Unofficially, Barcelona kicks off the temporada de'estiu (summer season in Catalan) with music. First, Primavera Sound and now Sonar. Officially, Barcelona celebrates the arrival of summer with fireworks, bonfires, midnight swims and correfocs (fire runs) on Sant Joan. Sonar, International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art takes place in Barcelona 17 - 19 June 2010. Last weekend was Sonar Kids - the child/teen friendly Sonar event.
The Chemical Brothers
There are several cool things about this annual Barcelona event. One, the groups performing - The Chemical Brothers, LCD Soundsystem, Air and a line-up that I am sure is impressive if you know more about music than I do (my husband is our house DJ). Two, you don't need to go to a big arena or pavilion. Sonar's daytime performances are held near the MACBA and CCCB in El Raval. Nighttime performances are held at a larger location not in the central part of Barcelona however (but not far away). Three, Sonar is a cultural experience beyond music. Artist showcases and cinema screenings also play a major role at Sonar. And fourth, my favorite, Sonar's advertising.
We have been seeing these ghosts on banners and Estrella Damm beer trucks throughout the city. The ghosts are the stars of a little movie called Finisterrae and promote Sonar 2010.
Many festivals and events in Barcelona focus on preserving tradition, honoring a shared cultural identity, celebrating what generations and generations have done before you. Sonar is a refreshing contrast to the traditonal, saint-related festivals. Sonar is about experimentation; where music and art are going. Celebrated in the same spot, where in a few days people will celebrate the age old festival of Sant Joan with traditional Catalan festivities.
:: More Information ::
