It is going to be a beautiful week in Barcelona and what better way to spend it than a great festival. No place in the world has better festivals than here in the heart of Spain and this week will prove this once again. Starting on May 15th and running until May 20th is the Barcelona Festival of New Districts. Residing in the Nou Barris district, this festival is sure to be a whole lot of fun.
This festival combines all of the best things you can find in any festival for all ages to enjoy. Dancing of all kinds will be on display including swing dancing, line dancing, ballroom dancing and flamenco dancing. Music performances are just as diverse featuring blues music, classical music and choral music. In addition, all of the classic Spanish festivities will be present including great food, lots of fire and sky high human towers. 
In its twenty-seventh year, the Barcelona Poetry Festival is already underway and is on for one more week. Poetry from around the world will be featured, however this event is famous for their focus on Spanish and Catalan poetry, which are both quite beautiful. Palau de la Musica Catalana is the epicenter of the event, however there are readings spread out around the city each night including the University of Barcelona, King’s Square, Palau de la Marquise and the Picasso Museum. Poetry continues to cultivate as a vital mode of expression across Spain so come check out this movement as it grows.
Live Music Update: Judas Priest – Wednesday, May 16th & Bruce Springsteen Thursday, May 17th, Friday May 18th
A huge crane supports a large bar with seats (and safety belts) so you can enjoy some great food that is at the next level … literally! See Barcelona from what was, until now, an impossible angle.
Renewable energies, climate change and global awareness are key issues that the fair centers around this year, which in today’s world are of utmost importance. This event is great for everyone to become a bit more aware with what is happening and what could be happening differently in the world that we live.
In its fourteenth year, the international film festival has become increasingly popular and has thousands of submissions each year from countries all over the world. The festival lasts for just over two weeks and films are aired in different venues spread across Barcelona. Individual tickets cost four euro and a day ticket goes for eight euro. There are all kinds of different short movies including animation, comedies and dramas, each unique in their own way.
Almost twenty thousand runners are expected to partake this year, so the festivities surrounding the race itself should be an amazing time. The race starts nice and early at eight thirty Sunday morning, but on Saturday there are lots of events for runners to get into the marathon spirit. For all of those of you who aren’t big into running this event is still a great way to spend this Sunday, as there are many different concerts, food stands and activities along the route for spectators.
Lastly, for all you party rockers out there, LMFAO is in Barcelona this weekend. Tomorrow night at the Sant Jordi club, one of the most popular musical performers right now will start performing at nine and should stay on until almost midnight. It’s not too late to get tickets, so if you still have any energy after Saint Paddy’s Day this is a good place to use it. 
Also for the next two weeks, the keys of the city will be played, as pianos are scattered around the streets for professional and amateurs to perform everything from “Heart and Soul” to “Beethoven’s Fifth”. The 58th edition of the Marie Canals Music Competition has begun and that means that the best pianist from around the globe will be in town competing for the prestigious title. Performances happen everywhere from popular venues to subway stations so keep your eyes and your ears open and chances are you will catch a show or two.
