Spring is a great time of year to visit. While the cold and wet outstay their welcome in the north of Europe the temperature in Barcelona is warm and the sun is shining.
Barcelona’s spring climate is perfect – warm and sunny it is not yet too uncomfortably hot. It’s perfect for strolling along Las Ramblas or by the sea, or for eating fresh local seafood in the sunshine on one of Barcelona’s many terraces.
Barcelona is warming up, so we compiled a list of activities to enjoy outdoors in Barcelona.
Easter 24-31 March – known locally as Semana Santa (holy week). Witness processions throughout the city and the blessing of the palms on diumenge de rams (Palm Sunday), when people flock to the cathedral carrying palm fronds. Try the famous local Easter cake, La Mona de Pascua.
La Diada de Sant Jordi 23 April – Sant Jordi (Saint George’s day) is a romantic occasion celebrating Catalonia’s patron saint. Couples exchange gifts and traditionally the men give women a rose while women give men a book.
Spanish Formula One Grand Prix 2013 10-12 May – Formula One in Barcelona is a treat for motor racing fans, come and watch the race at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo just 30 minutes from Barcelona.
Night at the Museum – this event is now running in cities all over the world. The museums and popular attractions taking part offer free entry from 7pm until 1am on Saturday the18th of May. Some museums involved include the Picasso Museum, MNAC, La Pedrera, the Cosmocaixa science museum and the CCCB.
Flamenco Ciutat Vella 19-22 May – a quintessential event, the Old Town’s flamenco festival, takes place from the 1 with singers, guitarists and dancers from across the spectrum of flamenco styles. (CCCB, C/Montalegre 5, Raval; 93 306 41 00; www.flamencociutatvella.com)
Festa Major de Nou Barris 21-30 May – one of Barcelona’s liveliest festes major (neighbourhood parties), with castellers (human castles), correfocs (mobile firework displays) and free concerts. (Nou Barris; www.bcn.cat/noubarris)
Primavera Sound 22 May-26 May – probably requires little in the way of introduction. Primavera Sound 2013 is set to rock the spot once more with a line up including Blur, My Bloody Valentine, Wu-Tang Clan, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and the Jesus and Mary Chain playing in outdoor venues across Barcelona.
