Gracia

 

Under-rated as a hot spot all year round, Gracia is host to
Fiesta Gracia – Barcelona's biggest party.


Gracia is one of the most bohemian and fashionable neighborhoods in Barcelona,
home to artists, families, students, politically aware types as well as art house
cinemas, bookshops, galleries, artist’s workshops and some of the city’s best eating
and drinking establishments. Plaza del Sol is a favorite hang-out, especially late
at night, when musicians, jugglers and fire-eaters perform while students, locals and
travelers party, and where a lamb shwarma at 2 AM is the best thing you’ve ever
eaten in your life. Fiesta Gracia in August is anticipated for months ahead of time
each year. Parades, concerts, floats, costumes and arts and crafts are devoted to
Catalan history and legend. Late into the night there’s dancing in the streets,
live bands, fireworks and a festive kind of chaos that cuts loose but never seems
to get out of hand. Since Barcelona seems to have another parade or festival
every time you turn around – big ones and little ones in every plaza all summer –
saying Fiesta Gracia is the biggest means we're talking one helluva party!