Rosanna:

FC Barcelona



This is the soccer club in Barcelona. It first started in 1899 and has gone through many changes but has had a recent revival in the past 10 yrs with tons of success in the league. They play in the stadium Camp Nou which holds up to 98,772 devoted fans. Since soccer is the most popular sport in Spain the fans are very energetic and passionate about their team. At the game we went to their were lots of fans with drums and noisemakers cheers the team onto a victory. It's definitely worth the money if you can find a ticket.



FC website and tickets

Area: Les Corts
Cost: 113+ Euros

Rosanna:

Park Guell



My first thought when we arrived to the Park was "wow, I feel like I'm in a gingerbread world." Another iconic landmark build by Antoni Gaudi from 1900-1914, this park has many windy paths that lead to many sculptures, mosaics, and breathtaking architecture. The main focal point is a large terrace with a sea serpent shaped bench. Gaudi lived in one of the 2 majestic houses here for a period of his life. Entrance to the house does cost a fee but you can purchase reduced tickets that get you into La Sagrada Familia as well. Definately take the time to walk throught the whole park and give yourself time to explore all of the calming works of art that Gaudi placed here.





If you're a fan of America's Top Model you might recognize the columns below. The finale of season 7 had the models walking the catwalk here!



Area: Horta Guinardo
Admission: Free

Rosanna:

Festes de la Merce

This is 4 day festival has tons of things to do and lots of sights to see. The festival ends on September 24th which is an official public holiday in honor of Mare de Deu de la Merce, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. Since the streets are packed we found it easiest to just walk to the different areas all over the city that hold different events. What caught my eye right off the bat was the Castellers, or Human towers. Groups of people work together to form the highest human tower. Once completed a young child climbs to the top and stands up. What a sight to see! We couldn't imagine the strength and preparation that goes into this.

The festival also has Gigantes or the giant parade where large floats of nobles and royals navigate the streets. This was extremely popular with the kids. Their eyes gazed upon the giant people as bands and choirs followed the Gigantes filling the streets with music.



The Correfoc is a fire and sparkler wonder show. This took place after dusk with a junior fire run first and an adult fire run after. Groups of people dress up like devils and run through the streets spraying people with the sparklers. It was kinda scary at first as we are taught not to play with sparklers but it was neat to be a part of this. I would recommend bringing a hat or protective clothing just to be on the safe side.


Check out the official website here, Spanish only.

Rosanna:

Dia de Sant Jordi



This was one of the most romantic and fun festivals we were able to attend in Barcelona. Dia de Sant Jordi or Saint George's Day occurs on April 23rd and the festival has been celebrated since the middle ages. What a sight to see! The streets are filled with rose and book vendors and lovers walking hand in hand, without a care in the world, just happy to be with one another. Love is definitely in the air on this day! You might be wondering why book vendors fill the streets right? Well since April 23rd marks the anniversary of the deaths of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare the tradition began that women giving one of their books to the men and of course the men give roses to the women. There are many readings of Don Quixote and lots of choir groups filling the main street Barcelona, Las Ramblas, with beautiful music.


You can read more about the story of Saint George and how he slayed a dragon to save his lovely princes here.

Area: Ciutat Vella
Address: Las Ramblas and all over Barcelona
Cost: Rose 3-5 Euros