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