April 2017
You’re planning a visit to Barcelona in April? Let me suggest a couple of interesting exhibitions:
Exhibitions opening in January 2017
Arxiu Fotogràfic of Barcelona
"Huellas". Humberto Rivas open until April 8th, 2017 (Photographs of peoples who had something to do with the Spanish Civil War. Taken between 1995 and 2005)
CaixaForum
Nicolás Paris open until May 7th, 2017
The pillars of Europa. The mediaval age at the British Museum open until June 18th, 2017
CCCB
The fotobook phenomen open until August 27th, 2017
Fundacion Mapfre
Peter Hujar: Speed of Life open until April, 30th, 2017
Fundacion Tàpies
Oriol Vilanova. Sonntag open until May 28th, 2017
Antoni Tàpies. Collection/ Objects open until September 28th, 2017
MACBA
MACBA Collection 31 open until June 2017
Akram Zaatari April 6th till September 24th, 2017
MNAC
Pere Torné Esquius April 7th till July 9th, 2017
Miro Museum
Self-organization until May 21st, 2017
Palau Robert
Cellar de Can Roca. 30 years with the brothers Roca (Restaurant-Chefs) open until April 23th, 2017
Picasso Museum
Picassos Portraits open until June 25th, 2017 *In coloboration with the National Portrait Gallery
"Huellas". Humberto Rivas open until April 8th, 2017 (Photographs of peoples who had something to do with the Spanish Civil War. Taken between 1995 and 2005)
CaixaForum
Nicolás Paris open until May 7th, 2017
The pillars of Europa. The mediaval age at the British Museum open until June 18th, 2017
CCCB
The fotobook phenomen open until August 27th, 2017
Fundacion Mapfre
Peter Hujar: Speed of Life open until April, 30th, 2017
Fundacion Tàpies
Oriol Vilanova. Sonntag open until May 28th, 2017
Antoni Tàpies. Collection/ Objects open until September 28th, 2017
MACBA
MACBA Collection 31 open until June 2017
Akram Zaatari April 6th till September 24th, 2017
MNAC
Pere Torné Esquius April 7th till July 9th, 2017
Miro Museum
Self-organization until May 21st, 2017
Palau Robert
Cellar de Can Roca. 30 years with the brothers Roca (Restaurant-Chefs) open until April 23th, 2017
Picasso Museum
Picassos Portraits open until June 25th, 2017 *In coloboration with the National Portrait Gallery
Other events
Semana Santa (Easter)
In Barcelona, Easter is celebrated for an entire week. The first important day during this holy week (Semana Santa) is Palm Sunday, when the Padrinos (godparents) give woven or decorated palm leaves as gifts to their godchildren, followed by the “Mona”, a kind of chocolate or fruit cake.
There are several Easter parades in Barcelona and the surrounding area, usually featuring participants carrying statues of Jesus and Mary to their respective churches or cathedrals.
When 2017: Semana Santa begins on April 9th (Palm Sunday) and ends on April 17th (Easter Monday).
There are several Easter parades in Barcelona and the surrounding area, usually featuring participants carrying statues of Jesus and Mary to their respective churches or cathedrals.
When 2017: Semana Santa begins on April 9th (Palm Sunday) and ends on April 17th (Easter Monday).
Pillow Fight
Yes, you read that correctly – there’s an annual pillow fight on the Placa Catalunya, and it’s as unusual as it sounds. Should you happen to have a pillow with you, just go and join in the fun. And should you not have one (or not want to participate), watching this spectacle from a safe distance is well worth the time, too.
Tips: Bring a pillow that does not have a zipper; people with glasses should be careful; leave your cameras behind at a safe distance if you want to join the fray
When: The exact date is yet to be determined
Where: Metro Station Placa Catalunya
Tips: Bring a pillow that does not have a zipper; people with glasses should be careful; leave your cameras behind at a safe distance if you want to join the fray
When: The exact date is yet to be determined
Where: Metro Station Placa Catalunya
Holi Festival
This colorful festival is of Indian origin and takes place in Barcelona twice a year. In contrast to September’s Holi Festival, which features international DJs, the April event is free to attend and has a more traditional flavor. Come see local Indian dancing groups and listen to Indian music, and join the traditional coordinated throwing of colors at certain times. Colors can be purchased on site while supplies last, a packet usually costs 2 Euro.
Tips: Dress in white, and make sure to wear something old – this helps make the colors much more vivid. Bring something to drink and a pair of sunglasses. Should you want to take pictures, I would recommend protecting the camera in a plastic bag or wrapping it in cellophane.
When: The exact date is yet to be determined
Where: Parc de Can Boixeres, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
Tips: Dress in white, and make sure to wear something old – this helps make the colors much more vivid. Bring something to drink and a pair of sunglasses. Should you want to take pictures, I would recommend protecting the camera in a plastic bag or wrapping it in cellophane.
When: The exact date is yet to be determined
Where: Parc de Can Boixeres, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
Sant Jordi
Here’s something for you romantics out there. On Holy George’s day (in Catalonia, his name is Jordi), Barcelonians celebrate their version of Valentine’s Day. This is where Jordi’s story comes in: He was a dragon slayer who, according to legend, got rid of the threat to the city. The dragon demanded a virgin sacrifice every year, and when the next sacrifice was to be the King’s own daughter, Holy George happened to ride into town, and he slew the dragon. The dragon’s blood seeped into the ground, and a rose bush grew from it.
April 23rd also happens to be Day of the Book, which led Catalonians to combine the two and create their own kind of Valentine’s Day. The city is littered with flower and book stands, all centered around the Rambla Catalunya. On this day, women are usually given a rose, and men receive a book.
When: April 23th
Where: Rambla Catalunya, Metro L3/L5 Diagonal
April 23rd also happens to be Day of the Book, which led Catalonians to combine the two and create their own kind of Valentine’s Day. The city is littered with flower and book stands, all centered around the Rambla Catalunya. On this day, women are usually given a rose, and men receive a book.
When: April 23th
Where: Rambla Catalunya, Metro L3/L5 Diagonal
Feria de Abril
Barcelona’s Andalusian community will have their own traditional celebration, so you’ll find a Feria de Abril here, too. In fact, it happens to be the second-largest Feria de Abril in all of Spain, after Seville, of course.
You can get food, see spontaneous (or planned) Flamenco performances, or enjoy the enormous amusement park area, complete with a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and many other attractions.
When: The exact date is yet to be determined
Where: Area of the Forum, metro line: L4, exit: El Maresme/Forum
You can get food, see spontaneous (or planned) Flamenco performances, or enjoy the enormous amusement park area, complete with a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and many other attractions.
When: The exact date is yet to be determined
Where: Area of the Forum, metro line: L4, exit: El Maresme/Forum
