Festa Major de Gràcia is a weeklong festival in the streets of the Gracia neighborhood where a full scale party takes place with lots of live music, fireworks and theatre performances. Plaa Rius i Taulet is where all the fun begins with a parade of giant carnival figures and lots of themed floats. One performance not to be missed is the Castellers – A group of acrobats that build amazing human towers reaching up to 9 people tall. Months of planning goes into the festival that takes place in the second half of August. Visitors can be sure that everywhere they look they will be enchanted by the brightly decorated street buildings and houses, and with the best decoration winning a prize, you can be sure that everyone has put in their best effort.

Don’t tire yourself out to much in the day because the night time is when Gracia really comes alive. The parades end when costumed devils run through the streets setting off fireworks but the live music, dancing, and partying in the streets can last until the early hours of the morning. People from all over the country heads to the streets of Gracia for this unforgettable experience so make sure you’re one of them!

On the 23rd April, known as The Day of Lovers to the locals, is La Diada de Sant Jordi. A combined celebration of Valentines Day and the death of two of literature greatest men, Cervantes and Shakespeare. The main event of the day is the exchange of gifts between couples. Barcelona’s favourite street, Las Ramblas, becomes a huge market selling books and flowers. The men give women a rose and in return, receive a book in tribute to the two writers who both died on this day in 1616. Don’t worry if you haven’t got any one to give a gift to as there is plenty more to do. Throughout the day, the national dance of Catalonia is performed in the Plaça Sant Juane, there are numerous cafes and bookshops that hold readings by notable authors and Barcelona’s principal government building – Palau do Generalitat- opens its doors for the public to enjoy huge displays of roses created to honour Sant Jordi.

From the last days in June to the beginning of August, Grec Festival de Barcelona, one the most important events in Barcelona’s cultural calendar, takes over the city. With over 60 music, theatre and dance shows taking place in over 26 venues, you can be sure there will be something to suit your taste. The festival becomes a temporary home to an eclectic mix of artists from the likes of highly acclaimed contemporary dance choreographer Trisha Brown to the UK’s very own Joss Stone. With some of the bigger performances limited to one night, make sure to book your tickets well in advance.