The Gracia district is renowned for many things; gorgeous squares for sitting outdoors, trendy shops and cuisine from around the world, but most of all for one week in August when it hosts the biggest party in town!

The Gracia festival, or Festa Mayor de Gracia as it is called in Catalan, is held from 15-21 August and is the most exciting local festival in the city. The entertainment runs until the early hours every night, and includes international bands playing anything from latino rythmns to lindy hop with bars spilling out into the streets and dancing carrying on in every square.More traditional Catalan events also take place, such as the famous castellers (human towers) and a correfoc (fire run) on the last night.

Perhaps the greatest attraction of all is the street decorations which can take the unprepared visitor by surprise! A competition is held every year for the best decorated street and no effort is spared in trying the win the crown. Imaginations run wild, previous elaborations including underwater kingdoms, jungle scenes, giant stationery accessories and even enormous lobsters.