It’s time to celebrate Gracia
Get your calendar and keep some free time from the 15th to the 21st this month. Taking place next week is one of the most important street festivities of the year in Barcelona: La Festa Major de Grácia, which celebrates its 200th anniversary edition. Do not miss it if you are visiting!!
Considered as one of the greatest festivities in Barcelona. The Gracia Festival is an amazing mix of colors, flavors, music and different activities for all ages. It began in 1817, and during that time they made it coincide to San Isidros’ festivity (May 15), which is the protector for farmers and people who lived in Gracia Village. Through the years, the date changed to the one that remains until these days: from the 15th to 21th in August.
Teresa Calbo winning image
This year is such a special time since it has been 200 years since their first The Festa Major. Therefore, even though the main celebrations will focus during the following week, some of the activities started in May and will last until next year, when it’ll reach 400 cultural and social activities.
As every year, a jury choose an illustration to be the official flyer of the celebrations. This year Teresa Calbó is the author of the bicentenary image for this season.
What to expect?
Colors, art, live music, and outdoor cinema, just for listing some. This is a festivity for everybody; there are some for kids, adults and older people as well. Streets and balconies will be decorated by 
the neighbors (last year about 20 streets had special decoration). Moreover, despite there will be some activities only for residents, you can still be able to enjoy free concerts and the amazing street decorations.
Gracia is an excellent chance to enjoy Catalan traditions during 5 days. Please be kind and respectful, mostly with the noise after 1 am.
By Slastic – Treball propi, Domini públic
How to get there?
Well, it is super easy! You can go by walking. From Passeig de Gracia, in Placa Catalunya square, it takes like 20 minutes. The lines Joanic (L4), Diagonal, or Fontana (both L3) also will take you there.
By Montse Torres – Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia, CC BY-SA 3.0
More info?
The official website festamajordegracia.cat has ALL the info (it is only in Catalan) and you can download the apps ‘Festa Major de Gracia’ or ‘Festa Major de Gracia 360’.
*Tag us in your pictures using @excursionsbarcelona or #ExcsBcnGracia2017. We want to see your photos!!!