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Jessica Rodriguez
Hula dancers
Performing on the first day of the festival, the appearance of these hula dancers was a surprise to reader Jessica Rodriguez3 of 9
Correfoc
'Diablos', or devils, taking part in the main procession ('cercavila') of the Gràcia festival on its first day, as photographed by astrophysicist and freelance photographer Simon Campbell4 of 9
Giants
Simon Campbell also photographed these different 'gegants' (giants) taking part in the parade5 of 9
Fire-breathing dragon
This is the 'Drac de Gràcia', the Gràcia dragon, who has firework sparks coming from his mouth6 of 9
Devils
Fire plays an important part in Catalan festivals, as seen in this image of 'diablos' and their fireworks7 of 9
Human towers
Another popular feature in Catalan festivals are 'castellers' or human towers, which sees athletic and brave souls clamber on to each others' shoulders, as high as they can, with a young child climbing to the top to mark the peak of the tower8 of 9
'Mr Big'
A very life-like 'giant'; these papier-maché figures make regular appearances at festivals here and can take the form of kings, queens, farmers and fantastical creatures, amongst others9 of 9
Lizard
Look closely and you'll see that this sparky creature is a reproduction of the lizard from Gaudí's Parc Güell, as photographed by Jessica Rodriguez. If you would like to see your images of the Gràcia festival here, don't forget to send them to: info@barcelona-metropolitan.comWe asked you to send us your photos of this year's Gràcia festes and received a great selection of images from the opening parade, as you can see in the slideshow.
To see pictures of the street decorations, click on the link 'Street art' (see left)