Save the Date 54 Things to Do in Barcelona in 2015

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save the date 54 things to do in barcelona in 2015

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Time Out Barcelona Digital business Mabel Mas save the date Via Laietana, 20 Editor-in-chief www.barcelonaturisme.com 932955400 Andreu Gomila Editor Andreu Gomila www.timeout.cat Art director Design Irisnegro redacció@timeout.cat Diego Piccininno Writers Hannah Pennell Publisher Eduard Voltas Features and web editor Edited by 80 + 4 Publicacions Finance Manager Judit Sans Maria José Gómez & Turisme de Barcelona apps.barcelonaturisme.com plan your visit: www.visitbarcelona.com

apps bcnshop bcnshop.cat www.timeout.com/barcelona 3 03 080 barcelona fashion february 2-6 Discover what you should be wearing, according to Catalan designers, this autumn and winter with the 15th edition of this bi- annual event to promote the local fashion industry. Expect pop-up stores, DJ sessions and catwalk presentations. It‘s not just about the clothes themselves, however, with talks discussing issues related to the sector, photo competitions and stands from 01 some of the local design schools, looking to discover the next sister act generation of 080 participants. january-may www.080barcelonafashion.cat From Maria von Trapp to Deborah Kerr’s turn in Black Narcissus via Elvis vehicle Change of Habit, it’s a well-known fact that nuns make for good entertainment fodder. The 04 costumes are straightforward, they have an excellent moral high Museu de les ground from which to fall or aspire to, and all that communal living Cultures del Món lends itself perfectly to creating FEBRUARY tension, frustration and perfect hiding-places for people on the run. Opening this year, Barcelona’s Sister Act ticks all these boxes and newest museum, the Museum of the original 1992 film starring 02 World Cultures, promises to be Whoopi Goldberg has certainly brought up through the legendary exceptional, with exhibits proved to have a long shelf life, gustavo dudamel/ El Sistema in Venezuela, which has originating from Africa, Asia, South generating a rapid sequel and later given thousands of children a and Central America, and Oceania, a musical. Showing here until May orquestra musical education, he started to gathered since the late 19th is a Spanish-language version of study conducting when he was 14 century by both local authorities the latter, set in 70s Philadelphia simfònica bolívar (although Dudamel himself says and private collectors. With close and telling the tale of singer Deloris that child conductors are the norm to 40,000 items in its archives– and her attempts to avoid the de venezuela in his home country) and became which include religious statues, mobsters chasing her by taking january 16-17 music director of the Bolívar clothing, artwork and books–there refuge in a convent disguised as a orchestra just four years later. is enough material here to keep nun. With Goldberg herself on Barcelona’s Palau de la Música Today, he also holds the same role curious minds distracted for board as producer for the stage this month welcomes Venezuelan at the LA Philharmonic and has hours. An added attraction is the version - she had it written into the conductor Gustavo Dudamel and scored a recently-released film location chosen for the museum: T&Cs that the lead role will always his established collaborators, the about South American liberator two adjoining houses in Montcada be played by a black actress - and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Simón Bolívar. His two concerts in street (just opposite the Picasso eight-time Oscar winner Alan of Venezuela. There is not nearly Barcelona are part of a wider Museum) built in medieval times Menken behind the original score, enough space here to introduce European tour; here he will conduct by wealthy families, which have this is musical theatre at its most you to Dudamel, if you’re not work by Beethoven and Wagner, been restored and merit a close uplifting, feel-good best. already familiar with his work. His Julián Orbón and Mahler. inspection in their own right. www.sisteractelmusical.com CV has not a note wrong on it: www.palaumusica.cat www.museuculturesmon.bcn.cat

4 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 5 07 05 Pixar, 25 years of Artistic Practice animation in Catalonia, february 6-may 1950-1975 In its three decades of creating february 24-may 24 feature-length films, computer animation company Pixar has won This show is being put on to 27 Oscars, 11 Grammies and 7 complement the latest section in Golden Globes, earned $8.5 the MNAC’s permanent collection, billion, and created numerous Modern Art up to 1950. Eventually, characters such as Woody, Nemo the pieces included in this three- and Remy who have kept both month exhibition will have their children and parents entertained. own permanent space, highlighting CaixaForum pays tribute to these this crucial period in Catalonia’s accomplishments by bringing this artistic history, covering as it does exhibition, created by New York’s the majority of the Franco MoMA, to Barcelona for a four- dictatorship. Despite the evident month run. You’ll see storyboards, limitations put in place by the models and explanations about fascist regime, many Catalan the technology used to create the artists and intellectuals thrived universally-loved Pixar family. during this time, as the displays of www.obrasocial.lacaixa.es paintings, sculptures, films and documents attest. See the significance of works by people such as Miró, Tàpies and Montserrat Roig in the eventual 08 transition to democracy in Spain. www.museunacional.cat Trial i Enduro Indoor Internacional de Barcelona february 8 life, is the first in a planned series Your jaw will drop as you see what 09 06 to take a critical look at the current some motorcyclists can achieve at also to build on and innovate from role of design around the world. It this year’s indoor trial and enduro Mobile World it. The congress brings together Design for life will be divided up into three show at Palau Sant Jordi. While mobile operators, device FEBRUARY sections - the human body, such time trial events are usually Congress manufacturers and geographical surroundings and staged outdoors, bringing them to march 2-5 representatives of related Barcelona’s new Design Museum communication - and the 100 or so an interior setting means you can industries from around the world - opened its doors in mid-December objects on display will include both enjoy the full spectrum of off- Barcelona has established itself last year more than 85,000 2014, bringing together the Catalan and international products roading skill from the comfort of as the global ‘capital’ of the mobile professionals from 200 countries collections of the city’s former and projects. The aim Is to reflect your seat and with no risk of mud phone industry, having came to network, launch new Ceramics,Textiles, and Visual and on the difference that can be made flying in your face. Competitors will successively hosted this congress, products and discuss the next Decorative Arts museums, some to a design concept depending on face challenges such as bouncing which is the biggest gathering for steps for mobile communications. 70,000 items in total. It is located the society it is aimed at. The their bikes off barrels and loop-the- the sector, ever since its One feature from the 2014 edition in the Disseny Hub, a building innovation and creativity of the looping them over water. No inauguration in 2009. With the likely to return is its environmental designed by some of Barcelona’s products will be analysed to wonder the Barcelona stage of the creation of the Mobile World initiatives, which saw the congress foremost architects, including Oriol understand how they serve their FIM X-Trial World Championship is Capital Foundation three years declared the largest event of its Bohigas, and surrounded by a intended audience. considered the most difficult of all. ago, Barcelona signalled its desire kind to be certified carbon neutral. moat. This exhibition, Design for www.museudeldisseny.cat www.trialindoorbarcelona.com not only to continue this role but www.mobileworldcongress.com

6 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 7 11 Barcelona Beer 13 Festival Kosmopolis march 13-15 march 17-22 Started in 2012, this event This biennial literary festival showcases craft beers from returns to Barcelona’s CCCB, still near and far. The festival looking to expand the concept of organisers want to promote the what literature is and put it into the bubbly beverage as a high- context of contemporary times. quality gastronomic product Past editions have explored themes and sourced over 300 different such as the relationship between types last year, including black science and science-fiction, how lager, smoked stout and new technologies can advance summer ale. Food selected to literature, and the importance of bring out the flavours of the humour for questioning and brews is served, there is the revealing reality. In line with its chance to meet some of the belief in ‘amplified’ literature, beer creators, and events for Kosmopolis schedules video shorts industry insiders are staged. and app workshops alongside www.barcelonabeerfestival.com readings and round tables. www.cccb.org 12 Orquestra

Simfònica de Berlín 2013 , averna march 2 Berlin’s Symphony Orchestra, featuring the young Armenian 10 violinst Sergey Khatxatryan, CCCB © M i qu el T about trying to break their PB time, visits the Auditori with a Zurich Marató de offers a checklist of some of the challenging programme. Starting city’s main landmarks including with the Brahms’ Concerto for Barcelona the Camp Nou, the Arc de Triomf violin and orchestra, which march 15 and a selection of Gaudí creations. debuted in 1879 and is the 14 In its efforts to make this an composer’s sole work focused There’s no two ways about it – inclusive sporting event, the on the string instrument, Prophetia running is popular in Barcelona organisers also provide numerous Khatxatryan will need all his march 13 - may 24 these days. It seems as though entertainment points along the natural talent to perform a piece not a weekend goes by here route for those not wearing a described as “unplayable” and Celebrating its 40th anniversary without a sprint/jog/power walk dorsal chip, including music and not for the violin but “against the this year, the Fundació Miró will in (delete according to fitness levels) dance performances. If you violin”. As if that wasn’t enough, part mark the occasion with this taking place. But the Zurich haven’t yet signed up, but would it is followed by Rachmaninov’s exhibition, looking at the Barcelona Marathon is the daddy like your chance to take an Second Symphony, which, while contemporary state of Europe,

of them all - it increasingly attracts alternative tour of Barcelona, know well-received from its debut by particularly the effects of the © Lu iz S imoes folks from abroad and has taken a that last year just over 14,200 public and critics alike, lasts 60 current social, political and place in the list of the world’s most runners took part, but organisers minutes in its original format, economic crisis. It will examine Antoni Muntadas (Catalunya), of their 2012 performance work popular 42-kilometre challenges. say that registrations can go above which has often led to abridged the very concept of ‘Europe’ Susan Philipsz (Scotland) and ‘Prost’ by Luiz Simoes and The route zig-zags its way across 17,000. versions being performed. through 20 pieces by artists from Kostas Bassanos (Greece). A Sabina Simon. town and, for those not concerned www.zurichmaratobarcelona.com www.auditori.cat different countries, including highlight will be the re-interpreting www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org

8 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 9 15 Picasso/Dalí. 16 F47esta de Sant Jordi í, F ig u eres 2014 al í, Dalí/Picasso april 23 march 19-june 28 This is one of those events to which For the first time, work by two of the it is almost impossible to do full last century’s most brilliant artists justice with mere words. Regularly is brought together. Following their touted as Catalonia’s equivalent to first meeting in Paris in 1926, we Valentine’s Day, the day of Sant observe how pieces produced by Jordi (St. George in English and Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí patron saint of Catalonia) is so echoed each other. The show is much more than heart-shaped produced with the Dalí Museum in boxes of chocolates and St Petersburg, Florida, where it uncomfortably forced Hallmark was exhibited for four months from rhymes. The basic idea is that men November last year; Barcelona is present their sweethearts with a its only other venue. Seventy-five rose, while women gift a book. So, works are displayed and many for the day, the streets fill to have rarely been seen in public bursting with stalls selling either before. The overlaps in the men’s roses of every colour, shape and lives, such as a shared fidelity to size, or books for all tastes. surrealism, make one wonder why Bibliophiles will be in heaven, as we have not seen this exhibition unhurried book browsing is all but until now. obligatory. Just hope that the www.bcn.cat/museupicasso weather stays fine.

D ó G ala -S alvador Houston © Fu ndaci Houston Hickey-Robertson, The Menil Collection, www.bcn.cat/barcelonacultura and bcn.cat/culturapopular , VEGAP, M adrid 2014 VEGAP, , ablo P icasso

W inkels © Tu risme de B arcelona / E dwin Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc., Sant Petersburg, Florida © Su ccessi ó P Sant Petersburg, Inc., Salvador Dalí Museum,

10 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 11 18 20 D’A FESTIVAL its peers by not offering the Primavera Sound chance to camp on the festival INTERNACIONAL DE mAY 28-30 site, Primavera Sound is certainly not lacking in CINEMA D’AUTOR DE Arguably one of the main atmosphere, with multiple players on the European stages hosting anything from BARCELONA summer music festival circuit, indie pop to hard metal, folk or april this is three long nights experimental. Pixies, crammed full of performances Metronomy and Arcade Fire Barcelona’s Festival Internacional from up-and-coming local were amongst the 229 acts de Cinema d’Autor (D’A for short) groups, some of the most who played last year. The logistics returns for its fifth edition, to critically-acclaimed of ensuring you see your acts showcase independent cinema contemporary names, and of choice requires planning, both international and local. It many others in-between. but is certainly worth it. aims to give movie buffs a chance Although it differs from most of www.primaverasound.com to see productions that the big distributors would never take a second glance at. D’A likes to run risks with its programme, meaning audiences get the chance to watch, for example, a documentary about a man who repeatedly builds Tarzan sets in a forest, only to burn them down (the winner of last year’s Public Choice award); or discover the oeuvre of Canadian director Denis Côté, who had eight of his works screened at D’A 2014. www.cinemadautor.cat 19 17 Carmen / Bizet surely being the contest with the april-may Barcelona Open longest name in the world, gives fans a chance to see top players in For six nights at the Liceu Banc Sabadell - more intimate surroundings than, operahouse, you can enjoy say, Wimbledon or Roland Garros. Carmen, the stirring Seville-based Trofeu Conde Godó The crowd’s favourite is Rafa work by Georges Bizet. But this is APRIL 18-26 Nadal, who triumphed here every no traditional retelling of the story year from 2005 to 2013, except of the eponymous gypsy. The man While FC Barcelona is ‘more than a 2010 when he didn’t actually play. behind the staging is Calixto Bieito, club’, Barcelona itself is also Last year, he was dismissed in the and if that name means nothing to about more than one sport. quarter-finals despite being you, one of his more radical Tennis, for instance, is much-loved favourite once more; the eventual operatic interpretations included here - indeed many past and winner was Kei Nishikori, the first hiring real prostitutes for a present stars of the game have non-Spaniard to win the title in 12 performance of Die Fledermaus by honed their art at local training years. Head to the Real Club de Welsh National Opera, which also facilities - and the city’s annual Tennis to enjoy the warm spring featured a fully nude aria and urine- tournament is a highlight for sun and see whether the local drinking. Nothing quite so dramatic aficionados of all levels. The darling can recover his crown. will be on show here in a production Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell www. Bieito first created in 1999. Trofeu Conde Godó, apart from barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com www.liceubarcelona.cat

12 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 13 21 23 Saló Internacional Loop Fair 25 del Còmic may-june L47a Nit dels Museus mAY may If you’re a lover of X-Men, Tintin or Enjoy the best of Barcelona’s Calvin and Hobbes, then this is the museums with a night-time visit, festival for you. Celebrating thanks to this special late opening anything and everything to do with event. Part of a Europe-wide comics and graphic novels, the initiative that sees 40 countries presence of internationally and over 4,000 museums take renowned authors such as Joe part, last year more than 70 Sacco and Andrew Wildman (many This three-pronged video art cultural centres in Barcelona and of whom are available for festival has been celebrated in the surrounding area opened their scheduled signings) highlights its Barcelona since 2003. The three- doors for free into the early hours. importance to fans and industry day, one-venue Fair opens to the But don’t just head to the big alike. Attendees are positively public in the afternoons allowing venues: this is a great opportunity encouraged to dress up as their them to enjoy various screenings, to visit some of Barcelona’s lesser- favourite comicbook characters, while the Loop Festival runs for just known attractions such as the while added extras include video over a week with multiple activities Arús public library, founded in games, workshops and special open to all. It includes exhibitions 1895; Can Framis, dedicated to

guest appearances. at various galleries around the city, contemporary paintings by artists www.ficomic.com and miniScreen for young art fans from or residing in Catalunya; and to learn about techniques such as the Motorbike Museum, which time lapse. Finally, Loop Studies includes 12 bikes found nowhere schedules workshops, panel else in the world. discussions and meetings for www.lanitsdelsmuseus.bcn.cat professionals. www.loop-barcelona.com u rsports / S h tterstock . com © N at 24 22 Open Espanya de Golf distance of 4.66 kilometres (2.89 FORMULA 1 GRAN miles) and is used by many RC golf el Prat Formula 1 teams as a test circuit. may 11-17 PREMIO ESPAÑA While the main event in the Grand Prix is clearly the Sunday race, This year sees the Spanish Golf 2015 there are lead-up events starting Open, part of the PGA European may 8-10 with a Pit Lane walkabout on Tour, held at the Real Club de Golf Thursday 7th (for holders of a El Prat in Terrassa, a town just half One of the biggest weekends on three-day or Sunday ticket), and the an hour away from Barcelona. This the Barcelona sporting calendar, chance to watch the qualifying will be the 10th time in its history the Spanish F1 Grand Prix drives events on Friday and Saturday. If that the club has hosted the into town once more, to find out you go with your family, a kids zone Spanish Open, the last being in who will be the quickest around the offers entertainment for 3 to 12 2011. The course itself, one of the Barcelona-Catalunya Montmeló year olds. In 2014, Lewis Hamilton best-regarded on the international circuit. Officially inaugurated in took the podium, while Fernando circuit, has 45 holes designed by September1991, the circuit Alonso, who in 2006 became the Greg Norman across its 210 welcomed the Spanish Grand Prix first Spaniard to win the Spanish hectares, and sits alongside the back to Catalonia that same month Grand Prix, came in sixth after natural park of Sant Llorenç de after 17 years away. It has capacity winning the title the previous year. Munt i l’Obac. for over 140,000 spectators, a lap www.circuitcat.com www.realclubdegolfelprat.com

14 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 15 27 26 Piknic Electronik Sónar Barcelona june 18-20 june-september If you know anything about Started in Montreal, the concept of electronic music, you know about Piknic Electronik is simple: each Sónar. Now in its 22nd year, and Sunday afternoon from June to with an official title of International September, provide a picnic space Festival of Advanced Music and aimed at all ages where electronic New Media Art, these days the music provides the backdrop, spun parallel activities generate as by different DJs from around the much excitement as the acts world every week. Families are playing at the traditional day and welcome, it is popular with groups night sessions. Art installations, a of friends looking for a gentle chill- congress dedicated to digital out spot, and an environmentally- culture and decibel-appropriate friendly vibe is encouraged. Bring kids’ specials are just part of the your own food or buy on-site. extended Sónar programme that www.piknicelectronik.es

takes over many corners of the city. When it comes to the live music, the festival always features top electronic acts new and old, with such noteworthy names in 28 recent editions as Grace Jones, Pet Shop Boys and Yelle. festival Jardins www.sonar.es palau reial

Pedralbes u se / S h tterstock . com © anyam june-july A relative newcomer on the Barcelona music festival block, 29 this will be the third outing for this Gaudí’s unique creations. In sumptuous event where the venue Les nits d’estiu a La Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera has is almost as high on the bill as the thrice-weekly rooftop jazz concerts acts. The setting is the gardens of Pedrera, Casa and the chance to visit the Espai the Palau Reial de Pedralbes, Gaudí (a permanent exhibition where carefully tended flowerbeds, Batlló, Torre about the architect), while Casa Michelin-starred food and a lot of Batlló offers suppers and cava set the scene. But that is not Bellesguard, Palau cocktails accompanied by live to decry the quality of the music. If you prefer to get away performers, with Blondie, Tom Güell... from the centre of town, in its Jones, Lana del Rey and Kool and june-september position overlooking the city, Torre the Gang all having appeared. Bellesguard offers panoramic www.festivalpedralbes.com During the summer in Barcelona, guided tours, cava and varied you’re never short of outdoor musical acts. Palau Güell is the events that allow you to make the most exclusive venue, opening its most of the (slightly) cooler roof terrace for just four nights last evenings. To add to their appeal, year, where it staged jazz concerts many such events are held in for 50 people at a time. buildings with splendid al fresco www.lapedrera.com spaces, meaning you’re spoilt for www.casabatllo.cat choice when looking for a city night www.bellesguardgaudi.com © richard d u mas © ogarcia out, particularly when it comes to www.palauguell.cat

16 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 17 30 32 Hotels: A Vista Garmin Barcelona d’Hotel. Setmana a Triathlon les terrasses dels june 21 Swim. Bike. Run. Swim. Bike. Run. hotels It’s as simple as that. Sort of. Now june an annual fixture in the autumn sporting schedule in Barcelona, As with any city, some of Barcelona’s this contest is divided between best views can only be seen from an Olympic, Sprint and Supersprint elevated standpoint, so this 10-day categories; regardless of the name, stretch when local hotels open their they all involve a lot of strength, rooftop terraces to all is one not to stamina and sweat for those taking miss. In last year’s fourth edition, part. If you don’t want to join ‘em, around 60 hotels took part offering it’s certainly worth going along to over 250 free activities including watch, taking place as it does on a Zumba classes, gourmet tapas and prime beachfront location. synchronised swimming displays. www.garminbarcelonatriathlon.com At this time of year, temperatures are warming up nicely, ideal for a cocktail at sunset – although if you plan to join the trend of terraceo-ing (visiting multiple terraces in one evening), take a jacket. Barcelona nights can be long… www.avistadhotel.cat

Catalonia – there is quite a tradition 31 in some of the region’s rural areas for children to start motorcycling GRAN PREMI MONSTER along dirt tracks from a relatively young age, and it clearly pays off for ENERGY DE CATALUNYA encouraging future triumphs. Márquez successfully defended his

MOTOGP MotoGP title last year and will june 12-14 doubtless be clear favourite to repeat the feat at the Barcelona- With Catalonia producing multiple Catalunya Montmeló circuit. But motorcycling stars, this will be a there should be strong competition particularly exciting fixture in the from the likes of his compatriots 2015 Grand Prix season. In 2013, Dani Pedrosa, Espargaró, who has the winners of the MotoGP (Marc progressed to MotoGP, and the Márquez), Moto2 (Pol Espargaró) latter’s brother Aleix: they all and Moto3 (Maverick Viñales) finished in the 2014 top 10.

championships were all born in u rsports / S h tterstock . com © N at www.circuitcat.com

18 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 19 35 34 Arab Image 33 Festival Cruïlla Grec Festival de Foundation Barcelona july 15- january 2016 Barcelona july 10-13 july The Arab Image Foundation is an Such is the popularity of this cut- NGO that was set up in Beirut in Barcelona’s biggest cultural price three-day summer music 1997 to promote, preserve and festival features dance, theatre, festival, that its special-offer study photography in the Middle music and circus staged in various tickets for this year’s events sold East. With a current archive of over city venues. Running very year out just days after the 2014 600,000 images, which it collects since its inauguration in 1976 (the edition finished. That might have from countries across the region, only exception being 1978), its something to do with the fact that including north Africa and areas of essential characteristics are little the line-up last year included Arab diaspora, this exhibition at changed since those early days. Damon Albarn as well as Imelda the MACBA will explore every facet There may be more international May, Band of Horses and of the foundation’s work. From an acts nowadays, but the principal Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. image of Egyptian nightclub tenet of showcasing Catalan These international stars dancers in the 40s to a portrait creativity holds fast. If you can, go intersperse in the programme with photo of two children in Istanbul in and see an event at the Grec local groups, making it an ideal 1911, this collection will reveal a Teatre, from which the festival place to discover new sounds as side of the Middle East new to takes its name and was once well as listening to familiar voices. many of us. practically the sole venue. An www.cruillabarcelona.com www.macba.cat amphitheatre built on the site of a disused quarry for the 1929 Universal Exhibition in Barcelona, it is a magical setting for watching a performance on a balmy July night. 36 www.grec.bcn.cat Barcelona Harley Days july 10-12 It might not seem so at first glance, but Barcelona is home to a large and active Harley Davidson community. And every year at the start of July, local H.O.G. (Harley Owner Group) members like to show off their pride and joys at this free three-day festival, while also welcoming fans from around the world. Over 20,000 gleaming machines were on display at the 2014 event, where the most popular activities continued to be the flag parade (which saw12,000 bikes ride through the streets of Barcelona), demo rides giving non- owners the chance to try out a bike, and guided tours of the city. There is also a music festival across the three days, Spain’s largest country music event, and a chance to see the newest Harley design.

20 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 21 38 Globus Aerostàtics 40 d’Igualada Festa Major de july Gràcia See the Catalan sky fill with a AUGUST 15-24 rainbow of hot air balloons at the European Balloon Festival. Held in The neighbourhood of Gràcia Igualada, a town about 90 minutes was once an independent town, from Barcelona by train, the only absorbed into Barcelona gathering has taken place annually proper at the end of the 19th for the past 18 years and offers century, and the community spirit visitors the chance to see these remains strong there as propane-fuelled creatures at close evidenced by the consistent hard range, with two flight times on each work put into this, their annual of the four days (early morning and ‘big party’. The main attraction is evening). Activities that take place the street decoration inside a balloon ‘igloo’, a competition, which sees some competitive flight where contestants 25 associations strive to create have to reach certain designated the most elaborate and targets, and seamstresses making incredible metamorphosis of a bags using balloon material are also road into, perhaps, a jungle, on the programme. underwater scene or zombie www.ebf.cat hangout. The week-long festa also includes fun for the kids, lots of street food and drink, plus traditional Catalan culture. 39 www.festamajordegracia.cat Circuit Festival august 5-16 Circuit calls itself ‘the biggest international gay and lesbian event’, 37 and with tens of thousands coming and Barcelona’s city history each year for an extensive line-up of SAN MIGUEL Mas i Mas museum, hosted concerts that practically non-stop partying, it’s ranged from jazz to funk, flamenco hard to argue with that. Running over returning from their summer Festival and techno via classical. A lot of 11 days, highlights include Water 41 holidays but before the serious august the artists taking part are local, Park Day and Night, when thousands business of the Spanish league with Mallorcan singer Maria del take over the Illa Fantasia waterpark, Trofeu Joan Gamper gets going. Inaugurated in 1966, it Many of Barcelona’s music venues Mar Bonet and Barcelona-born DJ and night-long clubbing courtesy of AUGUST used to take a four-game format all but close down in August, as a John Talabot amongst those on DJs from around the world. (semis, third-place play-off and result of the large number of the 2014 bill. International acts Organisers Matinée Group also Although involving nowhere near final), but now it is a single friendly

residents taking their principal included jazz pianist and singer schedule in cultural and sporting the excitement, tension and pride against a team that is, annual holidays this month. Freddy Cole (brother of Nat King), events, but let’s be honest – that’s that surrounds a Barça-Real Madrid unsurprisingly, often somewhat However, that doesn’t mean that soul maestro Tommy Hunt and not what people come for. meeting, this match, which marks inferior to the Catalan side and with there aren’t a lot of people around Japanese pianist Yoko Suzuki, who www.circuitfestival.net the start each season of the FC the added disadvantage of playing who would like to see some live performed a mix of popular film Barcelona team’s campaign, does in front of up to 99,000 home fans. performances, and into the void themes, cabaret songs and give you the chance to see the stars To give you an idea of the pressure has stepped the Mas i Mas group, classical pieces by the likes of in action alongside the club’s the visitors can be under at the with this extensive festival that Enric Granados and Chopin. An newest signings. Named for their Camp Nou, in the past four Joan showcases a variety of genres and eclectic selection that aptly sums Swiss founder, this ‘cup’ is Gampers, Barça has scored acts. Last year, eight spaces up the very ethos of Mas i Mas. traditionally played towards the nineteen goals but only let in one.

including the Palau de la Música www.masimascom middle of August, when locals are u rsports / S h tterstock . com © N at www.fcbarcelona.com

22 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 23 44 42 Mercat de Música Festes de la Mercè Viva de Vic september 23-27 SEPTEMBER Each year, Barcelona celebrates its Vic is a lovely historic town set in the patron saint, the eponymous Mercè, heart of Catalonia. Easily reachable with around a week of festivities and from Barcelona by car or train, it has activities. From Catalan staples, many permanent features that such as human towers, dancing alone would make a day trip there giants and fire running, to open-air more than worthwhile: an enormous concerts, singing competitions and twice-weekly market in its central open days at some of the city’s most square, a Roman temple, the important landmarks, see cathedral of Sant Pere Apóstol and Barcelona let its hair down in this an episcopal museum, to name but end-of-summer bash. It all finishes a few. However, each September an off with a monster firework display in added attraction on the list of Montjuïc. reasons to visit is this music www.bcn.cat/merce festival. Ostensibly an industry event that gives agents a chance to seek out promising new acts, it fills Vic with concerts of all shapes and sizes, providing a matchless opportunity to hear what sounds are trending in Catalonia, Spain and the wider Mediterranean area. www.mmvv.cat 45 Hipnotik festival 43 september to perfect the art of climbing on to Discover the world of Spanish hip Castells (Sant each other’s shoulders to build hop with established names and ‘towers’ as high as they can; they are rising stars demonstrating all they Félix -Vilafranca) deemed complete when a small child can do with their voices and AUGUST - SEPTEMBER from the colla gets right tothe top and bodies. This one-day, 10-hour raises one arm. The deftness and music festival at the CCCB aims to If you want to know what some local courage in such youngsters is truly a provide a literal stage for freedom people mean when they say sight worth seeing. Colles regularly of expression, and the programme ‘Catalonia is not Spain’, this is the appear at festivities in towns big and includes competitions, battles, kind of thing they are talking about. small in Catalonia, with the annual grafitti, breakdance and Castells, or human towers to give late-summer festa major of Saint discussions. In terms of concerts, them their official translation, are a Felix in the town of Vilafranca one of 11 were scheduled last year, unique and historic feature of the stellar events in the human tower featuring musicians from different Catalan culture. With references to calendar. Located in the Catalan parts of the country. Artists such this acrobatic hobby found from as wine-making region of Alt Penedés, as MC Mr Ego, Andalucian rapper far back as the 18th century, it each year Vilafranca welcomes four ToteKing, and dancers Kidskillz originated in the Tarragona area. of the best casteller groups of the and Ruth e Izaskun are amongst Nowadays, castell groups (colles moment to create their stunning those who have stolen the show in castelleres) are found across the temporary edifices. recent editions. region, with members practising hard www.festamajorvilafranca.cat www.hipnotikfestival.com

24 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 25 46 49 Saló Nàutic Sâlmon, october 14-18 European Talens You don’t actually have to be in the market for a yacht to enjoy the Upstream sights at Barcelona’s Boat Show. october Taking place at the city’s old port, the range of both sporting and This dance festival is a chance to leisure vessels on display is see work produced by members impressive, with over 800 types in of El Graner, a creative factory 2014, including catamarans, that both encourages local fishing-boats and motor-launches, dancers with a unique vision of along with numerous accessories the language of movement, and for anyone who prefers the open offers residencies to performers seas to dry land. Star of the show from other countries to enable for both the giga-rich and the them to complete a personal mega-curious will doubtless be the project. In all, the stage is set for superyachts, excellent for spotting an eclectic mix of choreography the most outlandish added extras that challenges and uses the (submarine, anyone?). Family body in non-traditional ways, with activities and networking spaces shows aimed at both pros and are also provided, making this a aficionados. comprehensive exhibition of all www.mercatflors.cat things nautical. www.salonnautico.com

47 48 performers. Musical biography Mercat de Mercats In-Edit Beefeater lends itself well to film, what with OCTOBER its ready-made soundtrack and the FESTIVAL protagonists having to have deep Enjoy the mother of all markets, october reservoirs of drive and self-belief to as stallholders from various of try and make it in such a competitive Barcelona’s 39 city markets, Where can you see Dexys (Midnight and demanding industry. As well as along with bakers and wine and Runners) rub shoulders with the illustrious names already food producers from around Mahler and Duke Ellington? mentioned, last year’s programme Catalonia, gather to show off Possibly in a parallel universe featured an interview with John their wares. Some 86 sellers where musicians are immortal and Cage (he didn’t just stay silent took part last year with items reside together on a commune, but throughout, apparently), a look at including olives, fish, fruit, fresh definitely at this festival dedicated the final years of Freddie Mercury pasta, cakes, cured meats and to music documentaries and his life beyond Queen, and a cheeses on display, just begging (specifically the 2014 edition). 20-year-old Dutch film about a plan to be bought. Creative tapas Each year, the organisers seek out to create a string quartet where the were also available. new and classic films that delve participants each played in a www.somdemercat.cat into the stories behind some of the different helicopter. biggest bands in history, some of Masterclasses and debates the strangest musical endeavours complete the programme. and some of the most unlucky www.in-edit.org

26 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 27 52 Christmas Shopping DECEMBER To seriously paraphrase Frank Sinatra, if you can’t get your Christmas shopping done in Barcelona, you can’t get it done anywhere. From the glamorous and elegant luxury names that line Passeig de Gràcia, to the tiny independent traders in the trendy Born and everything in between, including art and craft markets and specialised gourmet stores, this is a place made for shopping, particularly at this time of year. You’ll find something for everyone on your list, while enjoying the seasonal sparkle on the city streets. www.barcelonashoppingline. com/christmas

50 51 final) in the series of REC the masters, such as Miles Davis, Sitges - Festival movies, some of the most VOLL-DAMM Festival Sonny Rollins and Count Basie, popular terror films to come along with a long roll-call of some of Internacional de out of Catalonia. Possibly to Internacional de the finest jazz musicians around. In avoid any liability, organisers 2014, headliners included Chucho Cinema Fantàstic advise reading a description Jazz de Barcelona Valdés, Wayne Shorter and Zakir of any film before purchasing october - november Hussain. Fans could also enjoy de Catalunya tickets, to get an idea of fear regular jam sessions at the october levels involved. But maybe Barcelona has a thriving jazz scene, Conservatori del Liceu and a wide that takes all the fun out if it, with various venues dedicated to range of masterclasses with the If you’re the sort who loves and anyway, 2014 live concerts most nights of the year. likes of double bassist Dave going to the cinema to be screenings A Girl Walks Unsurprising, then, that its annual Holland, pianist Joachim Kühn, and scared witless, then the Home Alone at Night, With festival devoted to the genre is going vibraphonist Gary Burton. Local Sitges International your heart in your throat and so strong, this year celebrating its libraries also get in on the act, with Fantastic Film Festival is the Bombshell Bloodbath all 47th edition. Inaugurated back in exhibitions, activities introducing place for you. The last edition sound quite self-explanatory. 1966, when the great Dave Brubeck children to the key instruments, and opened with the fourth (and www.sitgesfilmfestival.com and his quartet performed at the sessions where some of the festival Palau de la Música Catalana, the participants talk about their art. event has since welcomed more of www.barcelonajazzfestival.com

28 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 29 148x210 ang bcn+ ALTA.pdf 1 07/11/14 16:30

53 christmas - Fira de Santa Llúcia december This long-established Christmas fair takes over the square in front of Barcelona’s cathedral for the weeks leading up to the big day, with stalls selling any number of seasonal accessories, including mistletoe, tree decorations and small gifts. However, if you want to experience the fair as a local, take your chance to buy some nativity figures, whether a caganer (a Catalan peasant who defecates in the corner of the stable) or a

character who actually appeared in C the original story. www.bcn.cat/nadal M

CMY

the evening, though, was an 54 enormous figure, about 15 metres tall. Positioned in front of the Magic Campanades de Cap Fountains in Montjuïc, it was part of a family-friendly show produced by d’any innovative theatrical group Fura december 31 dels Baus, using water, lights and pyrotechnics to create a Although not a traditional New memorable welcome for the Year’s Eve destination in the mould following 365 days. And if you really of Edinburgh, London or New York, want to get into the party mood, Barcelona city council has looked local tradition dictates the wearing recently to up the ante on the local of red underwear for the occasion end-of-year festivities. For last and eating 12 grapes at midnight year’s inaugural event, Plaça before the bells finish - seedless Espanya hosted a big outdoor party ones may help with a task that can that included human towers and a be more difficult than it sounds. huge firework display. The star of www.bcn.cat/nadal

30 www.timeout.com/barcelona www.timeout.com/barcelona 31 Free travel on public transport

2 days: if you’re going to be here for 2 days, enjoy the Barcelona Card express for just 20 euros.

3-5 days: if you’re going to be here for 3 to 5 days and you don’t want to miss a single visit, there’s a Barcelona Card for you with unlimited experiences!

Information and sales: barcelonacard.com bcnshop.cat 32 www.timeout.com/barcelona

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