WeBarcelona Newsletter

Filmoteca de Catalunya, Cinemas Girona, Phenomena, CaixaForum and Zumzeig are this year's venues for in-person film screenings, and the FILMIN platform and Betevé for online sessions. This year's AFFBCN presents a hundred films from more than 20 countries in five sections, all of them in competition. China will play a special role this year, coinciding with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and China.

This exhibition, which features a collection of works from the Centre Pompido by Picasso, Kandinsky, Miró, Dalí, Le Corbusier, Raoul Hausmann, Dubuffet, Paul Klee, Alvar Aalto, and many more, reflects on the historical relationship between art and nature, as well as between culture and science.

The Official Fantastic Section of the Sitges Festival presents exciting novelties, such as "Poor Creatures" by Yorgos Lanthimos, "The Snow Society" by J.A. Bayona, and "The Boy and the Heron" by Hayao Miyazaki. Also notable is the remake of "The Toxic Avenger" directed by Macon Blair and "Blood" by Brad Anderson for horror lovers. In the Mitjanit Special, "The Bullet of God" by Nick Cassavetes and "The Deep Dark" by Mathieu Turi stand out. At SOFC, there are films from various countries such as Japan, South Korea, France and Canada, with a wide variety of genres and styles, from thrillers to monster and witchcraft films.

The 61st edition of the Barcelona International Boat Show stands out as an event that brings the America's Cup closer to the city. This leading show in Spain and Europe takes place at the Marina Port Vell, de la Fusta and España docks. In addition to showcasing the latest boats and innovations, it will offer exhibitions, talks and experiences related to the America's Cup.

During the second half of September, Barcelona celebrates every year "La Mercè", that is, its Fiesta Mayor. A Fiesta Mayor that we could define as a festival of festivals, multitudinous and popular, which in one week brings together between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000,000 people in different public spaces of the city, to follow and enjoy the many cultural, artistic and festive activities. This year's town crier will be the writer Najat El Hachmi and the guest city will be Kiev. If you want to participate in La Mercè's cart, remember that it is held a few days before the official start of the festival. Don't miss the International Pyrotechnic Festival, which promises to be a unique and dazzling spectacle involving the latest technology and, of course, the Piromusical, which this year will feature a soundtrack of Sonar to celebrate its 30 years of existence.

Oktoberfest Barcelona is a popular festival organized in the purest German style. Access is free but it is advisable to book as soon as possible because places fill up quickly. The Barcelona Oktoberfest is a fun-festive event in which you will discover the best Bavarian cuisine. There will be live music and a contest of typical Bavarian costumes.

Ten days of music, art and dance, and of course popular culture: giants (with the emblematic parrot of 36), correfocs, parades, concerts, popular meals, children's workshops and sports championships.

The 37th edition of the America's Cup will take place between August and October 2024 in Barcelona. The racing area will be the same for both the Challenger Selection Series and the Final to be held between 12 and 20 October 2024. The America's Cup boats will "fly" along the Barcelona beachfront from Port Olímpic to the W Barcelona Hotel.

The festivities of Gràcia are one of the most famous in Barcelona for the numerous activities that are organized, but mainly for the decoration of its streets and balconies. As usual, there will be recreational, cultural and neighborhood activities totally free and for all audiences.

A fascinating journey through history and cultures that transcends eras and borders to reveal a universal theme: the way in which human beings have defined themselves and continue to define themselves.