Today is the last day of Barcelona’s Festa Major de Gràcia! To celebrate, here’s a picture of one of the highlights of the festival – the correfocs (literally “fire runs”). The name pretty much tells you all you need to know; a correfoc involves both running and fire. Teams dress up in demon costumes and march … Continue reading
We’ve officially hit mid-August (how scary is that??), so that means one of my favorite Barcelona events is here – the Festa Major de Gràcia! The Festa Major is a huge street party that takes place during the third week of August every year in the Gràcia district (my new neighborhood!). And it’s not just … Continue reading
Ten minutes before the train stopped, I started to wonder if I’d made a huge mistake. “11º” read the display on the train screen, flashing across in red letters. Heavy rain pounded the window, leaving long streaks of water that blurred the window. I zipped my thin jacket all the way up, shrugging my neck … Continue reading
This week was one of the prettiest weeks in Barcelona, because it was the Diada de Sant Jordi! The city was full of beautiful freshly-cut roses and the smell of new books. La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day) falls on April 23, which is also World Book Day internationally now (thanks, Catalunya!). The … Continue reading
In honor of Sevilla’s famous Feria de Abril, which is happening this week, here’s one of my favorite photos from last year’s Feria – a bunch of girls in their flamenco dresses enjoying the carnival. This part of the fair takes places in the Calle del Infierno – Hell Street. It’s bursting with bright attractions … Continue reading
Last year, I went to Sevilla’s famous Feria de Abril. Before I went, one of the big questions on my mind was “What on earth do I wear??” I’d seen photos, but all the locals wore huge ruffled flamenco dresses. Money issues aside – the traditional dresses cost a small fortune – there was no way … Continue reading
“Diez minutos.” More people than will physically fit in the streets are trying to jam their way into the packed crowd. Like it or not, you can feel everybody’s breath around you on your shoulders, hair. The combination of the midday sun and the sheer amount of people is creating a suffocating heat. A helicopter is thudding above … Continue reading
It’s no secret that Spain is a pretty party-happy place to be in. From traditional festivals to nights at the discoteca that last until 7 a.m., there are plenty of opportunities to get your fiesta on. And lately, I’ve been indulging quite a bit. It’s only a cultural education, after all! This past weekend I … Continue reading
I’m checking my watch, pacing back and forth, and cross with myself for forgetting my cell phone. What if they’re not coming? Did I get the time wrong? They’re half an hour late. Should I just catch the next train home? Still no sign. Well, I’ll wait 5 more minutes. Why did I forget my … Continue reading
Today is the last day of Carnaval, so instead of a proper place photo, I’ve got a snap from my partying in Sitges! Sitges is a little beach town south of Barcelona, and it’s famous for its huge, flamboyant, and wild gay community. Combine that with an occasion to break out feathers, glitter, and masks, … Continue reading
¡Hola Yessica! 