Celebrate the Merce Festival in Barcelona with ART

Barcelona September 13, 2006balloons, kit displays and other aerial exhibitions
24th of September marks the start of a week'sthat take place throughout the festival on the
celebration in honor of the Patron Saint ofcity's beaches.
Barcelona, the Mare de Deu de la Merce. EveryA big music celebrity is usually brought for the
year the festival puts together groups offestival's grad finale. For 2005 the spot light went
musicians from all over the world which performto a local singer and composer Pep Sala, who had
live in various locations of the city, Plaza delthe chance to honorably close out La Merce.
Forum, Avenida de la Catedral, Rambla del Rayal,And for visitors not to miss a thing, during the
el Moll de la Fusta, Plaza Catalunya, amongst otherweekend of the 24th, transports are out and
areas, transforming the streets into the largestabout 24/7. It is actually the best bet as the
party area of the region.streets will be filled with events, parades, fire runs
The Festival officially took place for the first timeand many people.
in 1902, and since then, at the end of SeptemberIt is the perfect opportunity for tourists to feel
the town bids summer goodbye with a bang andthe true spirit of Barcelona at its best and most
welcomes the cooler months of autumn, throughcolorful dress. The vibrant festival filled with unique
a fantastic blend of tradition, innovation andspectacles, brig entertainment and something new
entertainment. It has become the greatest eventto all ages, along with the chance to discover a
on Barcelona's festival calendar in a truewonderful city.
Mediterranean fashion.About Barcelona
As the climate allows celebrations to take placeBarcelona is the second largest city in Spain, not
outdoors, there are a number of differentonly in size but also in population. It is the capital
activities that satisfy all tastes spread in differentof Catalonia, one of the seventeen Autonomous
locations. Although most of the events, about 500Communities that make up country that lies along
around the city, are carefully wrapped until thea privileged position of the Mediterranean, on the
last moment, be certain that you'll be doingnorthern coast of Iberia.
something that involves music, fun, colors, gamesTo begin, however, you'll want to take in the
and constant smile on your face.artistic and intellectual aura of this unique seafaring
Nevertheless, as tradition is one of the keycity. Residents take justifiable pride in their Catalan
words, a game held every year will remain forheritage, and are eager to share it. Many of these
2006, Castells, the human tower. It is one of thesights can be covered on foot, and this section
highlights, as it is an admirable demonstration ofincludes a walking tour of the Old Town.
agility, balance and teamwork.Besides its geographical location, the cultural,
In line with Barcelona's cultural development you'llhistorical and traditional influences make Barcelona
come across figures such as the Gegantes andunequivocally Mediterranean and multi-faceted. Not
the Capgrossos that stroll about, representing theonly is it rich in history, it has transformed itself
Catalan city halls. To accompany them, in the funinto one of the most dynamic and stylish cities in
parade, are street artists that provoke laughterthe world.
and surprise through their theatrical and travelingFilled with landmark buildings and world-class
music acts in a colorful pyrotechnic display.museums, you'll find fascinating; Antoni Gaudi's
This part of the event has been known tofamed Sagrada Familia, the Museu Picasso, the
captivate the children the most as they loveGothic cathedral, and Les Ramblas, the tree-lined
dynamic displays that play with their imagination,promenade cutting through the heart of the old
specially the dragons and giants. The audience alsoquarter.
participates and interacts with the funny figures,Summer is synonym to serious partying and for
mainly the devils that chase those "foolish" enoughthe rest of the year, visitors will be blown away
to get in their way.as Barcelona is on the biting edge of architecture,
If you are in to good food and fine wine, thisfood, fashion, style and music.
event is also for you. Food and wine shows runTo complete the festive experience and extend
throughout the festival showcasing local products.Barcelona's sensations, choose between some of
Allowing you to taste and buy the best Cataloniathe best Luxury Boutique Design Hotels of the
has to offer.region for an accommodation that is guaranteed
Indispensable to these celebrations are the devilishto prolong the emotions.
colorful spit fire figures, the Correfocs thatClaris - Touch treasures of the past, in an
precede the most expected spectacle of theenvironment of contemporary luxury.
Merce Festival, the Piromusical show. The sky isNeri H&R - Experience Sensuality and awaken all
filled with lights and colors thrown together withyour senses.
quality music that create an amazing audio-visualGranados 83 - Maximum elegance in a minimalist
experience. Also animating the skies, you'll tireatmosphere.
your neck catching a glimpse of static hot air