What´s up in February?

Even in winter, there is plenty to see and do in Barcelona. Below is a list of some of the city´s most interesting events taken place in February:

- Calçots, February and March

It´s Calçot season in Catalonia! A calçot is a long green vegetable (a sort of cross between a leek and an onion) which ripens in February and March. The eating of calçots is a time-honored Catalan tradition known as a Calçotada which can either take place at a barbeque or in a restaurant. The onions are put on the grill until the outsides are charred, and then brought to the table in large piles on plates. To eat them you first peel off the outer layer, then dip them into a sauce known as Romanesco sauce.
Mussol and El Glop are two restaurants known for good quality and reasonable prices where you can find calçots served in the traditional way. For locations and reservations see their websites at http://www.mussol.angrup.com and http://www.elglop.com/

- Carnaval

Carnaval is one of Spain´s biggest events of the month, and possibly even the year. It takes place the week before Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on 17. For more information check out our full length article at http://www.way2barcelona.com/travel-guide/barcelona-events/carnival-2010/one-of-the-most-popular-celebrations/

2nd Rebaixes, through February

The sales officially began on January 7 and now that we´re into February the “2nd Rebaixes” (Second Sales) have begun. That means big discounts on your favorite brands (up to 70%) so if you´re looking for a cheap pair of campers or something original for Desigual, now is they time to get it. All major stores will have sale items, just look for the “Rebaixes” or “Rebajas” signs in the windows.

- DocsBarcelona, February 2-7

DocsBarcelona is an international documentary film festival which will take place this year from February 2 to February 7. Catalan Day, which is a tribute to the region´s best filmmakers, will take place on February 5. This is a great film festival for documentary lovers, although those who don´t speak Spanish and Catalan should make sure to check the schedule to find out which films are shown in English. For more information and schedules check out the official website at www.docsbarcelona.com

- Les Festes de Santa Eulàlia, February 12-14

The Festival of Santa Eulalia is Barcelona´s biggest children´s festival. The festival celebrates the legend of thirteen year old Eulalia who became a martyr after being killed by the Romans during the persecution of the Christians in the early 4th century. Activities include parades, human castles (castells), story-telling, puppets, concerts, and other events. For more information you can visit the official website at http://www.bcn.cat/cultura/santaeulalia/2010/ca/index.html

- De Cajón! Flamenco Festival, starting February 11

De Cajón! Flamenco festival began in 2006 and is the most important Flamenco festival in Barcelona. 17 different performances will take place at various locations around the city until April 15, including the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Gran Teatre del Liceu. This year´s festival features world renowned Flamenco artists such as Niña Pastori and Farruquito. This is a great opportunity to see world-class flamenco and visit Barcelona´s most famous theaters at the same time.

- Fotopres, until February 21

Fotopres is an exhibition of prize winning photographs by Spanish press photographers from the past year. It features 135 photos from six projects which have been awarded and grants examining countries with high incidences of conflict and violence. The exhibition is on display at Caixa Forum Barcelona, Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 8:00pm until February 21 and entrance is free.

- Cerdà i la Barcelona del future, until February 28

This is a four month exhibition that will come to a close on February 28. The exhibition focuses on Ildefons Cerdà, the man who designed the Eixample neighborhood in Barcelona in the 19th century and compares the present condition of the Eixample and the future possibilities for Barcelona. It is a must see exhibit for anyone with an interest in urban planning. The exhibition is on display at the CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona). Museum hours are Tuesday to Sunday 11:00am to 8:00pm.

- Convidats d´honor, December 2 to April 11

MNAC, the Museu Nacional d´Art de Catalunya, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Convidats d’honor is an exhibition being shown in its honor, and features a selection of Catalan art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, all of it on loan from museums, private collections, and religious archives. The MNAC is located in the Palau Nacional in Montjuic and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday 10:00am to 2:30pm.