One of the oldest traditions in the city of Barcelona is happening this week; it is also one of the most fun! Carnival has officially started and in its a hundred and third year, it has long-mastered the citywide festival.
For decades, Barcelona’s Carnival was known as the best in the world. Infamous for its debauchery and wild nature, it was one of the best Winter events in Europe, lasting for months at a time. Thousands of people wore masks, costumes and indulged in the festivities across the town. Over a century later, the carnival still lives in the same spirit as when it started. Now it is perhaps more tamed, but this just makes it more enjoyable for people of all ages.
There are events the entire week, but this Saturday is filled with parades in many neighborhoods spread throughout the city including the Old Town, Eixample, Sants-Montjuic, The Courts, Grace, Horta-Guinardo, St. Andrew, and St. Martin. Expect all of the best aspects of festivals: large amounts of tasty food, copious amounts of drinks, amazing street entertainment, tons of dancing and a week long opportunity to make some great memories of celebration with loved ones and new-found friends.
Also this week is the Sitges Carnival, which runs parallel to Barcelona’s festivities. This neighbouring city offers its own parties and parades that are sure to compete with any other in Spain. These parades have dozens of floats, thousands of dancers and tons of other entertainers, including fire-runners that will light up Sitges’ waterfront.
Also, next week Valentine’s Day comes upon us and another February the fourteenth filled with chocolates and flowers draws near. So make sure you tell that special person how you feel and maybe try out one of Barcelona’s great restaurants or take a nice walk together down the scenic streets of the Spanish city. 
Also this week, there are a few events not to miss out on. This Saturday, Arctic Monkeys will perform live at Palau Sant Jordi Arena after rock the house down in Madrid the previous night. The same night, FC Barcelona is on the road against Villarreal CF at 10:00 P.M. The team of all-stars will surely stroll through Castellon and return home victorious. Lastly, next Tuesday DocsBarcelona is in its fifteenth year, and the best up and coming directors will be on display in many of Barcelona’s best film venues.
January 6th is a public holiday in Spain and it is custom to give gifts to your loved ones on this day. The children of Spain will leave their shoes out the night before and when they wake if they have been good, the three kings will have left presents waiting for them. Let’s make the most of this year and help keep Barcelona the truly magical place it is.
This Sunday morning this year’s Caminada de Nadal is one not to miss. The ten kilometer walk through the streets of Barcelona gives all participants a full view of all of the Christmas ornaments, lights and other wonderful decorations. The walk takes around two hours and is open to anyone, so it is perfect for families, couples or anybody who wants to get a good look at the streets of Barcelona during Christmas Time!
BARCELONA WANTS CHILI WILI!!! That’s right, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are storming into the city next Thursday to put on an unforgettable show. Having seen this band perform live before myself, I can assure you that you do not want to miss what is going to happen Thursday night. If you don’t have tickets yet, do anything you can to get. Their new album, “I’m With You” will be featured but they will also share with the crowd their classics from the last two decades.
