Experiencing Gràcia's Festa Major is the best part of having a "staycation" in August. I specifically took my month long vacation to California in July, so I wouldn't miss Gràcia's Festa Major this year. So many of my expat friends return to their countries during August, unfortunately missing one of the jewels of Barcelona's summer.
Different streets throughout Gràcia have an unbelievably creative street decorating contest. There are neighborhood associations that plan, organize and stockpile materials to upcycle for their street's theme decor. Nearly all the decorations are made from recycled materials. It is amazing the possibilities one can create with an empty water bottle!
Water Bottle Fish | 2010
And these are not just a few decorations hanging in the middle of the streets either. The entire street is completely transformed. We have walked through castle walls, a medieval village, a cabaret, a vintage trolley and ocean bottom. There are 18 decorated streets, so with kids, we usually make it through about six.
And if funky street decorations are not enough, Gràcia is a really cool, fun and young part of Barcelona. Way back in the day, Gràcia was a separate town from Barcelona. Nowadays, Barcelona stretches far beyond Gràcia. Yet, Gràcia maintains an independent and youthful vibe. And its cool factor goes way up during their week long festival.
Thanks to an agenda of activities that appeals to all demographics Gràcia's Festa Major is a great place for the family during the day and evening. After dinner tends to be more of a bar/club scene in the streets - lots of live music and drinking. Around 6 p.m. during one of the weeknights (weekends too crowded for my taste) of the festival, we start wandering the streets of Gràcia. We appease the kids with a viewing of one of the children/family performances. Then quench our thirst at one of the many street bars selling mojitos and my favorite, caipirinhas. Freshly-squeezed fruit juice for the niños. When it starts to get dark, we slip into one of the many restaurants for dinner.
:: More Information ::
Official Website
Festival Map
Full Agenda (in Catalan): some translation to make searching the agenda easier.
- Tipus d'activitat = Activity Type
- Música en Viu = Live Music
- Espectacle Infantil i Familiar = Family and Children's Shows
- Jocs Infantils = Children's Games
- Tallers Infantils = Children's Workshops
