The Festa Mayor de Gràcia 2012 – August, 15th to 21st

July 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Spain is quite famous for its festivals. Every single one has a special meaning, purpose and theme, which is why they are so numerous and gather so many people, visitors as well as locals. One festival that is a real tradition for the locals and great enchantment for tourists is known as ‘Festival de Gràcia.’ This festival takes place in the district of Gràcia, and if you chose an
apartment for details there for your holidays in Barcelona, you will have the unique chance of enjoying all the preparations and the animation of the neighborhood during those few days. This cozy district is characterized by quaint friendly cafes, Bohemian lifestyle and beautiful architecture. Many residents claim that Gràcia is the ultimate shopping place because you will find everything in this district.

The Magic of Festival de Gràcia

The Festival de Gràcia takes place every August annually. The festival can be dated back to 19th century, when the whole district went through a transformation thanks to hardworking craftsmen. Back then, it was a district associated with craftsmen, workers and small traders. It was not a part of Barcelona but a village on its own. Today, however, this district is an important part of Barcelona. Though craftsmen, workers and traders don’t live there anymore, the district has passionate residents.

So every year, the residents get together and decorate their street. This longtime tradition transforms the street of Gràcia into a fantastical wonderland. Every neighborhood uses their imagination and creativity. They decorate the neighborhood with a different theme. Thus by the end of August, when you walk in different neighborhoods and streets, you can see an unbelievable transformation. In one neighborhood you will feel as if you have suddenly immersed undersea, while in another, you might feel as if you walked back in time during the medieval ages… Each year, the inhabitants find ever more creative ways to decorate the streets, and you would have to see it to really understand the scale of the phenomenon!

Residents use beautiful lighting to colorful crepe papers to magnificently built canopies to emphasize their themes. They leave no stone unturned in making their decoration match the theme as much as possible.  

This festival is actually a competition, as residents are loyal to their neighborhood and try their best to make it stand out. The best neighborhood is also given a prize. Over the years, it has been noted that the festival has helped build team spirit and friendship between the residents. Every neighborhood covets the first prize and the honor of being recognized as “the best decorated neighborhood.”

Other activities during the Festival

La Festa Mayor de Gràcia is not only about decorating your neighborhood. Concerts, events and different activities are planned and executed during the festival. The first day of the festival is known as “Assumption day” and it is a public holiday. You will see children and adults alike on the street enjoying the festivities of the day. Street performers and musicians will keep you captivated the whole day and evening.

Reasons to visit Festival de Gràcia

There are a number of reasons why you should visit this festival. The first one is that it shows a deep part of Barcelona’s culture, as celebrations and big events in the streets are a common thing around here. Although, this particular festival attracts tourists from all over the world, who visit Spain just to attend it. While visiting this grand festival, schedule a few days to explore the wonders of Barcelona, enjoy the beach, the warm, pleasant Mediterranean climate and the rich landscapes and infrastructures of the city… The Festa Mayor is a concentrate of the Catalan capital’s magic!