Culture

It's one of the most hotly anticipated events of the Barcelona calendar - yes, it's September's Festa de la Mercè. A 4-day festival that offers music, art, street performers and a fair few fire-breathing dragons, just for fun. Find out more about what this year's La Mercè has in store.

Barcelona today is miles away from the civil war of 1936, we look back at George Orwells' Homage to Catalonia, on his time spent in the city during the Civil War between communists, socialists and Franco's fascist regime.

Many people who visit Barcelona arrive thinking they're in for an authentically Spanish experience. But the city also has a very distinct role as the capital of Catalonia - a proud region with a separate history and culture all of its own. Learn how Barcelona differs from other parts of Spain, and what to expect on your stay in the Catalan capital.

There's no doubt that the Catalan people are extremely proud of their language and the history it represents. Catalan is thriving and you'll come across it everywhere in Barcelona, making it worth your while checking out this article about its difficult past and modern-day position in Spain.

Catalonia is full of Culture, a trip to Barcelona wouldn´t be possible without experiencing the wide and wonderful range of traditions and culture the city has to offer, Here is an insight into the 10 most important and whacky traditions in Catalonia Spain, from Sardana to a Caganer

On 23 June Barcelona gives a fiery welcome to the official start of summer - the festival of Sant Joan. The beach comes alive with bonfires, fireworks and people dancing till the wee small hours. Read on to find out how to join in the celebrations.

The CCCB, Barcelona's centre for contemporary culture, organises displays, exhibitions, festivals, concerts and many other kinds of events. With its varied programme, you're bound to find something that takes your fancy on your holiday in Barcelona.

In the holy week leading up to Easter in Barcelona, many locals might choose to escape to the country, but there are still many Easter traditions and celebrations to mark the occasion. Celebrate Easter in Barcelona the Catalan way.

Barcelona at its best and most alive, a week packed with culture, debate, parties, film, sport and entertainment. Barcelona once again stands up and over as a diverse and respectful city. One of the for sure good time parades of the year.

In Catalonia and throughout Spain, the festival of El Día de los Reyes on 6 January is a massive event. It celebrates the arrival of the three kings in Bethlehem with their gifts for the infant Christ, and is the traditional Spanish day for exchanging gifts. A huge parade takes place throughout Barcelona, with fireworks and street parties, as children clamour to receive their presents.