The Gràcia Festival is back

Once again the neighborhood of Gracia brings Barcelona one of the most popular district festivals of the city. It has been celebrated since the middle to end of the 19th century, with the initial excuse of being close to the Sant Roc religious holiday in August, but the Gracia festival developed as a laic celebration, supported by social clubs and labour groups like dance clubs and the Ateneo.

The tradition of decorating the streets attracts both foreigners and locals, and the bets to see who will win first prize this year have already started. The neighbours themselves are in charge of designing and collecting the material (normally recycled) for months and all aim to achieve the coveted award of the best decorated street.

Apart from the all time favourites, Verdi, Joan Blanques or Tordera streets, the imagination and decoration extends six or seven blocks all round.

Some creations follow the trends and fashion of the times, others are more traditional with flowers or with the typical papier maché constructions, most years we can also see some decorations dedicated to satire of social injustice… and all spiced up with live music and outdoor bars in each street of Gracia. 

We are waiting to see the vision that the streets of Gracia will offer and to enjoy one of the most groundbreaking and alternative environments of the city.

They begin on 15th August, don’t miss them!