Barcelona in the Autumn

I travelled to the beautiful city of Barcelona last September aiming to enjoy the annual Merce festival, a celebration of the city's rescue from a plague by 'Our Lady of Mercy' hence the name of the fiesta. It was truly amazing. We rented a two bedroomed apartment just off Las Ramblas in the heart of the old Gotica/Gothic quarter. Every street corner and placa was filled with stalls and food and music. I really enjoyed the street parades, especially the crazy 'Correfoc' when fire-breathing monsters and fireworks blast the senses! Music was everywhere, and the stages at Placa Catalunya echoed and vibrated with regional Spanish folk dancing, live bands and all sorts of spectacle which made the whole trip a riot of sounds and colours. There was no drunkeness, no visible menace and I found people friendly helpful and multi-lingual. When planning the trip I didn't quite know what to expect. It was brilliant, we participated in the closing ceremony along with 250,000 others waving sparklers and dancing to the music, lights and fountain display. Needless to say I am trying to organise to bring the carnival group I work with to come over for Merce 2008! Check out the photos and the Merce website on www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/barcelona-la-merce.html Paul