Barcelona: Out and About in April
What’s going on in the Catalan Capital this month?
We have a short winter in Barcelona, which is one of the 1,000,000,000 reasons I love living here. Spring is in full-effect presently, with birds chattering from leafy trees and a few brave souls trying to swim in the Mediterranean. Last weekend I wore sandals for the first time in months, accompanied by a scarf. Yes, primavera!
April has more going for it than spring fashion and cherry blossoms (though those two things would surely be enough…). Here’s a rundown on what’s on the menu for April 08 in BCN.
3rd April to the 7th of June
The International Guitar Festival gets going this month, now in its 19th year running. Expect everything from Bossanova to Rock with artists from all over the place; Israel, Brazil, China, Uruguay…More at www.theproject.es
23rd: St. Jordi’s Day
Love is in the air. Catalans don’t do Valentine’s Day in February; they do St. Jordi’s Day in April. Men give ladies one red rose, and ladies give the guys a book. Some thought that this was perhaps a bit sexist, suggesting that women don’t have an interest in reading, so nowadays people give whatever they want. After books and buds are exchanged, the city takes to the promenade hand-in-hand for a lovely afternoon stroll.
25th: Feria de Abril:
True, Barcelona is not the place for the Feria, which is traditionally held in the south in Seville. However, Barcelona makes a good attempt at it, with celebrations modeled after those of Seville complete with Flamenco, costumes, specialty foods and a party atmosphere. Held this year at Barcelona’s Forum.