Anyone who has been to Spain can attest to the fact that the Spanish can party.  We think it’s the siesta that gives Spaniards the energy to eat dinner around 10:00 pm , party until the wee hours and then make it to work the next morning only to start the whole cycle again.  On August 24th Barcelona will be hosting its annual La Merce Festival, which is dedicated to the patron of Barcelona the Virgin de la Merce and intended to be a send-off to the hot summer months and a welcome to the cooler weather.  A quick rundown on what to expect:  fire-breathing dragons, human towers, which can get 7 levels high, costumed giants and plenty of food and drink.  It is the perfect opportunity to sample or indulge in Cava, which is Catalonia’s very own champagne.

Recommended sightseeing tour:  Fat Tire Bike Tour.  Tour meets daily at 11:00 am and 16:00 / 4:00 pm daily at Piazza Sant Jaume.

Recommended budget accommodations:  HelloBCN Hostel, Kabul, Alberg Palau, Hostel New York.

Get tickets to a futbol / soccer / football match:  Barcelona is playing Zaragoza on August 26th and you can get tickets delivered to you hotel for as little as 50 Euro.  Visit http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/football/barcelona.htm for more information.

Other helpful Barcelona links: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com which has other recommendations for accommodations and how to navigate Barcelona.

Que tengas buenas tiempos!

Bookmark: