What´s up in March?

March is a great month to be in Barcelona.  Spring is finally in the air, and there are plenty of activities to be enjoyed.  Below are the city´s best events for the upcoming month.

Local, Local!

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the return of democratic councils, the CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona) will present an exhibition about the changes experienced by towns and cities since then.  It will be on display from February 23 to April 25. 
http://www.cccb.org/en/exposicio-local_local-33510

Global Sports Forum

The Global Sports Forum is an international event which brings people together to debate the economic, social, political and cultural issues relevant to sports.  The event unites not only athletes and sports federations but also business leaders, health experts, academic stakeholders, and many others.  It will take place on March 8, 9, and 10, and a three day pass can be purchased for €1300 or a single day for €500.
http://www.globalsportsforum.org

Japan Weekend

Japan Weekend is Spain´s biggest manga and videogame festival.  It is a three day festival that includes presentations, courses, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.  It will take place at Palau Sant Jordi in Montjuic from March 12 to 14.  Entry costs €5 each day.  http://www.japanweekend.net/

Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally

This is an annual vintage car race that takes place this year from March 20 to 21.  The cars depart from Sant Jaume square at 11am on Sunday and finish at Port Aiguadolc in Sitges.  Points are awarded not only for how long it takes to finish the race, but also for the car itself, with extra points being awarded to drivers who race in vintage attire.  The cars can be viewed the day before at Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona.
http://www.rallyesitges.com/

Alimentaria 2010

Alimentaria is the most important international food and beverage exhibition in Spain.  It brings together over 4,000 leading food and beverage manufacturers and distributors to present their latest products.  In addition to the exhibition there are also a variety of conferences, lectures, and cooking demonstrations.  This year Alimentaria will take place from March 22 to 26 in the Fira de Barcelona in Montjuic.  A 5 day ticket purchased online before March 5th costs only €25.  After March 5th a 5 day ticket costs €85. 
http://www.alimentaria-bcn.com/en/

Concerts:

Joan Baez - The world renowned folk singer will be performing at Palau de la Música Catalana on March 2 at 9:000pm.  For tickets visit http://www.festivalmillenni.com/xi/eng/Joan_Baez/

Dulce Pontes - Dulce Pontes is a Portuguese singer known for her versatile style and modern take on Fado.  She will perform at the Palau de la Música Catalana on March 4 at 9:00pm.  For tickets visit http://www.festivalmillenni.com/xi/eng/Dulce_Pontes/

José Mercé - One of the most famous flamenco singers in the world, he will be performing on March 8 at 9:00pm in the Gran Teatre del Liceu, where he expected to perform numbers from his upcoming album.  For tickets visit http://www.theproject.es/es/concerts/concierto.php?idconcierto=620

Juan Perro - This popular Spanish singer mixes Caribbean rhythms with rock, jazz, and blues.  This show should be one of his best ever as it will be used to record the live version of his new album.  He will perform on March 4 and 5 and 9:30pm at L’Auditori.  For tickets visit http://www.auditori.cat/seccions/programacio/fitxa.aspx?idconcert=1661&cicle_id=

Los Planetas - Cuatro Palos- Originally from Granada, this group is famous for their blend of flamenco and rock.  They will perform songs from their new album as well as older favorites on March 11 at the Palau de la Música Catalana at 9:00pm.  For tickets visit http://www.theproject.es/es/concerts/concierto.php?idconcierto=620 

Marc Parrot - 50 years of the “Nova Canço”- Marc Parrot is a famous musician, composer, and producer from Barcelona.  In a performance commissioned by the Generalitat de Catalunya, he will be singing a repertoire of traditional Catalan songs.  The concert will be held on March 19 at L’Auditori and tickets can be purchased at http://www.auditori.cat/seccions/programacio/fitxa.aspx?idconcert=1664&cicle_id=

Maria de Medeiros - Maria de Medeiros is both an actress and singer, and is most famous for her role in “Pulp Fiction”.  She will be presenting songs from her new album on March 26 at L’Auditori at 9:00pm.  Tickets can be purchased at http://www.auditori.cat/seccions/programacio/fitxa.aspx?idconcert=1666&cicle_id=

Paloma San Basilio - Paloma has been performing for over 30 years and is considered an important part of Spain´s musical history.  She will be performing her show, PSB, which stands for Piano, Saxophone and Base (or Paloma San Basilio) on March 21 at Palau de la Música Catalana at 9:00pm.  For tickets visit http://www.festivalmillenni.com/xi/eng/Paloma_San_Basilio/

Rosana - Originally from the Canary Islands, she has broken record sales in more than 30 countries and even had two of her songs featured in the Quentin Taratino film “Curdled”.  Her latest album, “A las Buenas y a las Malas”, became a top album on iTunes in less than 24 hours.  She will perform on March 17 at 9:00pm at Palau de la Música Catalana at 9:00pm.  For tickets visit http://www.festivalmillenni.com/xi/eng/Rosana/

Woody Allen - Most people would be surprised to know that Woody Allen is also a musician, but in fact he has been performing since the 70´s.  On March 28 he will perform with his New Orleans Jazz Band at the Palau de la Música Catalana at 9:00pm.  For tickets visit http://www.festivalmillenni.com/xi/eng/Woody_Allen/