May play
May, a gentle prelude to the baking summer months ahead, is the perfect month to go out and enjoy yourself - see new things, new bands, films and art exhibitions. Here's a pick of what this fair city has to offer.
A music festival in spring is a beautiful thing - the weather is likely to be favourable, the nights long and the temperature just right for some moderate dancing in a crowd. Primavera Sound (28th to 30th) offers three days of diverse bands that span the generations including My Bloody Valentine, Neil Young and Sonic Youth filling up the main stages. Others to look out for Vivian Girls, an all girl band from New York, the Bowerbirds and Kitty Daisy & Lewis.
Ex-Destiny's Child singer Beyoncé plays the Palau Sant Jordi (20th). Watch the showgirl strut her stuff with many a costume change and dive-esque moves to entertain the masses.
The Palau de la Música Catalana (amongst other venues) are still playing host to the 20 Festival Guitarra and this month gives you the chance to catch Jackson Browne (13th) and Gary Moore (21st), two undoubtable legends of the instrument.
This month also offers you the chance to see some fiery Argentine dance with the production Tango Fire coming to the Teatre Victoria. 10 dancers and four instrumentalists perform Yanina Fajar's flashy choreography. May 26th to June 14th)
If you're an architect buff then make sure you head to CaixaForum Barcelona to see Richard Roger's exhibition which showcases his creative process from pencil drawings to glossy prints of his final buildings, like the Pompadou Centre in Paris and the currently stalled project Las Arenas. (Until June 7th) Swiss photographer Darius Koelhi captures vibrant Barcelona beach life in his colourful shots at the renowned Kowasa Gallery to get you in the mood for your weekend jaunts to the playa, (May 22nd to June 30th)
You either love it or just can't see the point but wherever you stand on video art it is a hot genre just now, Steve McQueen is due to head up the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale this year. Loop, the video art festival (21st to 31st) is now in its seventh year, split into three main sections, Festival, Feria and the panels it is spread out across the city and showcases the best from its international guest programme, featuring 400 galleries; you will find a mostly Spain-heavy guest list but there are galleries and artists represented from Portugal, France, New York and the UK amongst the more local names. See the website for more information, (www.loop-barcelona.com).
If you have ever had an urge to join the upper echelons of the sporting world then you could do worse than watch the Barcelona Polo Classic (8th-10th & 15th -17th). 6 teams from all over the world battle it out over the course of two weekends in this internationally recognised tournament. Now in its 41st year, join the hoards of well-dressed and monied watch the players play chukka after chukka to secure the title. Ralph Lauren shirts optional.
If you have a more social conscience and wish your sporting events be more giving then head down to watch the 31st Cursa El Corte Ingles (24th May). The first race took place in 1979 with only 17,184 racers, last year saw 54,795 take part. As well as being viewed as a serious event on the athletic calendar it is also known for its tireless charity collaborations, this year the race is linked to the local charity, Fundació Catalan Sindrome de Down. Take part or go and cheer on the likes of Frank Rijkaard and Leo Messi, who have competed in the past, as they cross the finish line.
Feria de Abril de Cataluña (24th April - 3rd May) Now in its 38th year and still drawing in the crowds, this celebration of all things Andalucian expects more visitors than ever before. Go to enjoy the musical acts or the fair-ground attractions or simply sample the crisis busting food, this year there is even a special menu priced at around €10-12 which includes a drink.