Christmas is traditionally celebrated at home with the family and with the newly-revived custom of “fer cagar el tio” (this consists of putting an object similar to a tree trunk into the fire from which presents then come out). Christmas dinner takes the form of “escudella” and turkey, “torrons” (a kind of nougat). New year is celebrated in bars, restaurants, and in the street where people wear fancy dress just like in the carnivals. As the clock strikes twelve they eat the twelve grapes in time with each chime.

In January the main celebration is the arrival of the “Three Kings from the Orient” on the 5th when there is a cavalcade, and the 6th when both children and adults receive toys and gifts. The Carnivals, held in February, are becoming more and more popular again after they were forbidden during the dictatorship, and St. Valentines Day (February 14th) is also increasing in its popularity. On March 3rd the popular festivity of Sant Medir is held in Grácia and there is a cavalcade and singing choirs. Holy Week begins with the palm fair which is held on Palm Sunday. It continues with the typical religious festivities and ends on Easter Monday which is pagan in origin.

The most spectacular festivities are held on April 23rd. These are the celebrations in honour of Sant Jordi (St. George), the patron saint of Catalonia. It also coincides with the rose and book festivals. In may a flower show is held, and on the 11th there is the typical festival of Sant Ponç held in El Hospital street by the city’s herbalists. A book Fair is held in the Passeig de Gracia in June and during the same month there is a Trade Exhibition in Montjuic, the Corpus Christi celebrations with the typical processions of “giants” and “cabezudos”, and the “l´Ou com Balla” (the dancing egg) which takes place in the fountain in the Cathedral cloister. The most important celebration during the month of June is undoubtedly the Eve of Sant Joan (St. John). This is celebrated both in private houses and in public places, and there is dancing and the typical “coca”, as well as bonfires in some streets and squares, and fireworks. The Eve of Sant Pere (St. Peter), on June 28th, brings with it the festivities associated with the summer solstice.

From the end of June onwards, the Festival of “el Grec” begins. This consists of a series of theatrical performances as well as dancing, concerts, and other cultural events. These take place either at the Greek Theatre in Montjuic, in the open air, or in certain other places in the city. There are also many sports tournaments and competitions as well as several trade fairs at the Exhibition Centre. July 24th marks the Feast of Sant Jaume (St. James) and is celebrated in much the same way as the Eves of St. Joan and Sant Pere. Around the Feast of the Assumption (August 15th), there are popular festivities held in the district of Gracia.

The last great summer celebration is that of the “Onze de Setembre” (September 11th). This is a national holiday in Catalonia and they hold various official and political ceremonies. However, there are many more celebrations held throughout the year in the city itself and in its different districts. These range from religious ceremonies to special lunches and dinners, processions and performances. The fact that there are so many traditional festivities held has led many people to say that Barcelona is one of the most traditionalist cities in Europe when it comes to celebrations.

Every year St John’s Day (Sant Joan) is celebrated throughout Spain with an explosion of bonfires and fireworks and a colourful array of concerts and dances. Catalonians celebrate in their idiosyncratic way and Barcelona is one of the most spectacular places to join in the fun.
The fiesta takes place the night before Saint John’s Day, and during the short nights of the summer solstice. It is a long-standing tradition that combines fun with aspects of Catalonian identity. Old furniture is bundled onto bonfires in the villages and towns throughout the region, the fire acting as a purifier and curative element. At first, this was a rite celebrated in the main village square that brought everyone together round the fire. Nowadays fireworks are also an integral part.

For the past 50 years or so in Catalonia, the flama del Canigó (Canigó flame – an emblematic mountain in the Pyrenees) has been part of the celebration. From the top of this mountain, the flames spread throughout the region as fires are lit in each community. The flame has contributed to a new vision of the celebration and signifies Catalan unity and identity.

The most enjoyable part of the Noche de Sant Joan are the verbenas (open-air celebrations) that last from sunset on 23 June to sunrise on 24 June. As well as in each village, there are various places in Barcelona where they take place. The main ones are in Eixample, Ciutat Velha, Sants-Montjuic, Les Corts, Sarná Gervasi, Horta Guinardó, Nou Barris, Sant Andrea and Sant Martí. Alongside the bonfire and fireworks there are stages, concerts, dances and, of course, the eating of the traditional sweet cocas.

More information click the link below
http://www.bcn.cat/santjoan/en/welcome.html

From 1.1 to 6.1, 18.3 to 16.6, 16.9 to 3.11 and 21.12 to 31.12: daily service from 11 am to 7.15 pm. From 7.1 to 17.3: service at the weekend and on public holidays from 11 am to 7.15 pm. From 17.6 to 15.9: daily service from 11.15 am to 9 pm. From 4.11 to 20.12: service at the weekends and on public holidays from 11 am to 7.15 pm.
Single: €3.20; return: €4.50; child’s return (aged 4 to 12): €3.50.
Suitable for everyone.

Telefèric de Montjuïc
Parc de Montjuïc
08038 Barcelona, Barcelonès
www.tmb.net

A complete guide to the journey, in six languages, is issued with the ticket, as well as a voucher booklet featuring discounts at the main points of interest. This is valid until the last day of the season. An information officer travels on board to advise passengers on how to get the most out of their visit.

Barcelona Bus Turístic have three different routes (Blue, Red & Green), the Green route run only from April 3rd and September 27th

The Barcelona Bus Turístic is operational from March to January. Buses run every 20 minutes on average (30 minutes in winter/15 minutes in summer). Tickets can be purchased on board or at the Turisme de Barcelona information offices in pl. Catalunya and Sants Railway Station.

Prices:
1 day pass: 21 €
2 days pass: 27€
1 day children’s pass: 13€

For more information click here

Gift shop, restaurants, picnic areas, children’s play area, dolphin show, ponies, photographs.
January, February, November and December from 10 am to 5 pm.
March and October from 10 am to 6 pm.
April and September from 10 am to 7 pm.
May to August from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.
Adults: €10 (afternoon €6.50); children from 3 to 12: €6.50 (afternoon €3.90).

Parc Zoològic de Barcelona
(+34) 93 225 67 80
Parc de la Ciutadella, s/n
08003 Barcelona, Barcelonès
infozoo@zoobarcelona.com
www.zoobarcelona.com