Barcelona Shopping Night

White Night of fashion comes to Passeig de Gràcia



December 2nd 2010 from 20h until late in the night



Passeig de Gràcia's retail establishments are holding their first fashion White Night on Thursday 2 December, with over 50 shops taking part. There will also be design and fashion-related activities going on in the emblematic hotels and buildings on this, one of Barcelona's major high streets.

You probably never thought you would be able to savour an escudella broth made by Carme Ruscalleda outside the Hotel Mandarin Oriental or see an exhibition of customised chairs in the centre of Passeig de Gràcia.

But all that, and much more, will be possible this Thursday, 2 December, when over fifty retail establishments, the Bulevard Rosa and several hotels will be open from 8 pm to 12 am for Shopping Night, an event already held in the main capitals of Europe.

Ultimately the aim is not to make the White Night a big sales night but to position Barcelona and the Passeig de Gràcia as an international shopping destination and link that with the Christmas festivities.

Barcelona Shopping Night is therefore taking place on the same night that Barcelona switches on its Christmas lights, which will be on for 36 days at over 300 city locations and lighting up 60 km of streets.

A passport of flowers and a party


Anyone wishing to buy something at any of these shops will have to take out a Shopping Passport, a small booklet supplying the addresses of the shops that will also come in useful for the "Gimcana de les Flors" and will be available at specialist information points.

For every euro spent at one of the shops taking part in Shopping Night, buyers will receive a flower-shaped stamp and, as they accumulate these, they will be able to enter lotteries for cruises, ski-resort holidays and nights in luxury hotels.

And, besides the shops and their products, which you can enjoy at a very unusual time, at midnight this unique city location will become the setting for a big fiesta.

"David Missoni", a sculpture over six metres high and dressed in moving fabrics by dEmo, will be installed on the avenue, as a collection of unique, customised industrial items and a large design tent with fashion and design celebrities from Barcelona will be at other points.

In addition, the Mariscal and Custo exhibitions will also be opening at La Pedrera and Casa Batlló respectively, with Carme Ruscalleda serving escudella broth and Jean-Luc Figueras serving up hot chocolate and churros.


Book a last minute flight or take your car and come to Barcelona to don't miss this incredible Fashion Event! If you're looking for a place to stay, we are here for you. We can propose you a large choice of apartments really close to the Passeig de Gracia!

Fiesta de Gracia a Barcelona

Barcelona is currently celebrating its famous and important Fiestas de Gracia. Gracia has always been considered one of Barcelona’s beautiful districts and it’s hard not to tell why. There are many little bars, coffee shops, romantic plazas and tiny streets to enchant us. The Fiesta de Gracia takes place on 14th – 22nd of August so it’s in full swing at the time of writing! It’s a great festival where all the neighbours transform the area into a paradise of colourful decorations. This year, most of the events will be taking place during the daytime.

There are many concerts to enjoy with many different music styles along with shows, traditional Catalan attractions and workshops. Famous musicians, like Maria del mar Bonet, Marina Rossell, Joan Isaac, and Luis Eduardo Aute, as well as classical music groups like Manel, Cuidado con el Perro or Cochambre Hotel will be playing their music for the residents of Gracia. Also, there will be culinary activities, like the “Tasta Gràcia” at the Plaza Manuel Torrente. In the magician’s area “Área de la Magia” at the Plaza del Norte professional magicians, as well as beginners in this magical art, will astonish you with all their exciting magic tricks.

Many years ago the Fiestas de Gracia had much more of a religious significance but over the years this has changed and it has become more of a social affair. The residents and citizens of Gracia put in a lot of work to get their street decorated in time for the festivities and as every year, the most beautiful street in Gracia wins a prize.

The Fiesta de Gracia is for everyone: both young and old alike. Unforgettable days full of entertainment for you and your friends will be guaranteed. Why don’t you rent the best apartments in Barcelona and spend a relaxing and fun filled holiday in the beautiful capital of Catalonia Spain?

Gracia Festival - Festa Major de Gracia - August 15-21

The Neighborhood Festival of Gracia, celebrated during the last half of August, is an incredibly well-organized and artsy local fiesta. Gràcia's residents spend months planning parades, concerts, floats, arts & crafts activities and more.

During the day, events are held in the area's brightly decorated streets and squares. Acrobats build amazing human towers; performers dress up as giants and devils to express Catalan folklore.

At night, the Festa Major de Gracia inspires live music, dancing, fireworks and general partying outdoors. Best of all, it's not just for those who live there: the whole city heads to Gràcia to join in the fun!

The Festa Major de Gracia is a good occasion to come to Barcelona with your friends to enjoy this amazing event and discover this beautiful city. You don't know where to find a budget accommodation? Easy...Click here!

Gracia

Gracia was originally its own village set apart from the rest of the city. However, when the Eixample was built in the late 19th century, it served to connect old Barcelona and Gracia. Thus Gracia ceased to be a town and become a neighborhood in the larger metropolis that we now know and love as Barcelona.

Gracia is immediately recognizable for its narrow streets, a stark contrast to the wide, modern boulevards of L’Eixample. It's known as a hip area with an active and politically-conscious community. Here you'll find a number of lively plazas, bars and restaurants, but it's a little more subdued other cultural hubs like the Born or El Raval, with a slightly more mature crowd.

Barcelona's Gracia neighborhood is worth exploring for its unique personality and Park Güell, Antoni Gaudí's awesome modernista playground.

Gràcia is not a touristy section of Barcelona. Nevertheless, it's certainly worth the visit if you enjoy strolling around quaint strees and want to escape the "big city" feel for a small town, alternative vibe.

The Plaça del Sol, Plaça de Rius i Taulet and Plaça de la Virreina are vibrant centers of activity and good places to look for outdoor food and drink.

Just west of Plaça del Sol you'll find the Mercat de la Libertat, a beautiful modernista market designed by Antoni Gaudí's assistant.

Most visitors only head up towards Gràcia to see Parc Güell, which is well worth the visit. Designed by Antoni Gaudí as a wealthy living community, the project failed and was converted into a public park. It's located at about a 10-15 minute walk north from the center of Gràcia.

Gracia has a formed an important part of Barcelona Culture since officially joining the city bounds in the 19th century. A republican/ liberal stalwart during Spain's 1st and 2nd Republics and Civil War (1936-1939), Gràcia went bohemian again in the 1960's and 70's. It's still common to see anarchist flags hanging from apartment buildings and other signs of political radicalism on the streets and in plazas, restaurants and bars. While undoubtedly more gentrified and subdued than during its rebellious past, Gràcia remains a one-of-a-kind, funky neighborhood. Its mixed population of students, intellectuals, artists and families join together to organize the Festa Major de Gracia , the best and most creative community festival of the year.

Do you plan to attend this awesome event with your friends? Find an accommodation next to the festival.