Somnio Newsletter

Somnio Barcelona Newsletter

6th September 2010

Barcelona Edition
Hello Travelers!

We hope you’re looking forward to your visit. There’s plenty going on in Barcelona this week!

Restaurants
Check our weekly special here or browse our recommendations here.
Party recommendations
Plan your nights here.

Diada Nacional
National day of Catalonia (public holiday)

On September 11th (this Saturday), Catalonia commemorates Barcelona's defeat in the 1714 Siege during the War of the Spanish Succession. As a punishment for Catalonia's support of Habsburg Archduke Charles' claim to the Spanish throne, the victorious Bourbon monarchy abolished the institutions and rights of the territories of the Crown of Aragon. La Diada, the National Day of Catalonia was established by the restored autonomous Government of Catalonia in 1980.

Throughout the day there will be political demonstrations, concerts and celebratory events. Head to the memorial plaza Fossar de les Moreres to see the city's homage to those who died defending Barcelona during the siege.

L'Hora del Jazz 2010
Jazz festival

The district of Gracia keeps surprising us with more fun and concerts in September. L'Hora del Jazz is a series of mostly FREE jazz concerts at various clubs and venues. Every Sunday at noon and 1pm there will be a free concert at the Placa de la Vila, in the heart of Gracia. Check out the whole program on the official website here.

Festa Major de Poblenou
District festival

Poblenou means “New Village” in Catalan and was given the name as it was not originally part of Barcelona. Today it is a popular neighborhood for artists and young professionals and many of the old factories have been converted into galleries, shops, studios, and lofts. This week Poblenou is inviting everybody to celebrate Festa Major with concerts, live music and outdoor screenings (and even a Petanca competition!) It is a great time to explore the district and partake in the festivities. Ask us about details!

If you are visiting the Poblenou area make sure to stop at El Tio Che (Rambla Poblenou 44) for the best orxata ever! Orxata (horchata in Spanish) is one of the most popular summer drinks: a milky drink made from tigernut. If you're looking for great seafood in the area check out the restaurant Els Pescadors located in the very tranquil Plaza Prim, just behind Rambla Poblenou.

Festival de Blues
Blues festival

The lineup of the eighth edition of Barcelona Blues Festival is packed with national and international blues artists. The festival seeks to promote the culture of blues beyond the normal channels with initiatives such as master classes and educational activities for children. Check the details on the official website here.

Mecal Air Barcelona - last days!
Film festival

Mecal Air is a series of evenings featuring outdoor short film screenings, music and barbeques organized at Poble Espanyol (the Spanish village on Montjuic). Every Friday from 20h (until 10th of September!), the entrance fee is 5EUR (or 2EUR with this flyer).

Contemporary Art by Night
Exhibitions

The MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) is open until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer for a reduced entrance price of 5 EUR. The Richard Meier building lit at night is an impressive sight. The crowds are generally small, so you can enjoy the art by yourself. And the best part is the 1st floor terrace overlooking the plaza. It’s a very tranquil spot to observe the chaos of party-goers and skaters below while you sip a glass of cava.

Free exhibitions at CaixaForum Barcelona
Exhibitions

The CaixaForum exhibits are housed in a magnificently refurbished Catalan factory. It was designed by the famous architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who also played a leading role in the Barcelona art-nouveau movement alongside Gaudí and Domčnech i Montaner. The building features the simplicity and clarity of the thoroughly designed masterpiece: its bare brickwork is topped by Catalan vaults resting on cast iron columns and enclosing luminous, spacious workshops. The Japanese architect Arata Isozaki designed the main entrance and the visitors' reception area. Current exhibitions include a selectionof contemporary art "Declassified Objects" and a show of the newest photographic works by Jacques Henri Lartigue called "Floating World". Entrance to this exhibition is free every day!

Looking for a Flamenco Show?
Music

If you are looking for a special flamenco show with dinner we recommend our partner Tablao de Carmen in Poble Espanyol. Besides the fantastic one-hour live show and traditional Spanish food, you can visit the Poble Espanyol attraction for free! If you would like to make a reservation, please let us know!

Please let us know if you need anything prior to your arrival. We look forward to hosting you here in Barcelona!

Safe travels,
The Somnio Team

Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia Church

If you’re on a budget, skip the entrance fee and enjoy the facades from outside. You can sneak a peek at the inside of the cathedral by entering the parish from the side. It’s not meant for tourists, so keep a respectfully low profile! Head up to Parc Guell for great views of the city instead of paying for the elevator.

Free entrance
Every Sunday from 3 pm until 8pm some of the major museums are open to the public for free! CCCB (Center of Contemporary Culture in Barcelona) also opens its doors for free every Thursday from 8pm until 10pm.

Ask our staff about the special Bus Turistic vouchers we have!

Somnio staff will give you more insider tips to make your stay as wonderful as possible. In the meanwhile you can check our Twitter account Somnio Says.

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