Barcelona exhilarating things to do in October
Barcelona in October is pleasant, in case you are northern European or from America´s west coast this month will probably still look like summer to you, and many adventurous still enjoy the Barcelona beaches at glance, while surfers start finding their perfect wave. The summer crowds are far gone, the non-ending Catalonian festivities as well, and the city opens its arms to you without anyone noticing it. Visiting the city of counts this month is just great, and to experience the local vibes we selected the best things to do in Barcelona in October to make you feel like a local, a truly one.
JAZZ AND FOOD at the 47 VOLL-DAMM Barcelona International Jazz Festival
One of the most important Jazz Festivals in the world is celebrated in Barcelona during the month of October and the lineup is just terrific. There are plenty of concerts all over Barcelona and related things to do that will be announced regularly through their website. We are looking forward to the Jazz & Food event!
photo credit: Voll Damm Jazz Festival
http://www.jazz.barcelona/en/festival
Visit MACBA
We really like when the predominant subjects of our blog: Barcelona Culture and Food come along together, and we cannot obliterate the work of the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) that plays tribute to amazing local and international artists.
THE FOOD STREET PARTY BEGINS: EAT LOCAL CHESTNUTS
Chestnuts, one of the most popular Barcelona street foods that you can find during fall, especially because the locals pilgrimage to the mountains to collect them, an activity that is quite popular with kids. This dry fruit use to be quite present in Catalonia’s cuisine as a side dish that was later replaced by potatoes. We really love the smell that you can feel from the street food stalls where you will find them cooked and ready to eat. As well, when preparing them at home, a pair of red wine is just terrific, we recommend the local Penedes variety.
GO ON A WINE TASTING TOUR!
Interested in discovering the world of wines in Spain, and what Catalonia has to offer? Join a walking wine tasting instead of going to a traditional wine tasting where you seat in a chair. A walk around wine shops and old Bodegas is a great plan for uncovering not just wines, but amazing tapas, local culture, and amazing people.
LES CORTS AND SARRIA TRADITIONAL DISTRICT CELEBRATIONS
For those looking to experience real Barcelona, the one you find at local neighborhoods that represent the unique taste of this wonderful city, we do recommend you to pay a visit to the local festivities of Les Corts and Sarria Districts.
Les Corts: get to see the inaugural ¨correfoc¨ (fire-runs) that goes throughout a number of streets, the traditional giants dance, and the human towers at Comas square on Sunday, and enjoy a unique pastry prepared by the local bakers who prepare a traditional cake similar to Sacher-torte.
photo credit: La Meva Barcelona
Sarria: the last village annexed to Barcelona, celebrates its identity. Many neighbors organize collective diners on the streets, and local schools organize traditional dances with giants, big-heads, and demons. Their giants are quite unique in Barcelona, as they represent the bourgeois and the worker, and were constructed in 1977 (the heaviest and bigger giants in town). During these festivities, the neighbors are divided into two groups and compete with each other. Would you miss who wins the celebration?
photo credit: La Meva Barcelona
BRUNCH THE CITY
The perfect family activity and top thing to do in Barcelona for the locals. Get your comfy shoes, take the little ones with you, and join a movable feast at any of these brunch spots in Barcelona.
...and beyond Barcelona city borders: SITGES FILM FESTIVAL
The first cinema festival dedicated to fantasy, terror, science-fiction and cult films inaugurated 50 years ago. Nowadays is the biggest Catalonian Film Festival celebrated 30 minutes south from Barcelona, at beautiful Sitges coastal town. 10 days of movies and events, with an especial section for movies filmed on mobile phones, the phontastic, and the Sitges Pitchbox, an initiative for talents to pitch their creations. Get prepared for Halloween.