pre-season events meant by some of the biggest Trophy is played towards that it was scaled back), the names on the gay scene); the middle of August, club invites an international and club nights. Girlie follows once players return from challenger. a similar pattern albeit for their summer break, and FC Barcelona Stadium: fewer days, this year running it provides fans a great fcbarcelona.cat from August 14 to 19. opportunity to see some circuitfestival.net of Barça’s new signings in action before the serious

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Mercat de Música Viva September 12-16

A music festival at Vic, a beautiful town near Barcelona

patron Sant Fèlix. This Every September, the beautiful year, four of Catalonia’s central Catalan town of Vic hosts leading casteller groups an extensive ‘market of live music’, take part, including which this year celebrates its 30th 74 the local Castellers de anniversary, aimed at giving both Vilafranca, the Colla Vella professionals and the public the dels Xiquets and the Colla chance to hear a wide range of Joves Xiquest, both from different genres and discover new Castells de the nearby town of Valls acts, as they enjoy five days of (another keen casteller concerts and related activities. A lot of Sant Fèlix de place), and the Minyons the focus is on artists from Catalonia, Vilafranca of Terrassa. Each human Spain and the Mediterranean area, tower is an exemplary but musicians from other places can August 30 example of team work, also be found on the programme. from the crowd forming Performances, some of which One of the memorable the supporting pinya at the are free, are given across the city Catalan traditions bottom via the columns at venues both indoors and out, formed as each level rises including the emblematic Plaça Major, Of all the memorable and throughout the event the streets Catalan traditions, which and culminating with the youngest members of the are filled with buskers, adding to the include ‘fire runs’ and musical extravaganza taking place. dancing ‘giants’, it’s crew scampering right to the very top to crown While there, it’s also worth taking the arguably the human time to explore Vic, a place rich with towers that have the the construction, which is officially completed history, from the Roman temple to the most impact on those cathedral, ecclesiastical museum, watching them. To once the smallest of all (l’enxaneta) raises his or and medieval and modernista enjoy a true festival of buildings. And don’t forget to try the these castells, head to her hand. Cue thunderous applause. local gastronomic speciality, cured Vilafranca de Penedès for meats. its annual festa major at Vilafranca del Penedès: the end of August, which festamajor.vilafranca.cat Vic: commemorates the town’s mmvv.cat

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Picasso Discovers Paris Sep 19-Jan 6

Impressionist and Symbolist pieces from Paris Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is one of its most-loved art centres, focusing as it does on the early years of the Spanish painter’s life; he moved with his family to Barcelona in 1895 when he was 14 and already well established in his art studies. The city played a key role in his development; in places such as Els Quatre Gats café, he regularly met with other creatives involved in the avant- garde movement. But he was a man constantly looking for new experiences and inspirations, and this exhibition at the Museu Picasso looks at the impact that his first two visits to Paris had on him. Among the artists on show are Manet, Degas, Cézanne and Gaugin (on loan from the permanent collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the Musée national Picasso Paris), whose work Picasso first encountered in person when he was in the French capital. Museu Picasso: museupicasso.bcn.cat

© Pablo Picasso / Musée national Picasso, París

53 both historical characters and Festival fantastical beasts, the display of castellers (‘human towers’) in front of La Mercè of City Hall, and the correfoc, which 77 Septembrer 21-24 literally means ‘fire run’ and sees demons with firecrackers dancing The city pulls out all the stops to with well-protected members of celebrate the festival dedicated to the public under their showers of one of its patron saints. Hundreds sparks. Throughout the festival, of free activities all over the city Ciutadella Park hosts numerous blending tradition and the latest events including theatre and trends. dance shows and there are also concerts, audiovisual shows and Barcelona celebrates the end of other cultural contributions from summer with a city festival to a guest city, which this year is the honour one of its patron saints, Portuguese capital of Lisbon. BAM La Mercè, whose feast day is is the music festival of La Mercè, September 24. It’s a huge event and offers a full programme of that runs for several days with concerts. At night, fireworks fill many free activities for all ages the sky with fabulous pyrotechnic taking place across the city. displays befitting such an Among the most popular are the important fixture on the Barcelona procession of ‘giants’ and ‘big calendar. heads’, elaborate papier-mâché constructions that represent lameva.barcelona.cat

54 themes of gore, horror and fantasy. This year’s event, the 51st, celebrates 78 the anniversaries of 79 various iconic movies, including John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978), Sitges Festival which is also tied into a retrospective on slasher Fira de la Internacional films, and 2001: A Space Mediterrània Odyssey and The Night de Cinema of the Living Dead, October 4-7 Fantàstic de both released in 1968. Organisers are also using Visual arts, circus performances, Catalunya the 200th anniversary dance, art, storytelling and of the publication of theatre are combined with classic October 5-14 Frankenstein to explore elements of Catalan culture. the role of women in many This festival is a must for fans Located in the heart of Catalonia, of the movies based on the of gore, horror and fantasy the historical town of Manresa seminal novel. film hosts this yearly festival dedicated Running in parallel to the to local culture and global music. Inaugurated years ago as screenings are exhibitions, For industry professionals, the world’s first film festival master classes and Q&A it’s promoted as a ‘market of dedicated to the fantastic sessions, special events performances’, which for the genre, today it’s become the focused on television general public means it’s a great region’s biggest celebration series, the chance to opportunity to discover visual arts, of the moving image. The see films using virtual circus, dance, art, music, narration picturesque seaside town reality technology, plus and theatre that combine tradition of Sitges, 30 minutes down a crowded Zombie Walk with contemporary creativity. The the coast from Barcelona, through the streets of programme is understandably hosts hundreds of films from Sitges. packed, with acts running during around the globe, including the day and at night, and with both animation, rom-com and Sitges: street performances and shows gangster as well as its core sitgesfilmfestival.com in various local venues. So you might one moment see a display of hip hop and the next a concert by a Congolese band, followed by a new take on acrobatics and then a sword dance. All of which is interspersed with some of the most classic elements of Catalan culture such as ‘human towers’ (castells), ‘fire runs’ (correfocs) and ‘giants’ (gegants). Manresa: firamediterrania.cat

55 the Barcelona Triathlon attracts Barcelona thousands of competitors each year to its beachfront setting. Triathlon by With three distances available, 80 Santander participants can choose between supersprint, sprint and Olympic October 7 and take part either as individuals, in pairs (where the two complete The profile of this three-pronged the course together) or as a relay sporting event is definitely on team (with two or three members the up; it’s now part of both the sharing the effort). As well as the Olympics and the Paralympics, sporting action, the day before the and athletes such as the British competition the Triexpo show is Brownlee brothers have raised held, a place to find the latest in audience interest in the swimming, triathlon trends and accessories, cycling and running challenge. making it ideal for stocking up on It’s also becoming popular among new kit and meeting some of the amateurs looking for a more other people taking part. varied exercise endeavour than that offered by just sticking to Platja de la Nova Mar Bella: one sport. Unsurprisingly, then, barcelona-triathlon.com

56 contributions to 20th-century understated monochromes. art. This exhibition, in the Compare and contrast these beautiful modernista building two men who challenged that houses the Fundación convention by ‘killing 81 Mapfre, takes visitors on a the painting’ as a way to journey, starting with the rejuvenate it. emergence of Cubism around Fundación Mapfre: 1910, then moving on to Picasso-Picabia Dadaism (of which Picabia was fundacionmapfre.org Oct 11 2018-Jan 13 2019 a major protagonist) and the years in the mid-1920s when Two great artists together both Picasso and Picabia were invested in what the curators Two artists. Both with Spanish are calling ‘monstrous roots, both working at the classicism’. The show ends avant-garde, constantly with an examination of the experimenting with new paths each man took towards forms of expression, both at the end of their lives; Picasso the heart of Parisian artistic concentrated on studies movements. While Picasso of the human body, while is arguably more well-known Picabia (who died in 1953, 20 today than Francis Picabia, years before his peer) took a each made considerable reductive approach, creating

up with the latest yachts, sector along with the newest speedboats and catamarans must-have accessories and for potential buyers to peruse, equipment. You can also 82 and the interested to ogle. sample a variety of water All the principal makers of sports, including paddle surf, sporting and leisure boats are kayak and canoeing, all at the represented, with hundreds Fun Beach area. of gleaming crafts on show, Saló Nàutic Moll de la Fusta / Moll alongside numerous stands d’Espanya: where you can try the latest Internacional salonnautico.com de Barcelona technological advances in the October 10-14

Prepare to set sail. Well, to at least imagine yourself setting sail on one of the magnificent vessels on display at this year’s Barcelona Boat Show. This will be the 57th edition for this event that sees the city’s Port Vell fill

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Toulouse Lautrec October 17 2018- January 20 2019

Look again at the French artist The work of Henri-Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec is instantly recognisable, with its swathes of strong colour, portrayals of a certain Parisian lifestyle at the end of the 19th century, and posters advertising everything from recitals to bikes. A pioneer of the post- Impressionist movement, he was extremely prolific and produced hundreds of works before his early death at 36. This exhibition at CaixaForum looks in the main at the artist’s years in Montmartre, his nocturnal life and relationship with the cabarets and underworld of the French capital, through a series of paintings, posters and other items. After your visit to the show, it’s well worth exploring the building of CaixaForum. Designed by celebrated Catalan modernista architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, it was originally a textile factory and featured a number of spacious halls that now lend themselves perfectly to exhibiting art. A guided tour is on offer, which includes a visit to the impressive rooftop. CaixaForum: caixaforum.es/barcelona

58 that includes more than 200 everyone to come and explore buildings of all kinds, shapes and appreciate the value and sizes. This initiative, of a well-constructed and 84 which here is organised by the designed space. What’s more, 48h Open House Barcelona in recent years, the scope of Association, started off in Barcelona’s event has widened London in 1992 and since to include cities and towns in 48h Open then the Open House concept the metropolitan area and on has taken root worldwide: the Maresme coast – on the House New York, Dublin, Galway, list of buildings to visit, you’ll Barcelona Tel Aviv and, since 2010, find churches, schools, sports Barcelona all have their centres, apartment blocks, October 20-21 own weekends dedicated libraries and restaurants. to local architecture. ‘Open Various Venues: People. Architecture. Urbanism House’ offers an exceptional 48hopenhousebarcelona.org This is the number one opportunity to understand and architectural event in the ‘feel’ architecture based on city of Barcelona - an open the architectural experience; house weekend in October the programme invites

have to offer. Anyone who’s off their know-how and the been in Barcelona for more traditions of local cooking. If than about a day knows full you’re so inclined, there are 85 well that its food markets (of also wine, cava, vermouth, which there are an impressive coffee and even olive oil 39), are a joy to behold. From tastings, among numerous the smallest neighbourhood other such activities. establishments to the Avinguda de la Catedral: Mercat de world-famous Boqueria, the somdemercat.cat Mercats products on sale are varied, colourful and endlessly October 19-21 enticing. Fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, eggs of all sizes, Everything from creative pre-cooked legumes, dried tapas to traditional dishes fruits… and all served by really This ‘market of markets’ has knowledgeable stallholders. become an unmissable event Visit the Mercat de Mercats on Barcelona’s calendar in front of the Cathedral to for lovers of good food and try tapas, buy fresh, healthy drink, featuring three days food, and see some of the of the best that the city’s best chefs in the city and many fresh food markets from around Catalonia show

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Beefeater that host In-Edit screenings. Mostra de vins It all goes to prove that the Festival organisers were spot on in i caves thinking that there was a In-Edit ready-made audience that de Catalunya October-November loves the partnership of Date and venue music and film. Doubtless to be confirmed One of Barcelona’s most part of its appeal is the range popular film festivals of musicians featured; you Wine and cava aficionados which specialises in music might catch the behind- shouldn’t miss this fair, which documentaries the-scene story of Marianne this year marks its 38th edition Faithfull, The Stooges, John One of Barcelona’s most and is an excellent opportunity to Coltrane or Gary Numan. You popular film festivals, get to know many of the locally could also discover some In-Edit focuses on music made vintages, along with some of the more unusual acts documentaries with typical regional foods. Catalonia that have emerged over the productions that take in the has a long history of wine- years and whose fascinating whole spectrum of popular making, with the Greeks first stories have been captured sounds. Created back in introducing vines to the northern on film, as well as delve into 2003, its audience numbers Empordà area, and the Romans the background of rhythms more than doubled in size for following suit albeit further south and sounds from around the the 2004 edition, from 1,200 in Tarragona. In recent times, the world that are perhaps less to 2,800, and less than ten profile of Catalan winemakers familiar to you. years later more than 30,000 has grown significantly among people streamed through the in-edit.org both critics and the general doors of the various venues public, and the quality of their output is generally agreed to improve year on year. Areas such as Priorat, Montsant and Costers del Segre are renowned for their products, while the one with the largest number of vineyards, Penedès, is the source of many popular cava and wine varieties. The weekend wine fair promises once more to be a time of sampling fine wine, brilliant bubbly and appetising bites to eat. incavi.gencat.cat

60 Half a century of the oldest of modal jazz is combined with all festivals held in Barcelona romantic classical music of an European flavour and A new music festival was death metal, to create a truly created on November 3, 88 unique sound. And in July, 1966 in Barcelona, where the Grec Festival pays tribute jazz played the leading role. to the Jazz Festival with a The Barcelona Jazz Festival series of five special concerts, didn’t take place between including Pat Metheny (7th) 50th Voll- 1977 and 1979, so 2018 sees and Cécile McLorin Salvant it celebrating its 50th edition. Damm (25th). Throughout 2018, more From the start, the festival of these concerts takes place International has aimed to bring the various to celebrate half a century styles of jazz music to the of the oldest festival in Jazz Festival public, and to be a platform for Barcelona. of Barcelona both established and emerging artists. The first performance Various venues: October-December of this year’s edition sees the jazz.barcelona brilliant Cameron Graves and his trio debut in Barcelona at Sala Luz de Gas. His

61 Created in 2003, Loop is a and other live events at platform that focuses on the numerous venues around the possibilities and challenges city (highlighting the flexible presented by video art, one of character of the format). 89 the key artistic movements Running concurrently is of modern times. Each year, Loop Fair, a shorter but Loop hosts professionals just as intense event that (including curators, collectors features work selected by Loop Barcelona and gallery-owners) and the an international committee public for a gathering where of specialised collectors, Nov 8-17 Festival they can explore the latest and looks for new ways Nov 15-17 Fair technological and other to present art considering developments in the moving the rapidly changing ways Exhibitions, concerts, talks image sector and see the that audiences have of and film screenings explore work of new and established experiencing moving images the potential and challenges creatives who use video as nowadays. of video art. their main tool. Loop Festival loop-barcelona.com runs for around 10 days and includes screenings, exhibitions, concerts, talks

62 runner who took part in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and beat various world 90 91 records; he was killed in the First World War) has earned the honour of becoming the oldest running race in Barcelona. Velázquez from 95th Jean The event, which is deeply the Museo del Bouin rooted in the city’s sporting culture, attracts all kinds Prado Nov 25 of top-level runners every Nov 20-March 2019 year, with over 11,000 The most prestigious and people taking part in the historical running race in A master painter in the spotlight two Open events (5km Barcelona and 10km) and 2,000 One of the greatest painters Feel the asphalt beneath entrants in the youth in history is the protagonist of your feet and relish the categories. The Jean Bouin this extensive new exhibition at sense of achievement is organised by Mundo CaixaForum. Diego Velázquez was of crossing the finishing Deportivo, Spain’s oldest born in Seville in 1599 and, before line and maybe even sports newspaper and one his death 61 years later, produced that belongs to the Grupo some of the most renowned works beating your personal Godó, Catalonia’s leading from Spain’s acclaimed Golden best by taking part in communications group. Age. His renditions of the Spanish one of Barcelona’s most royal family (created in his role prestigious sporting Start: Av. Rius i Talet / Av. as the lead artist of the court of challenges. With 94 Maria Cristina (Parc de Felipe IV) such as ‘Las Meninas’ are competitions under its belt, Montjuïc) particularly famed, but the Baroque the Jean Bouin (named artist also captured religious after the eponymous jeanbouin. scenes as well as more down-to- French long-distance mundodeportivo.com earth subjects, including 1629’s ‘The Drunks’. Today, the most important collection of his works is held in Madrid’s Prado Museum and that’s the source of many of the pieces on show here, which are compared and contrasted with those of several of his Spanish and European contemporaries such as Zubarán, El Greco, Murillo and Ribera. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to see a spectacular selection of 17th-century paintings at Barcelona’s beautiful CaixaForum venue. CaixaForum: caixaforum.es/barcelona

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Festival BEFF: Barcelona Ethical Fashion Fest November

The sustainable fashion festival BEFF (Barcelona Ethical Fashion Fest) is the most innovative festival in Spain and southern Europe focused on sustainable fashion. The initiative was created by the Barcelona Sustainable Fashion 93 association and was held for to the perennially popular the first time in November 2014. comic books and Japanese It aims to raise awareness in pop culture in general. It’s society about the advantages of Salón del a full-on weekend that sustainable fashion, and to develop Manga de includes special guest and encourage its creation, appearances by illustrators production, sale and use. At the Barcelona and writers from around same time, BEFF is committed to the world, new releases, creative fashion and the change (Manga Fair) marathon cinema and needed in the fashion industry November 1-4 television sessions, live to meet sustainable criteria concerts of J-pop and other and quality, without forgetting Celebration of Japanese music, plus workshops that style. If you go, you’ll find local culture look at different aspects fashion brands, independent of manga and anime while designers and sustainable fashion It’s time for cosplay outfits others provide the chance boutiques taking part in fashion to come out of the wardrobe to learn how to dress up shows and hosting pop-up stores. once more as Barcelona as favourite characters. Leading professionals take hosts the 24th edition of In addition, there are, part in conferences to discuss its Manga Fair. Having naturally, a wide range different aspects that concern held an event dedicated of stands for browsing fashion today, such as social and to this Japanese art form CDs, DVDs, comics, production problems, and thus for almost a quarter of a books, illustrations and providing an insight about the path century highlights just how merchandise. to follow and the future of fashion. committed fans of all ages modasosteniblebcn.org in and around the city are ficomic.com

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Festival del Mil·lenni Nov 2018-May 2019

A wide range of excellent established and rising musicians Further proof that Barcelona attracts the most incredible range of musicians to perform here comes in the shape of this popular music festival, which this year reaches its 20th edition. Starting in late autumn and spread out over various months through to the spring, the ‘Millennium Festival’ (the name comes from the fact that it was inaugurated back at the turn of the millennium) features an average of 50 concerts, bringing joy into the lives of music fans during what is the quietest time of year for such happenings. Its appeal is increased ten-fold by the effort of organisers Concert Studio to create an eclectic programme that really lives up to the adage ‘something for everybody’. Already lined up for the 20th Festival Mil·lenni are Swedish indie singer-songwriter José González, Galician multi- instrumentalist Carlos Núnez with his traditional end-of-year concert, and Catalan group Sau, which is marking its 30th anniversary. Various venues: festival-millenni.com

65 Eixample neighbourhood, as well as The Shopping stopping for a drink and something Night Barcelona to eat. This will be the ninth edition of the Shopping Night Barcelona 95 Nov 29 and each year organisers opt for a stylish theme around which to Shopping, drinks, food and base the evening’s events (last fun year it was the Gauche Divine, a The Shopping Night Barcelona key movement in the 1960s that has firmly established itself as an opened the Catalan capital to the essential night out in the lead-up to cultural vanguard, changing it Christmas, with shops, restaurants forever), making it an even more and bars along the iconic Passeig memorable night. Food trucks, live de Gràcia and several of the music, street performers and other surrounding streets opening late activities complete this experience into the night. That means you have which is a great way to begin the the chance to browse the luxury festive season. designer stores, popular high- Passeig de Gràcia and surrounds: street brands and other boutiques theshoppingnightbcn.com that are located in this part of the

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screens over 100 films Human Rights related to the theme of Drap-Art Festival human rights, many of December 16-30 Film Festival which are premieres, November divided into different Festival of art and environmental sections including full-, sustainability Cinema with a social half- and short-length, conscience fiction and documentaries. Created in 1995 as a festival that Parallel activities include put the spotlight on art made using This is the 15th edition of the workshops, masterclasses recycled materials and objects, Barcelona Human Rights in universities, and sessions Drap-Art continues to have a Film Festival, which aims in penitentiary centres. strong resonance over 20 years to be a non-commercial Subject matter at last later; the Drap-Art team believe bridge between cinema year’s festival included the strongly in the power of art as a and the defence of human cases of 16 people who tool for action and transformation rights; the organisers disappeared under the to tackle environmental issues. want to make audiences Pinochet dictatorship in Nowadays, the organisation think, raise awareness, Chile, a short about female denounce injustices, reflect also promotes emerging artists, genital mutilation in Kenya, designers, artisans and other on humanity’s social and Somalia and Ethiopia, and cultural diversity, and search creative professionals from across a documentary about the Europe and other parts of the for a sustainable human ‘honour’ killings of women race – unsurprisingly, these world who re-use and upcycle in Palestine and other Arab their primary materials; Drap-Art objectives have led the societies. festival to become one of now has events in Montevideo the world’s most important festivaldeciney (Uruguay), Pittsburgh (USA) and events on this subject. It derechoshumanos.com Buenos Aires (Argentina). As such, the festival speaks to us through its exhibitions about environmental, political and social issues from the perspective of artists of different nationalities whose objective is to put forward collective and shared solutions aimed at more sustainable development. As well as the art shows, you will also find workshops for a wide range of audiences, lectures and round tables, live music, and performances. drapart.org

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Fira de Fia-Faia - Bagà and Sant Julià de Cerdanyola December 24

A traditional Christmas Eve celebration in a natural park close to the Pyrenees In the Catalan towns of Bagà and Sant Julià de Cerdanyola, situated in the Natural Park of Cadí-Moixeró, December 24 doesn’t mean the arrival of Father Christmas. Instead, to mark the longest night of the year, the two municipalities as well as stopping for a drink come together to celebrate the ancientThe Shopping and something to eat. This festival of Fia-Faia. Declared by Night will be the ninth edition of the UNESCO95 as Intangible Cultural Heritage Shopping Night Barcelona and in 2015, this pre-Christian tradition Barcelona each year organisers opt for starts with the lighting of a bonfire a stylish theme around which Nov 29 up in the mountains in a spot that’s to base the evening’s events visible from below. Torches made from (last year it was the Gauche Shopping, drinks, food and a plant thought to have cleansing Divine, a key movement in fun properties are lit from the bonfire and the 1960s that opened the carried down to the two towns, creatingThe Shopping Night Barcelona Catalan capital to the cultural a beautiful river of flame. Later in thehas firmly established itself vanguard, changing it forever), evening, all the torches are left to burnas an essential night out in making it an even more in the centre of each town, and a poeticthe lead-up to Christmas, memorable night. Food trucks, line is recited: ‘Fia-faia, que nostro with shops, restaurants and live music, street performers Senyor ha nascut a la paia’ – ‘Fia-faia,bars along the iconic Passeig and other activities complete our Lord has been born on straw’. de Gràcia and several of the this experience which is a baga.cat surrounding streets opening great way to begin the festive late into the night. That season. means you have the chance Passeig de Gràcia and to browse the luxury designer surrounds: stores, popular high-street theshoppingnightbcn.com brands and other boutiques that are located in this part of the Eixample neighbourhood,

68 (which is what cribs are called in Catalan) can be seen in places around the 99 city including Plaça Sant Jaume, City Hall and the Reial Monestir de Pedralbes. And pessebres vivents (‘living Christmas in nativity scenes’) feature real people (and animals) Barcelona acting out the Christmas Markets like Santa Llúcia, story – if the chance comes living nativity scenes, fairs up to see one, for example at promoting responsible Poble Espanyol, don’t miss consumption, and beautiful it. On a more modern note, lights all make a Barcelona Barcelona is conscious of the Christmas well worth need to be environmentally experiencing aware at this time of year, and Plaça Catalunya hosts The festive season in a fair promoting responsible Barcelona is special for consumption, as well as fun many reasons. Firstly there and games for all ages. As the 93 are the traditional elements, glittering lights brighten the like the Christmas markets, streets at night, why not feast particularly the Santa Llúcia on some roasted chestnuts one by the cathedral, which 96. Human Rights from one of the stalls around has been held since 1786 Film Festival town before enjoying a concert and is where local families go of Christmas music? November to buy figures for their cribs. Talking of which, pessebres lameva.barcelona.cat Cinema with a social conscience This is the 15th edition of the Barcelona Human Rights Film Festival, which aims to be a non-commercial bridge between cinema and the defence of human rights; the organisers want to make audiences think, raise awareness, denounce injustices, reflect on humanity’s social and cultural diversity, and search for a sustainable human race – unsurprisingly, these objectives have led 69 spending the first hours of the new New Year’s Eve year. You can go to great clubs like December 31 the Razzmatazz or Sala Apolo, which 100 organise parties until daybreak You have to experience New Year’s on January 1, or you can enjoy Eve in Plaça Espanya at the foot of the celebrations laid on at Poble Montjuïc at least once Espanyol, which are very popular with young people. You can also go Greet 2019 by celebrating New Year’s to restaurants or flamenco clubs, Eve in Barcelona. For the past few which usually offer an evening full years, crowds have gathered at in of entertainment with meals, music Plaça d’Espanya, along Avinguda and dancing all included. Reina Maria Cristina, and at the foot of Montjuïc. This is the venue Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, for Barcelona’s biggest celebration Pl. Espanya: with a spectacular firework display, lameva.barcelona.cat music and live performances. And after joining in the local tradition of eating 12 grapes before the 12 strokes of midnight come to an end, you will find many venues perfect for

70 There's so much left to discover www.barcelonaismuchmore.com

Photos: stained glass window of the Colonia Güell, bicycle tourism in the Penedès, Castellers in Vilafranca del Penedès, Cardona Castle, Montserrat and enogastronomy in Subirats.

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