The Ostentatious and Decorative Streets of Festa Major de Gràcia 2015

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Hi, everyone! July robbed August of all of the heat, so it seems we have a mild and rainy August. I’m not complaining. It’s perfect for being outdoors in the city!

Also, you cannot miss the Festa Major de Gràcia in Barcelona. It’s the neighborhood festival of concerts, films, workshops, eating, drinking beers, and more merriment.

Gràcia’s Streets: A Visual Celebration

The best way to enjoy the festa is to walk around the streets using this map, where you can find all the decorated streets. You can tell that the neighbors spent tons of time, sweat, and dedication and poured their hearts into their streets, making them explode with color.

My family and I went on Sunday, the opening day. The Plaza de la Vila de Gracia was packed with color and warm bodies. Just as we entered, we heard loud cheers to see….

Festa Gracia 2015

…the construction of a castellers! It’s amazing that the human body can artfully arrange themselves vertically and 99% of the time not tumble all over each other like one hot mess. Steady, steady…don’t scratch that itch…!
Festa Gracia 2015

Well, looky here. It’s Barcelona’s new mayor, Ada Colau, with the best seats in the house, a balcony right in front of the casteller! Bravo! Bravo!

Festa Gracia 2015 Colau

Ah, watching casteller-building tends to emotionally overwhelm spectactors.

It’s the unity, passion, dedication, and endless hours of practice.

‘scuse me, I have something in my eye, too.

Festa Gracia 2015

Meanwhile, on to the decorated streets!

The neighbors of this street put the “art” in Carrer Mozart. The theme was art museum — where framed pieces formed a wall to create an elaborate and busy collage.
Festa Gracia 2015

Picasso in 3D. Take me to the sea this weekend.

Festa Gracia 2015

Carrer Berga. It’s all about the circus — clowns, popcorn, and antics under the big top.

Festa Gracia 2015

Popcorn, who wants popcorn? All of the materials used to decorate the streets are supposed to be used and recycled. Why throw out a good bicycle wheel, anyway?

Festa Gracia 2015 Carrer Ciudad Real. The theme was “Under Construction”, representing a constant state of change in the neighborhood.

Festa Gracia 2015

“We’re constructing the republic.” Is there a draft in here?

Festa Gracia 2015

My favorite street was Carrer Perrill. While it’s not permitted to mention any brands, companies, or interests, you can definitely allude to and imitate them. Avatar, *cough, cough*.

Festa Gracia 2015

Well-crafted.

Festa Gracia 2015

The overhead decorations of plastic streamers made whooshing noises and flowing movements, making the street feel peaceful.
Festa Gracia 2015

Beautiful and feminine tree.

Festa Gracia 2015

I admire the creative use of window shades to make oversized flowers. Someone somewhere in Barcelona is trying to take their siesta.

Festa Gracia 2015

Festa Gracia 2015

Egg cartons. 724 tortillas de patatas were consumed just to make this decoration.

Festa Gracia 2015

Carrer de La Llibertat. The theme was “Free Zoo”.

Festa Gracia 2015

Signs are everywhere asking people to please respect the decorations. Rightfully so!

On this sign, it says 10 penguins were stolen from this pool. And the pool looks like it’s completely vandalized. I hope the mossos esquadra are out to get them. Boo!

Festa Gracia 2015 Carrer Fraternitat. This is an imaginary land called “Wiguonia”, full of giant flowers and carnivorous plants.

Neighbors say the underlying theme is respect for the adornments. If not, you may not escape.
Festa Gracia 2015

No touchy, touchy, or you know what…

Festa Gracia 2015

Seems you get caught in a human trap.

Festa Gracia 2015

There’s just one day left of the Festa de Gracia 2015, so get your butt over there!

And let me know if you make it!

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

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