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