It is not without reason that it is said that it is difficult to get depressed in Spain. Not only because of the sun, which shines most days of the year, but also because of the approach to life. The Spanish take fun seriously! They believe that without dancing, singing and entertainment, life would be meaningless. And it is hard to disagree with that.
Street fiestas in Barcelona are incredibly colourful and lively events. Residents decorate their streets with a specific theme. Sometimes, a street turns into a castle, an aquarium or a film set. Artistic installations compete with each other for the title of the best decoration. Such an event lasts several days, during which you can participate in concerts, theatre performances, dance shows and parades. Festa de Gràcia (held in the Gracia district) is the quintessence of Catalan tradition and community spirit, which attracts crowds of both locals and tourists every year. It takes place in August. And although it is usually very hot this month, it does not discourage anyone from having fun. And of course, feel the spirit of the district!
The Festa Major de Gràcia is one of the most anticipated fiestas in Barcelona. From August 15 to 21, Gràcia transforms into a true festival paradise. In this district, the streets are carefully decorated by the locals, who spend months planning and creating decorations. They put a lot of effort into making each edition unique.
The whole process starts at the beginning of the year, when neighbors start planning their decoration projects. Sometimes they last for months, and each street has its own theme. Residents do not use external companies, but work together on every detail. They organize meetings, share ideas, and then, over long evenings and weekends, they implement the designed decorations that will turn their streets into fairy-tale scenes.
Both older and younger people participate in the process. Everyone has their own tasks, from designing, through painting, to assembling ready-made installations. In addition to creating decorations, they also organize various accompanying events, such as workshops or concerts. The entire district is alive with preparations, and the atmosphere of community and cooperation is almost tangible. So we can say that we have a mini fiesta before… the fiesta.
The themes of decorations are really diverse – from fairy-tale landscapes to surreal worlds where the boundaries of imagination cease to exist. Walking down a narrow street you can feel like you are in an oceanarium, Hogwarts or China. Outer space. Sometimes literally. This year’s edition included decorations on 23 streets, so there was (and will be for a while) a lot to see.
The Festa Major de Gràcia is not just about decorations. Throughout the week, there are concerts, theater performances, and even sports shows. One of the most important points of the program is the Catalan “castells.” Traditional human towers built by groups called castellers. Participants climb on top of each other, creating multi-level structures that can reach impressive heights. This spectacle requires not only physical strength, but also great trust and precision.
This tradition is so unique that in 2010 it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. For the brave, there is also the “correfoc” – a fire run, where devils with firecrackers run through the streets, and you try not to burn yourself (literally!). There is also no shortage of music – from concerts by local bands to DJs who turn Gràcia into the biggest street party in the city. Since I have lived in Barcelona, my friends and I have always argued about which stage to go to. In the end, we end up wandering from street to street, unable to decide where to “warm up” for a longer time. And this has its own special charm.
In Poland, holidays are often organised for a specific city. The celebration lasts for several days and usually takes place once a year. The Spanish love to party too much to limit themselves like that. Some people think that such events are organised “for tourists”. Nothing could be further from the truth. After five years of living in the capital of Catalonia, I know that what really attracts tourists is the unique culture of this region. The fact that people know how to have fun, unite. How to release the stress of everyday life and indulge in entertainment. Entertainment that not only allows you to cut yourself off from everyday problems, but above all gives you the opportunity to enjoy life. Just like that.
In short, Festa Major de Gràcia (and other street events organized throughout the year) are more than just festivals. They are week-long celebrations – full of joy, art, tradition and community. A time when Barcelona shows its most colorful and lively face, and when its residents prove that their neighborhood is not just a place on the map, but the real heart of this city. And this heart is capacious enough to accommodate all those who want to take part in this event.