While some places we know (but will not name) north of the border suffer from seemingly endless grey damp winters, there is never a dull month in Barcelona and February brings calçots and Carnaval to continue the festive… well, year really. Plus a couple of keen sporting events.

Calçotadas

In most circumstances, sucking on fat burnt spring onions with a bib and excess sauce dripping from your mouth would not be considered an adult pastime. But at this time of year, in village squares and secluded masias around Barcelona and beyond, it is not just a pastime but an unmissable tradition that involves the entire family, village, population of Catalunya… The sauce is an addictive blend of nuts, garlic, chili, tomatoes, vinegar and of course olive oil. The wine is drunk from porrons with a direct line between the bottle and the bloodstream. The blackened calçots mean your hands are out of action for anything other than indulging. You may not want to see anything that resembles a leek for several months after. But I can guarantee, if you’re in the region, you’ll be back for more mess next year.

The town of Valls is the heart of calçotada country.

But venture into almost any masia restaurant and they should be on the menu.

Sitges Carnival

15-25/02

Carnaval is, from a religious perpective, the period before Lent when all the leftovers must be eaten in preparation for a time of abstinence (or empty stores). From a post-restraint perspective, Carnaval is the time to lay on the make up, pick up the glitter and dance like you’re Prescilla Queen of the Desert… or the Dancing Queen… In fact, think abba at their most outrageous and you’re not even half way there. This year, the official parade nights are Sunday, 22^nd February and Mardi Gras Tuesday 24^th, but there is plenty of partying to be done before, in-between and after in both Sitges and Barcelona. For the charming (if at times a little dangerous) sweet-throwing version of Carnival, go to the nearby town of Vilanova i La Geltrú on Sunday afternoon.

Sitges Carnival, 15-25 February

www.sitgesvida.com/fiestas/carnaval/

Vilanova i La Geltrú,  Sunday 22 February

www.vilanova.cat/html/carnaval/

32nd Trial Indoor de Barcelona
08/02

For impressive action on a motorbike check out the 32nd Barcelona Indoor Trial Championship at the Palau Sant Jordi. Trials include leaping over obstacles and demonstrating the fine art of balance and poise.

Palau Sant Jordi
www.trialonline.org/

The Barcelona Half Marathon

08/02

Take your Sunday jog that little bit further with this 22-kilometre half-marathon. Or just observe with your hair of the dog in hand and admire. The competition begins on Passeig Picasso at 9h and ends – via Via Laietana, Placa Catalunya, La Rambla, Diagonal… at Arc de Triomf at around 11h30.

www.bcn.cat/mitjamarato/en

La Fiesta de San Antoni

17/01

The patron saint of animals, San Antonio Abad, is honoured all over Spain, but particularly in the Balearic Islands, Valencia and parts of Barcelona. The main procession can be found in Sant Andreu where brass bands play as animals are blessed. In the evening, bonfires are lit and fire-throwing demons wow the crowds.

21-23/01

Bread and Butter Barcelona

This hip trade fair for style queens and trendsetters kicks of twice a year in the Fira de Barcelona. Sections include: Denim Base, Fashion Now!, Sport & Street and Urban Superior. Bread and Butter is a must for fashion students, design aficionados and anyone who likes to see and be seen.

The festive gift-giving period is not over yet. Here, children receive their presents on 6 January (Epiphany) and the evening before, Twelfth Night, marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men bearing their gifts from afar. The availability of camels and desert sands in Barcelona is sadly lacking, however, water and a decorated boat make for an equally dramatic entrance. The Kings arrive by sea at Moll de la Fusta to be greeted by the Mayor who escorts them to Park Ciutadella. From here, the Three Kings begin their grand parade through the streets of Barcelona on exuberant carriages with a never-ending supply of sweets. One for the kids. And the sweet of tooth.

Arrival of Three Kings, Moll de la Fusta, 16h30
Commencement of parade, Park Ciutadella, 18h30
Parade ends, Olympic Stadium.

(Photo by Carlos Lorenzo)

Check out the excellent GREENVILLE playing live tomorrow night in Sólo Bar, Calle Margarit 18, from 22h – 23h30.

GREENVILLE was formed in Barcelona in 2007 by singer-guitarist Jay Harden and violinist Naomi Wedman. Mixing Harden’s original songs with a wide range of old American tunes, a live set can include an eclectic mix of bluegrass, blues, jazz, country, rock & roll and the occasional Irish jig. Guest members include country singer Carrie Lewis, Jonny English on the harmonica and Scottish Andy playing atmospheric pedal steel guitar.

Entrance is free.

www.myspace.com/hardenjay.