Festival of Gracia

From 15 August, over seven days of activities for all ages will take place continuously. The festival has a special ambience and there will be food and refreshments in the streets at affordable prices.

The festivals started in 1817, or at least that’s the earliest recorded date historians have about the festival. That means this year is the second centenary of the festival, marking 200 years. Said malcontent was reflected in the decoration of the streets, concerts titled Nova Canço Catalana (New Catalan Song) and carrying out traditional Catalan activities.

During the dictatorship of Franco, the festival had a malcontented tone that was in favour of democracy and Catalan culture during a time of Catalan suppression.

The biggest attraction of the festival are the street decorations around the neighbourhood, each with a different theme. Various streets battle it out for the most original decorations and the best takes the annual prize. This all results in some very creative transformations.

Handmade ornamental elements fill all corners of Gracia. They are true works of art, made by the area’s own neighbours, which flood their streets with colour, life and art. Each street chooses its own theme. They use any recycled and recyclable material at their disposal, such as paper, coloured paperboard and bottles.

This practice can be tracked to the beginning of the 20th Century, with evidence that spectacular scenery was staged along the streets, including pieces from important artists of the time. In 1935, the Comitè de Fires i Festes (Fairs and Festivals Committee) was created, the precursor to Federació de la Festa Major de Gràcia (Festa Major de Gracia Federation). In 1975, only five streets were decorated, but little by little the tradition was recovering. Today there are countless streets that are decorated with a different theme every year.

his traditional Catalan circle dance is accompanied by a live music. Participants hold hands — usually alternating between sexes — and dance in light movements.

The dance can vary in number of participants and doesn’t require great physical condition outside of competitive styles, making it very accessible for anyone wishing to take part. It’s a rather simplistic dance so that it’s open to everyone to join in, which is why it’s so popular.