Semana Santa in Barcelona, Spain 2014

Semana Santa in Barcelona, Spain 2014

  Easter weekend in Barcelona in 2014 is going to be from 18th of April till 21st if April! This week is called ¨Semana Santa¨(Holy week).

Catolics celebrate ¨Semana Santa¨in Barcelona by different ceremonies, messes, processions. However, like all over the world, Easter in Spain, it is not only a religious holiday. It is a pleasant time, the streets are full of holidaymakers people for a long weekends, pastries and chocolate shops crammed with treats, and in the air spring.

The days are called:

For Spain it is a great celebration. 

· 13 de Abril, Domingo de Ramos

· 14 de Abril, Lunes Santo

· 15 de Abril, Martes Santo

· 16 de Abril, Miércoles Santo

· 17 de Abril, Jueves Santo

· 18 de Abril, Viernes Santo

· 19 de Abril, Sábado de Gloria (ó Sábado de Gloria)

· 20 de Abril, Domingo de Resurrección (ó Domingo de Pascua)

· 21 de Abril, Lunes de Pascua, festivo en algunas comunidades

Take into account that a lot of shops, malls are going to be closed because of celebrations, especially Monday and Friday for sure will be closed. 

Here you will find what to do, where to go, on what to emphasis in Barcelona during this weekends that is well known as a Semana Santa.

Viernes Santo, El dia de Dolor Easter FridayIt is a Friday before Sunday. In Spain, it is a day off. Most of the shops will be closed on this day. Many bars and restaurants will also be closed.Sábado de Gloria (ó Sábado de Gloria) Easter Saturday his day is a work day! It does not considered as a day off. That’s why everything works as usually! All the shops are full of people why buy provision for next 3 days.Domingo de Resurrección (ó Domingo de Pascua) Easter Suanday On Easter Sunday, as in any other Sunday in Barcelona, most stores do not work. Many restaurants do not work, but many will be open to serve those who come to relax family. A lot Masses and religious processions are held on this day.Lunes de Pascua, festivo en algunas comunidades Easter Monday  Easter Monday - is a non-working day. Most of the shops and restaurants will not work.

Masses and processions during Semana Santa At Easter in Barcelona hosts various religious ceremonies and processions . If at this time you 're in town and want to attend one of these events , it is best for the information go to the nearest church . In most churches have bulletin boards that contain all the information about upcoming events.In some large churches and in the cathedral Mass performed with choral singing that ends the process . The Cathedral is located near the northern end of the street Ramblas. 

Contact details of the cathedral.
Santa Esglesia Catedral Basilica de Barcelona
Plaza de la Seu
08002 Barcelona, ​​España
Tel. : +34 93 342 8260

Metro Subway: Jaume I ( yellow line , L4)
Schedule (holidays):
Admission is free: Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 12:45, 17:15 - 19:30
Saturday: 08:00 - 12:45, 17:15 - 20:00
Sunday and public holidays: 08:00 - 13:45, 17:15 - 20:00
Entrance € 6,00 with a guide:
Monday - Saturday: 13:00 - 17:00
Sunday and public holidays: 14:00 - 17:00 

Museu de la Xocolata Chocolate Museum in Barcelona. Barcelona has a long tradition of production and consumption of chocolate in top quality . Only at Easter chocolate in such amounts appear on store shelves. This is the perfect time to visit Barcelona . Chocolate and pastry shops exhibit on display from chocolate sculptures of varying complexity and intricacy . And there is no better place to see it all than the Museu de la Xocolata ( chocolate museum ) in the area of ​​El Born.Turn into a museum. This museum is always crowded , but in the days of Semana Santa turn stretches right on the street. In the Easter holidays there are special exhibitions , but in general there put all the same as usual. One of the most remarkable moments in visiting a museum - a ticket. In the style of Willy Wonka " golden ticket " - a chocolate bar . Usable thing when you walk through the museum chocolate sculptures - without this ticket , I probably would have broken one of the exhibition showcases.

Chocolate version of the famous Gaudi dragon  The exposition covers a brief history of chocolate and various sculptures from chocolate - all from the temple of Sagrada Familia to Hello Kitty. Also, there are temporary exhibitions. When I was there , the theme of the exhibition was FC "Barcelona". This wonderful holiday at Easter for the whole family - children's enthusiasm is contagious , when you see how they are worn between the full-size statues of chocolate and chocolate football Asterix . Shop and cafe at the end of tours provide an excellent opportunity to buy a souvenir of quality chocolate or just drink thick hot chocolate.

Prices:
Over 7 years : € 4,30
Up to 7 years : Free
Schedule:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00
Calle Comerç, 36
08003 Barcelona, ​​España
Metro Subway: Arc de Triomf ( Red line , L1)
Tel. : +34 93 268 7878

In general, Semana Santa - is a wonderful time for a trip to Barcelona. Two days in a row raise festive mood of the people, and among the local population a sense of the importance of what is happening. Just do not forget that this is not a typical weekend for Barcelona. If you are going to go shopping or try the cuisine at several restaurants, it would be better to come here another time.

Marathon in Barcelona 2014

Marathon in Barcelona 2014  

With the slogan "Barcelona is in your legs," Zurich Marathon Barcelona 2014 will give the shot for starting of Marathon! 

Barcelona as a Olympic capital of 1992 is deserve to host international marathon 2014, plus its sport traditions! In the marathons of 2012 and 2013 years, more than 20.000 participants took part. This way Barcelona took the 4^th position in Europe’s top list, slightly falls behind the Marathons in Berlin, Paris and London. Perfect organization, the route laid along the famous tourist spot makes the Marathon in Barcelona more and more popular every year. Running near the castles, Rambla street will male these participation incredible and unforgivable.  

Barcelona’s Marathon is one of the most important Marathon in Europe! 

Disney on ice in Barcelona

Disney on ice in Barcelona 2014

Disney Show on ice in Barcelona ! 

Take an incredible pleasure when the classic meet with the modern world on the ice during the Disney show on the ice in Barcelona. Celebrate with us the 75th anniversary of the Princess Disney´s history. 

You will spend your time with a lot of fun during Disney Show, where Rapunzel with his companions Flynn and Maximo are going to a fascinating journey to new worlds. You will visit New Orleans and meet with the Prince Tian that was turned into to frog. Only the kiss will help him and remove the curse.

Go through the magic wood with Snow White and  the seven dwarfs and find out that dreams come true… when the princess found her prince. 

Your favorites princess will take part in unforgettable ice show. Enjoy the beauty and the magic of Disney Show on the ice-come back to dream.

Useful tips:

When: 27.02.2014-02.03.2014

Where: Palace Sant Jordi, Passeig Olímpic, 5 - 7, 08038 Barcelona

Price: from 19 €

Buy ticket: tickets 

Official web page: Disney on ice in Barcelona 2014

Are you ready?

Carnivals in Barcelona 2014

Carnivals in Barcelona 2014 come closer!

 The carnival in Barcelona probably will not be on such scale as in others towns, but still there are some events ¨must¨ visit. People usually follow traditions, wear mask, dress up and go for a streets to enjoy the carnival in Barcelona. 

During the carnival you have a great chance to try the food from the different part of Spain and for sure some particular meal of Catalan cuisine. On the district of San Marty, on the Rambla de Guispúsco street will be the most vivid part of the carnival: live music, parades, dancing and much more!

Useful tips:

When: 25.02.2014-05.03.2014

Where: different cities 

To see all the carnivals click here

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2014 in BARCELONA 2014

 MOBILE WORLD  CONGRESS 2014 in BARCELONA 2014

Are you coming to Barcelona for a particular concert or to a visit a particular event, which you cannot miss? Do you want know more additional information about events in Barcelona? Or did you come to Barcelona as a tourist and thinking about take all the advantages of this moment visiting some concert, exhibition or party? Here you will find all useful information about Barcelona’s events to spend your time in the best city in the word in BARCELONA in the best way.  

 On the 24-27th of February is planning to hold 
 MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2014.

Among international events in Barcelona MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS probably is one of the biggest congress here. As well as it attracts more than 70.000 visitors every year. The organizations организатори of MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS is GSMA. GSMA is the association of mobile operators from more than 220 countries. They are doing this congress as the most important event in mobile technology niche in the whole world. 

Visiting this kind of event gives to the professionals and enthusiastic people in mobile niche an opportunity to find necessary contacts, liaise with with big companies, giants of mobile technologies. This congress inspire you to study at the professionals. Here you may know new information about the creating of new applications for mobile phones.  Also this event presents a platform that is used by big companies such as Microsoft, Samsung and Nokia for announcing, presenting new products and innovations. 

This event is open for a public, so it does not matter who you are a journalist, professional or you are just fancy of mobile technologies, do not miss  MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2014 in Barcelona.

Useful tips  about MWC 2014 in Barcelona:

When: 24-27th of February 2014;

Where: Grand Fira de Barcelona, Avenida Joan Carles I, 64, 08908

Price: The prices for 2014 year in not mentioned yet, but during the last year the prices started form 699€ standard and to 4999€-the platinum one. 

How to get there: To the closest stations Europa Fira" and "Ildefons Cerdà" the best way to get there is using FGC trains.

Additional information: official web site Barcelona MWC 2014

What to do in Barcelona? 5 things to do in Barcelona

What to do in Barcelona? 5 things to do in Barcelona

Are you in Barcelona?

So, it is a perfect time for you to open it in a new way. It does not matter how much time do you have in Barcelona. This city has a lot of activities that will make you crazy about this city and for sure YOU will come back here one more time. So, do not waste your to time, and start explore Barcelona! As you know now, Barcelona is a sun-drenched city, which you have to see anyway.

The first place is Placa Reial: a perfect place to listen to music, to see music, palm trees, to eat in luxurious restaurants and have good times. This beautiful place is located just near Las Ramblas. If you want to find a beautiful place for tasting traditional Spanish and Catalan restaurants in Barcelona this place is right for you! If you are a real fan of nightlife, be sure you will find a plenty of interesting clubs here too. It is a real good place to find live bands and indie rock music or head over to Jambore for pumping hip-hop and dance classics, you can also catch some live Flamenco performances. It should be mentioned that Flamenco is not a national Catalan tradition. This kind of tradition came from the South of Spain. One more important thing is that catalans expect you know that. 

The second one are El Born & El Gotico: these streets are really famous. They are the most beautiful and oldest streets in Barcelona.It does not matter how much time you are in Barcelona, every time you go there you will find out something new, interesting and fascinating. If you want to feel the atmosphere of Barcelona, you shuold go there anyway. It is the one thing must done in Barcelona, This district is a perfect place to find your part of Barcelona and enjoy it 100%. Probably, you will find El Born & El Gotico dirty, smelly and sometimes dangerous, but nothing can compare to these rustic streets. You can't claim that you know Barcelona, until you were in El Born & El Gotico and enjoy these marvellous ancient streets. 

The third one is Barcelona’s beaches: You can't find a better place where to relax in the summer, if not on the Barcelona's beahes!!! Is a magnificient place to kick back and grab a drink. In fact, Barcelona is one of the best beach's cities in Europe. And you know what, it is truth. Once you were in Barcelona's beaches you will come back for sure, to enjoy it one more time, to take a sunbath, to have a great time with your friends. In fact it is always overcrowded because of local people and huge quantity of tourists. You will be really lucky to find a place where to relax, but is worth of it. Here you will find people from all over the whole world. Especially near Chiringuitos, well-known beach-bar, where visitors will sip on expensive Mojitos (5-10 Euros). Young people their toned bodies and smoke strong cigarettes. Be aware of your things. As well as these kinds of places attract a lot of the city’s best pick-pockets. If you want some exotic you should go to the nudist beach, Marbella. 

The next one is rooftop terrace: Barcelona is reach in of rooftop terraces, but there is one the problem: anybody does not know where to find them. Barcelona's rooftop terraces should be at the top of Barcelona’s exclusive hotels and they like to keep it that way – exclusive and elusive. Useful recommendation is to head to Hotel 1898 toward the top end of La Rambla (it’s on the right, above Starbucks). Jump in the lift next to reception and go up to floor 7. You will come out directly on the rooftop terrace, next to the bar. Order a drink, or ask where you can sit, and they will provide you with a menu.

Escape to Sitges (Only 20 minutes from Barcelona): Barcelona has it all, but if you feel the need to get away from the city and go where the locals go for a holiday, then cute but classy Sitges is a must. Jump on the metro and head to Sants Estacio, then get the Renfe train to Sitges. You can use your T10 metro card (although technically you shouldn’t) and you’ll be in Sitges in 20 minutes. Even though it’s so close to the city, it has a completely different vibe. It’s clean and chic and you’ll totally understand why this is where the rich and famous Spaniards have their holiday homes. The broad board-walks are lined with tall palm trees and rows and rows of classic cafes and restaurants. The bars are surprisingly cheap considering the wealth this town attracts, but you may as well grab a couple of cold ones from a corner shop and hit the beach – the views are even better! You may also notice that Sitges is somewhat of a gay haven and the town is full of flamboyant gay bars and clubs. The town frequently erupts into extravagant festivals and the legendary Sitges Carnival is something I will never tire of. Sitges is simply amazing and has to be seen to be believed.

Studying abroad

Studying abroad 

If you are thinking about studying abroad, so you are in a right way! If you are abroad, it gives you many opportunities, which you will not have in your university at home. 

The first reason why should you study abroad is learning language or making your language skills better!

The season reason is that you discover a new part of the word.

You have a great opportunity to choose the best programs in your field. 

Every year the amount of international students grows. It is because the countries help these students to get visa, the countries make small tuition fee to increase the pool of international students.

If you were studying abroad, be sure, that you are more employable in the world, which started to be more globalized. All things that you have abroad: language skills, adaptability cultural sensitivity after your graduation will be very much in demand. 

Nowadays employers are looking for a person who can solve difficult problems, the one who can find a new way of solving problems. Speaking in a few languages will obviously help you! Internship in international company is valuable too. 

While you are abroad you can take advantage of local specialties, for example, study design in Australia, management in the US, art in Italy, engineering in Germany

What can be better then studying with the world leader in your fiels?

To sum everything up, studying abroad develops your independence, expands your personal horizons, and enlarges your circle of international friends and contacts. Who knows, probably someone of your international friends will be able to help you in your life or career?

Shopping in Barcelona

Shopping in Barcelona

Shopping in Barcelona will satisfy your buying hanger. There are about 3500 of shops and a lot f outlets with the all year round discounts in the suburbs of Barcelona are attractive destination could be at the same level as Milan and Paris.What should you know?Tax free in Barcelona: Firstly, let's talk about good things. Remember that leaving the country you could take back your tax. For that you need tax free check Global Refund, which you will receive in every shop were you bought more than 90,16 euros. For Spain there are next rules of to make tax free (due to Global Refund web site):The period to receive the custom stamp on your check is about 3 months you received it.Check is valid for 5 years since the date of receiving it.The place where you could fill down all the applications for tax free: you can take it back in the office of Global Refund at the airport in Barcelona. You could do it in the others offices within the European Union with connecting flights or, in the presence of Customs seals in some bank branches.Custom stamp: Spain’s custom stamp or the customs office in the another country of European Union.Tax free check you have to show on the custom control together with the purchasing. If is it possible in the box with cash checks and passport.Secondly, don not plan the shopping in Barcelona on Sunday. During Sundays Spanish people do not not work, well a few of them. All the malls, boutiques and shops are closed all day.Thirdly, you should take into account that Spanish people are not workaholics. That’s why a lot of shops are closed foe siesta, break, lunch that is from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. till 5p.m. Fourthly, the prices on the La Rambla street are higher than in the others shops. Here you can buy souvenirs!Finally, mostly in the all shops credit cards are accepted, so be ready to be asked for passport or others documents.Despite all this facts, shopping in Barcelona it is a pleasure and some kind of good life experience.Sopping in Barcelona is the shops, boutiques and outlets.If you are kind of really lazy person, in Barcelona you will find 20 biggest shopping centers , where you could find everything at the same time and place, starting with simple cheese to linens. Here you can have a snack or a really good dinner.In the most of shopping malls there are children playgrounds for your children and massage chairs. You could find shopping centers in center of the city and in the other districts of Barcelona. One more option for the connoisseurs of shopping who are satisfied with going from shop to shop and make a shopping day like something special is boutiques. Boutiques are everywhere. In the center you can find them everywhere too. Among them you can find really famous brands, like Chanel,  less famous shops of young designers  and local popular ones Custo and Desigual. Along the center of the town lays like locals call it “shopping line”. What is shopping line?! Sound interesting! Shopping line in Barcelona is 5 km boutiques, that are located along the pedestrian streets. It makes shopping walk more pleasant.

Read moreabout sales in Barcelona here! 

Shopping in Barcelona 2014! Sales in Barcelona 2014 started!

Shopping in Barcelona 2014! SALES Sales in Barcelona 2014

The period of discounts in Barcelona 2014 just started!

Two times a year in Barcelona is the great period of discounts! During this time in Barcelona hment magnificent sales in its shops. Well, as you are n Spain you will find “rebajas in Spanish or rebaixes as the Catalans”. The discounts start with 20%-50% and till the end of the period could be about 70% Great! Is not it?! But, necessary take into account that till the end of the sailing period stock in the shops will be less than before. The assortments of the shops in Barcelona is not endless! Especially during the discounts period!

Desigual, Zara, Custo Barcelona, Mango, Bershka, Topshop, HM, and many, many more take part in the sale. All they are located on Passeig de Graca. Weeks ahead the locals start planning, talking and saving up their money.

So, remember, that sales in Barcelona start on the second week of he January, right after the holidays! The previous one was Three Kings' Parade. The sales in Barcelona is finished in the March. Can you believe? Two months of sales! It would be better to come for sales in the middle or in the end of the period of the sales.

Th period of the sales could be divided in three stages. The first sale, then a bigger mark down for second sale, and finally remate – final clearance sales.

Summer sales start in Barcelona in the middle of July end in the end of August. The most significant sales are expected in the August. But the advice is to come to Barcelona for sales in the July.

Firstly, the assortments of Barcelona's shops will be bigger! Secondly, a lot of Spanish people in the end of the August go for a vacations. So, it means that a lot of the shops in the end of the August will be closed. That's why come to Barcelona for shopping for the second sales week. This way you will be sure that all the shops now with sales for their clothes!

The Spaniards take the sale very seriously, the Spanish government has decided that the stores only can use the term rabajas during specific dates. It means that almost all the stores take part on the sale.

The period of the sales in Barcelona is accompanied with insane mad and crazy boom! Barcelona during this period immerses in the buying frenzy, madness)!

The shops are fulling with buyers who hunt for the best deals! It is not the best period of being in Barcelona if do you want to go for shopping calm, relaxing manner! But on the other hand, the sales will make you a surprise!

If you are the kind of person who likes to dress up-to-date or are you a shopaholic or just someone who wants to buy a pretty brand clothes? Doesn't matter! Barcelona is a perfect place to visit for shopping or whatever! One more useful tips, go sales shopping during the day, in the evening it is more crowded than during the day.

Be ready to delight! Don't miss!

Three Kings' Parade in Barcelona 2014 was amazing!

Surely, Spain is famous for its culture, traditions, festivals and fiestas! But this one was just something really charming. 

Today I really was like in my childhood. I had a lot of fun! I saw many interesting mysterious creatures, kings, dancing people. It seems like all people in Barcelona came to watch it!

600.000 persons were there! 

It’s unbelievable, but there was  no place where to stay! I used my camera not only for making pictures and videos and for to see something! I was satisfied and I didn’t notice how it was coming to end! The most unexpected thing for me was candy rain!!!

Oh my god! Really?) I’ve never seen a candy rain. Today was my first time. I was crazy about it. Unfortunately, the candies were over and parade was finished… Oh…I couldn’t describe my feelings…

I wish to become a child again and go for my presents) Thanks Barcelona for making people a little happier!