There's always something happening in Barcelona. Any reason to party! Here are some of the key events in the city. If you are intending to visit around these times, please make sure you book well in advance, as the city can be completely booked out during peak season.

• Festes de la Mercè Around the 24th of September, the main celebrations in the city. Live music during all the day and night, theatre, life in the streets, castellers, and most of it for free!

• Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - around the 25th Oct., This is one of the major events in Barcelona's gay calendar. Some of the best Catalan, Spanish and International Gay Films are shown.

• Festes de Sants - similar to Gracia's event, but smaller and a bit later in August. If you can't go to the Gracia's, try these!

• Sant Jordi 23rd of April. Is like Saint Valentine's in many places. People give roses and books around the streets. Is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.

• Corpus. Late in May (Corpus Christi day). An egg is put over the fountains (most of them in the churches, and decorated with flowers), and "magically dances" over the water.

• Fira de Santa Llúcia From December 2nd/3rd to December 23rd, to commemorate Sta Llúcia (December 13th). In front of the Cathedral, is where the Christmas objects are sold.

• Revetlla de Sant Joan: for weeks on end, listen to kids shoot off caps and fire crackers. Finish the week with San Juan, head down to the beach for various music stations and all night festivities.
  
• Circuit Festival 2010 : The biggest gay festival in Europe - July 31st to Aug 8th 2010

• Barcelona Pride : June 20th to 28th 2010