When: 19 - 25 Feb 2009

Where: Barcelona and Stiges

Cost: Free

Carnivals are popular all over the world and Barcelona is no exception. In general Carnival is all about to eat drink, dance and have one of the years greatest parties. The biggest event of the Carnival of Barcelona is the big Carnival padre.

The carnival is 100 years old tradition in Barcelona. Carnival is celebrated in the winter season. For many Catalans in Barcelona this was one of the best demonstrations of their freedom, to show that the city was theirs again. (It was forbidden to celebrate Carnival in Barcelona between 1936 and 1980, begun during the time of General Franco).
In many countries carnival is celebrated on the streets and people make big colourful processions and lots of noise. It is celebrated by painting faces, or wearing masks, as well as a disguise or fancy dress costume. People go on parades and sometimes organise parties.

There are many parades in the different barrios, but the most spectactular parade and the highlight of Barcelona Carneval is the “ La Grand Rua Central de Caneval” (central carnival parade). This is the big parade of decorated carnival floats and carnival groups dancing their way down the carnival route. In last years about 53 different groups took part in the possession with more then 2500 people active participants to the delight of the estimated 35000 spectators lining Carnival route.

February is carnival time also in Sitges (20 min with train outside Barcelona) join's in the fun. Many carnivals around the world are gay festivals but Sitges carnival is world famous for it's exotic style and extravagance. Carnival has to be Sitges' wildest party. Even though it is on in February it is still the hottest party in town! On the most popular days you will find more than 300,000 partygoers dancing on the major streets across the town. 

Offical Barcelona Carnival website http://www.bcn.cat/carnaval

Offical Sitges Carnaval website http://www.sitgestour.com/

Top 10 Most Visited Places in Barcelona by Number of Tourists (2008)

1. Sagrada Familiar

Perhaps the most emblematic building in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familiar is certainly the most visited as around 2 million tourists flock to see Gaudi’s masterpiece each year. Inside there is a museum which charters the evolution of the Sagrada Familiar as it has constantly changed under construction. There is even a model of how the Cathedral will look when it is finally completed, estimated to be in around 30 years time.

2. The Barcelona Aquarium

The Aquàrium de Barcelona is 1 of the biggest aquariums of the world with no less than 35 water tanks, 11.000 animals,450 different kind of animal types, and a 80 meters lond underwater tunnel. There are many activities for children as workshops, search games and even swimming with sharks! The largest aquarium in Europe , and the most important in the world in terms of Mediterranean wildlife, the well-designed interior holds 20 vast tanks and an immense 80-metre transparent walk-through shark tunnel . A new interactive space called Explora has recently opened, housing 50 activities aimed at allowing children to watch, touch and investigate three different marine ecosystems.

3. Montjuic aka the Spanish Village

This Barcelona attraction is a small Spanish village with different quarters that replicate the style of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain. Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole host of specialist craft shops and workshops where you can see some traditionally made Spanish goods. Poble Espanyol is also the venue for the Famous Flamenco show at tablao de Carmen which maybe is one reason for it's popularity at no.3

4. La Pedrera – La Casa Mila

La Casa Mila is the largest civil building designed by Antonio Gaudi, and was the architects last work before devoting himself entirely to the Sagrada Familiar. Pedro Milà, a rich businessman was impressed by Gaudi’s earlier Works and commissioned the architect to design a house for him in Passeig de Gracia. The building is unique as it doesn’t have a single straight line in its design. The building is a homage to Gaudi’s Modernist architectural style and inside it also houses some important paintings. The result is a striking and hugely impressive building, which tourists come to see in their droves every year.

5. Barcelona FC Museum/Camp Nou

This is the most visited football museum in the world, containing important sporting memorabilia from the history of one of the world’s greatest football clubs. The museum has a trophy room displaying some of the trophies Barcelona have won in the past, a photographic section which charts the history of the club in images and other items such as signed shirts, medals and boots. The museum also displays items from Barcelona’s other sports teams such as basketball and hockey as well as information about when Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992. In addition, you can also take the stadium tour, which is a great behind the scenes look at one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas. For sports enthusiasts this is a truly remarkable experience.

6. Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo is in the Parc de la Ciutadella area of the city. They have about 7.500 different kinds of animals from all over the world. It has a few restaurants and picnic zones and there are several shows you can watch. The zoo is a great place to visit especially if you’re with children.

7. Picasso Museum

Visiting this museum is a great way of increasing your knowledge about Spain’s best known artist, Pablo Picasso. The museum houses around 3,800 of Picasso’s works. The museum concentrates on the progression of Picasso from an adolescent artist to the accomplished painter that revolutionised the art world. The museum also pays particular attention to the Malaga-born artist’s profound relationship with Catalonia, something which started at a young age and influenced his work right up until his death in 1973.

8. Imax Cinema

Located in Port Vell, alongside the aquarium, the IMAX cinema is a 3D cinema which has three giant screens showing documentaries on nature and animals. Showings all day from noon until 1am.The shows are generally excellent & very interesting. However please note the narration is not available in English.

9. Miro Museum

Joan Miro Foundation is one of our favourite museums in Barcelona. The building, designed by Josep Lluís Sert offers you a moment of calm and tranquillity: experience of light and beautiful spaces. Among the trees, you will have a stunning view of the city and as well as a great opportunity to discover the work of Miró who throughout his life took a particular interest in the diversity of materials, forms and colours. It led him to explore and experiment with different art forms such as painting, sculpture, printing techniques, ceramics, theatre and tapestry. You can see the sheer diversity of his work when you visit the museum.

10. Museu National d' Art Catalunya (MNAC) – Montjuïc

This art gallery is situated in a stunning building and has great views of Barcelona from its entrance. Inside there is a wide range of artwork and artefacts coming from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The diversity of the museum’s artwork is truly amazing, with thousands paintings, sketches, photography and sculptures.  The museum also houses the largest collection of Catalan artwork anywhere in the world.

Created in 1899, FC Barcelona is arguably the world’s greatest sports clubs. Although it is most famous for its football team (on which this article will focus) the club also operates professional teams in other sports such as basketball, handball and hockey.   

The club uses the slogan “Mes que un club” (which means in English more than a club), to emphasise the fact that FC Barcelona has more importance to the Catalan people than just a sporting institution. The club is a constant source of pride for the Catalan people, and emblematic of the Catalan people’s struggle for independence against the central Madrid based governments, especially under the dictatorship of General Franco. Many see the club as a beacon in their struggle against tyranny and during the aforementioned Franco dictatorship, many people supported the club in protest against his oppressive regime, which was safer than joining clandestine anti-Franco movements nad even today the club actively espouses democracy and freedom. . For this reason the derby against Real Madrid (known as El Clásico) is perhaps the most fiercely contested and anticipated game in world football. The rivalry is seen by many to encapsulate the perpetual tension that exists amongst Catalans and Castilians.

Everything about the club is impressive. The club has a glittering history of winning trophies;  18 La Liga trophies, 24 Copa del Rey victories, 7, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues,  4 UEFA Cup Winners' Cups  and 2 European Super Cup trophies. Also, some of the world’s greatest ever players have players have played for Barcelona; Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradonna, Ronald Koeman, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi to name a few. 

Another hugely impressive thing about Barcelona is it’s stadium the Camp Nou. The club has become a global and Spanish phenomenon. An estimated 25% of the Spanish population are supporters of Barcelona and the club has around 2,000 official supporters clubs worldwide. In order to house such a vast support the stadium has a capacity of 98,772, making it the largest stadium in Europe. The stadium has held many important concerts, sporting finals and even staged part of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Visiting the Camp Nou is a must for sports enthusiasts whilst they visit Barcelona whether you visit the stadium museum (which is the most visited sports museaum in the world),  take the tour or go and watch a match.

Barcelona – Museums and Art Galleries

Museums in Barcelona

Barcelona is famous for its rich cultural heritage, from the breathtaking Modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudi to the plethora of artists and writers who have been inspired to create masterpieces by the beauty of the Catalonian capital. Naturally befitting to such a culturally important city, there is a wide range of museums and art galleries in Barcelona to visit. Here is a list of some of the biggest and most important;

Gaudi - La Sagrada Familiar and La Pedrera

 La Sagrada Familiar and La Pedrera are two of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudi. La Sagrada Familiar is visited by around 2 million tourists each year. Inside there is a museum which charters the evolution of the Sagrada Familiar as it has constantly changed under construction. There is even a model of how the Cathedral will look when it is finally completed, estimated to be in around 30 years time. As for La Pedrera, the building is the museum, seen by many as a perfect example of Gaudi’s Modernist architectural style and housing some important paintings.  These architectural masterpieces are the two most visited museums in Barcelona.

The FC Barcelona Football Museum (Camp Nou)

This is the most visited football museum in the world, containing important sporting memorabilia from the history of one of the world’s greatest football clubs. The museum has a trophy room displaying some of the trophies Barcelona have won in the past, a photographic section which charts the history of the club in images and other items such as signed shirts, medals and boots. The museum also displays items from Barcelona’s other sports teams such as basketball and hockey as well as information about when Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992. In addition, you can also take the stadium tour, which is a great behind the scenes look at one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas. For sports enthusiasts this is a truly remarkable experience.

Museum d' Història de Catalunya

This is the perfect place to go if you are interested in the history of Catalunya, perhaps Spain’s most interesting autonomous community.  The museum’s principle aim is to encourage people to learn more about the history of the Catalunya nation and it actively supports projects with the same aim. The museum narrates the story and evolution of Catalunya and contains many relics from the region’s past.

Art Galleries in Barcelona

Museu National d' Art Catalunya (MNAC) – Montjuïc

This art gallery is situated in a stunning building and has great views of Barcelona from its entrance. Inside there is a wide range of artwork and artefacts coming from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The diversity of the museum’s artwork is truly amazing, with thousands paintings, sketches, photography and sculptures.  The museum also houses the largest collection of Catalan artwork anywhere in the world.

Picasso Museum

Visiting this museum is a great way of increasing your knowledge about Spain’s best known artist, Pablo Picasso. The museum houses around 3,800 of Picasso’s works. The museum concentrates on the progression of Picasso from an adolescent artist to the accomplished painter that revolutionised the art world. The museum also pays particular attention to the Malaga-born artist’s profound relationship with Catalonia, something which started at a young age and influenced his work right up until his death in 1973.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)

The Museum only opened in 1995 and the building itself is something to behold, a large mainly glass building whose design is strongly linked with Modernism. The museum focuses on modern art, from the mid to late 20^th Century through to the current day. As with most museums’ in Barcelona, there is emphasis on displaying local works, and perhaps the museum is most famous for its works by Catalan artists such as Antoni Tàpies. The museum changes its exhibitions every three months or so, meaning there is always something new to see there.

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world. Renowned as being a cultural, sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, the Catalonian capital certainly boasts a huge array of attractions and places of interest. However, it is difficult to know where to stay when you visit Barcelona as there is a huge variety of appealing districts that you can stay in. Here is a brief lowdown of some of the most spectacular and enchanting areas of Barcelona;

La Rambla – La Rambla is truly one of the world’s most famous and iconic streets. The street is filled with locals and tourists alike all year round creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. The street starts at the city’s main square, The Plaza Cataluña, and ends at the impressive monument of Christopher Columbus. Along this street there are many shops, cafes, theatres and restaurants that you can enjoy. When you walk along Spain’s most famous street you are struck by the beauty of the buildings on either side, the sheer volume of people on the street and entertained by many of the street performers. This hive of activity as well as the sheer diversity of the street has lead La Rambla to be described by many people as the one street that can truly encapsulate the soul of Barcelona.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalans – Often known locally simply as Gran Via, Gran Via de les Corts Catalans is one of the main avenues in Barcelona. It is over 8 kilometres in length and stretches across the city, passing by some of cities key squares such as Plaza Espanya, Plaza Universitat and Plaza Cataluña. Along this road there is much to do, with places of interest including the Cinema Coliseum, Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes and the Banco Vitalicio Building. In 2001 a monument to the victims of the fascist Italian aviation bombings during the Spanish Civil War was erected, opposite the Cinema Coliseum.  Gran Via is a hub of activity, perfectly situated so that you can easily access all of Barcelona’s key attractions and places of interest.

Plaza Cataluña – Located at the top of La Ramblas and below Paseig de Gracia, Plaza Cataluña is Barcelona’s main square linking Barcelona’s two main streets.  The plaza is enormous in size, and therefore it is always teaming with people who are emanating from one of the 9 streets that meet at Plaza Cataluña. Plaza Cataluña is also one of Barcelona’s main transport links, with 3 metro lines a train line and many key bus routes all passing through Barcelona’s main plaza. The square provides an ideal meeting point for tourists and locals alike as they can meet up in the beautiful surroundings of Plaza Cataluña and from there they can easily reach most points in Barcelona.

Barceloneta – Barceloneta is a thriving district close to La Rambla, the main street in Barcelona. Barceloneta is most famous for its beach, which is the closest beach to the Port Vell, the old port at the bottom of La Rambla. Barceloneta is surrounded by a plethora of restaurants where you can enjoy outstanding seafood and rice dishes, beach front bars and thriving nightclubs which are a haven for tourists. Thanks to Barcelona’s hot climate, Barceloneta's beach is constantly filled making the area an important part of Barcelona’s appeal to tourists. Other places of note in Barceloneta include an IMAX cinema and the Museum of the History of Barcelona.

L’Eixample – The Eixample district was created when Barcelona city grew outwards beyond the city walls. Designed by Ildefons Cerda, it is considered by many to be the finest example of modern urban planning in the world. The affluent Eixample district extends upwards past the Plaza Cataluña and contains Barcelona’s second most famous street, Passeig de Gracia, on which you can find all sorts of shops, businesses and enchanting architecture. In fact, the Eixample area contains the highest concentration of Modernist architecture in the world most notably La Pedrera and the La Sagrada Familiar.  

Gothic Quarter – Just off the Ramblas, is Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, the oldest part of the city. The area contains a unique mix of buildings, from Roman walls, museums and modern buildings, shops and restaurants. This unique fusion of old and new buildings has transformed it into the most visited area of the city.

Paral-lel – Paral.lel is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona. Ideally located, starting near to the Columbus statue at the bottom of the Ramblas and stretching all the way to the breathtaking Plaza Espana, Paral.lel has always been a popular place to live due to its enviable location. In addition, the street is overlooked by Montjuic one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The road is always bustling with activity due to its plethora of restaurants, bars and shops.