MET INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

While most Barcelona residents, locals and foreigners, are more than familiar with the annual festivities to mark the city's patron Santa Mercè, perhaps some are less au fait with Eulàlia, who was the original patron saint for Barcelona. For reasons too complicated (and er, perhaps ironically, unknown by us at 'In the know'), someone in their wisdom decided some time back to demote Eulàlia and promote Mercè in her place. However, the city still bows its head each year to the first Santa, whose saint's day is February 12th, and while the events are subdued compared to La Mercè in September, you'll still find things to do.