THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA IN SPRING

Although Barcelona is a perfect destination to visit during any time of the year, spring could be the best moment for a getaway. Besides the colors sprouting around the city’s parks and gardens, the list of leisure options to make the most of your stay in the Catalan capital is even larger during this season. From religious events —such as Easter or the Feast of Corpus Christi— to concerts, including Saint George’s Day, any plan could be a good choice to discover the city. Therefore, we bring you some examples of what to do in Barcelona in spring.

If you book our holiday apartments on the beach in Barcelona, you will enjoy the ideal accommodation to stroll around its streets from March to June. However, as we do not want you to miss any of the great events that Barcelona hosts during these months, here is a list of great ideas for your holidays. Pay attention!

EASTER IN BARCELONA

Regardless of your personal beliefs, you may want to know more about the religious traditions that are held during these days. This period begins on Palm Sunday, in which many families attend church to have their palms blessed. According to a local legend, these plants are believed to keep away the evil spirits. However, the most important event of the day is ‘La Burreta’ procession, an Easter parade that takes place in the city center and commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Another important parade is held on Good Friday, along the Gothic quarter and Las Ramblas. Easter concludes on Easter Monday, a day in which godparents give their godchildren the typical ‘mona de Pasqua’, a cake that is deeply rooted in Catalonia and some towns and villages in the Mediterranean region.

SALÓ INTERNACIONAL DEL CÒMIC (THE INTERNATIONAL COMIC FAIR)

On the second weekend of April, the congress complex of Fira de Barcelona in Montjuïc hosts one of the most important comic book events in the whole world: the Saló Internacional del Còmic, which was organized for the first time in 1981. All those who adore comic books, humor, and fantasy cannot miss it. It offers a wide range of cultural activities, as well as exhibitions, conferences, international guests and much more. The result? Almost 120,000 visitors per year. If you want to go back to childhood, this event can be more useful than driving the DeLorean in Back to the Future. Why not check it out?

SAINT GEORGE’S DAY IN BARCELONA

This date does not need a presentation. Every April 23, —the day of the patron saint of Catalonia, Saint George or Sant Jordi, and the World Book Day—, red roses and books flood the streets of Barcelona. In addition, famous Spanish and Catalan authors, as well as celebrities and popular journalists, sign copies of their editorial novelties. Take some time to walk around and immerse yourself in the unique festive atmosphere of Saint George’s Day.

VISIT THE MONTSERRAT MONASTERY

Only four days after Saint George’s Day, on April 27, Catalonia celebrates the day of its female patron saint. Despite being a working day and the lack of street festivals, we encourage you to plan a trip to the mountain and the monastery of Montserrat, where a carving of the homonymous Madonna, popularly known as ‘la Moreneta’, is venerated. In addition to the scenic beauty of the place, which features stunning, capricious geological formations, this mountain range hosts a sanctuary whose choir performs the ‘Virolai’, a song whose importance goes beyond religion. Do not forget to buy, and try, the crunchy ‘coques’ of Montserrat!

GIRONA TEMPS DE FLORS (GIRONA FLOWER FESTIVAL)

Although the cultural offer in Barcelona is almost endless, take a train to the Girona city, where the old town is flooded by flower arrangements from the second to the third weekend of May. Take the opportunity to explore the narrow alleys of the Call, one of the most beautiful Jewish quarters in Spain, and visit the cathedral of Santa Maria, which has the widest Gothic nave in the world (75 feet or 23 m), or to relax in a cozy café on the banks of the Onyar River.

THE MUSEUM NIGHT

On the closest Saturday to May 18, the International Museum Day, you have a better plan than partying. Yes, that’s right, since many of the municipal and private museums of Barcelona remain open for free from 7:00 p.m. to 01:00 a.m., thanks to one of the most popular events in the city. The same could be said about some institutions that exceptionally welcome the general public, not only its members: for example, the Grand Spanish Lodge, in 617 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Would you like to discover the  Freemasons’ secrets and mysteries of Barcelona ?

L’OU COM BALLA (THE DANCING EGG)

This festival, documented for the first time in 1637, adds a touch of color to some of the most beautiful courtyards and gardens in the city center. During the Feast of the Corpus Christi, they are decorated with flowers to host the unique dance of l’Ou com Balla, an empty egg that is placed on the jet of a fountain, so it looks as if it were dancing about on top of the water jet. Be camera-ready!

PRIMAVERA SOUND

Since 2001, and from the last days of May to the first days of June, the best indie music lands in the Catalan capital. Although the first editions were held in Poble Espanyol, the event was moved to the Parc del Fòrum in 2005, very close to our rental apartments in Barcelona. Do not think twice: buy your ticket in advance and enjoy artists like Neil Young, Sonic Youth, Pet Shop Boys, Blur or Lou Reed, just to mention a few names that have been headlined this festival in the past years.

SÓNAR BARCELONA

Music lovers will enjoy events non-stop. In fact, the third weekend of June hosts Sònar Barcelona, one of the best electronic and alternative music festivals. Founded in 1994, it has two settings: Sónar de Día, which takes place at Fira de Barcelona, in Montjuïc, and Sónar de Noche, at Fira Barcelona-Gran Via, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. In any case, this is the best option to experience music like never before.

SANT JOAN IN BARCELONA (SAINT JOHN’S EVE): THE SHORTEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

The night of June 23 to 24 says goodbye to the most flowery season of the year, as a Catalan proverb stresses (‘Per Sant Joan i Sant Pere, adeu primavera’). Enjoying popular celebrations, ‘havaneres’ — 19th-century songs from Cuba— and the traditional ‘rom cremat’ (burnt rum), Barcelonians get ready welcome the summer in Barcelona. Of course, you must try the delicious ‘coca’ of Sant Joan, accompanied by a glass of ‘cava’. By the way, on the afternoon of June 23, Sant Jaume Square hosts the arrival of the Flama del Canigó, the fire that will light dozens of bonfires in several squares and local beaches, such as Bogatell, Mar Bella or Barceloneta.

As you can see, there is a lot to do in Barcelona in spring. If you stay at Lugaris, there is no excuse not to enjoy the best of the city and these plans. Still need some deciding?

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Holiday apartments by the beach in Barcelona

Since 2010, Lugaris Apartaments has been offering you the best holiday rental flats in Barcelona, perfect for a family holiday, with friends or as a couple, or for medium-term stays.

You can choose between apartments near the beach in Barcelona, at Lugaris Beach, with sea views, 2 swimming pools (one for adults and one for children) and capacity for up to 6 people, and the Lugaris Rambla flats, located on the Rambla de Poblenou and just 300 m from Bogatell beach, with a balcony or terrace of up to 22 m2 and ideal for couples or families and groups of up to 5 people. All our luxury flats in Barcelona are air-conditioned and equipped with all the appliances, furniture and bed linen you will need during your stay. They also have satellite TV and free high-speed Wi-Fi connection, as well as a safe and a 24-hour private security service.

What’s more, when you make your booking, you can reserve many other additional services: international press in your flat, parking space, transfer service to and from Barcelona airport, bicycle hire, supermarket shopping, museum, sports and show tickets, babysitting service and much more.

For more information, contact Lugaris Apartments without obligation.