Sant Joan in Barcelona

The coming weekend holds a very special event for all the people who visit Barcelona. The Sant Joan parties will be held in in the Spanish state of Catalonia. This is one of the most anticipated and most celebrated nights of the year and a truly unique experience for everyone. If you want to learn more about the meaning of “La Nit de Sant Joan” and the way it is celebrated, just go on reading.

 

Sant Joan is traditionally held on the 23rd of June which traditionally has been marked as the day with the longest period of daylight. Sant Joan celebrates this fact and the early summer in all night long party which is filled with many events, as well as lots of joy and dancing mainly done outside in the open air. The midsummer solstice was considered the most important event of the year and since ancient times has been celebrated in a variety of fun ways.

Water: The Water is a major element used in the celebrations. The Bath on the night 23rd a 24th has supposedly a cleansing effect.  You have to take a swim to clean yourself from all the sins you have accumulated during the year. You can do this in any type of water, but the most fun has to be to go night-swimming at the beautiful beaches of Barcelona, where around midnight many party people from around the world will enter the water, joined by a light fireworks spectacle. Of course the outdoor parties at the beach continue even after midnight and last till the late morning hours.

 

Fire: Waters opposing element is just as important on Sant Juan. The sins that are not washed off should be burned.   ”La Flama del Canigó” is the expression for bonfires that are lightened up for the festivities.  The lighting is no simple tradition though, hundreds of volunteers carry the prestigious flame  from Canigò (2784 m) in the Pyrenees mountains to all the Catalan cities in France and Spain. The bonfires are kept alive by the people burning belongings like old furniture. This procedure also symbolizes a process of cleansing and burning former sins. This is less romantic, though far safer far safer than the other dominant tradition of jumping with your loved one over the bonfire to live happy ever after.

The element of fire is further honored by fireworks. Each neighborhood of Barcelona is trying to make the most impressive one, resulting in a fascinating competition. Little harmless firecrackers are also thrown by almost everyone on this day

 

Lastly special food is served on this occasion.  “Coca” is a recipe which involves wrapping a variety of fillings on a bread base. It really is delicious and can be found in bakeries all around the city during Sant Joan. Herbs play a major role also. They were traditionally collected and offered to the god on the day of the celebration. It is said that their curative and stimulating power is one hundred times stronger at this day.

 

Besides the traditional and ceremonial aspects, all the local bars and discotheques open up, usually till the morning hours and present their own Sant Joan party. Offer a fun and colorful variety of festivities in all of Barcelona.

 

Of course we recommend, that you see experience this awesome event, and of course we suggest you do so where it is celebrated with the most passion, in Barcelona.  Rent4Days invites you to join this unique event and celebrate with thousands of tourists and locals alike.

For your stay we you will want an apartment in Barcelona close to the Beach, to see the fireworks and spectacular night swimming. We yet have our “Barceloneta Cool” series available which are 5 fully equipped apartments, that offer high comfort at an economic price and are, of course, located right next to the Barceloneta Beach area! Find below the link to the first of the series.

Rent4Days Barceloneta Cool Apartments

Christmas in Barcelona!

The spirit of Christmas is always a wonder to behold.  People are gracious, kind, and most of all happy, they get the rare chance to see family members who live further away and there is this unique atmosphere full of kindness, unity and love in the air. With New Years Eve near for many people the festival season is the best time of the year. You can spiritually enjoy those days everywhere in the world, but some places celebrate Christmas more openly than others.

 

One place in which the birth of Christ is celebrated thoroughly is definatly Barcelona. The city is full with wonderful decorations at this time. Private houses, business and public institutions are decorated with lights, small Christmas arbors and of course the magic mistletoes. Shops are open longer and offer special discounts and gift packages, making the preparations for the holy days be fun and entertaining. Besides that Barcelona has some definite Highlights to offer. They are explained in the following paragraph but you should better book apartment in Barcelona and see for yourself!

 

The first is the “pista de Hielo” in Plaza Cataluña which is basically an artificial track made for ice-skating and it is great fun! Each year many people gather here and skate with music, lightshows and entertainment in one of the biggest squares of the city. The probably biggest Christmas tree is nearby Plaza España, but is challenged in size and beauty by many other ones throughout the city in shopping malls and other major squares.  Last but not least the commercial centre is full of lights and decorations which leave a glorious impression on the visitors.

 

We hope that this short article is an inspiration for you to rent accommodation in Barcelona and experience this wonderful time the Spanish way. Feel the Spirit of Christmas in the air and watch the many native Spanish people and tourists enjoying the most spiritual peaceful moments of the year here in Catalonia’s capital.

 

Tous for Christmas?

Interested in Fashion, stylish accessories and seductive perfumes? If yes, you will enjoy this article! In this blogpost we will speak about the great Spanish fashion and lifestyle brand “Tous”.

First a bit of history: In 1920, Salvador Tous Blavi and his wife Teresa Ponsa Mas started out as a watch repair workshop, which due its success soon expanded in the jeweler business Their compassion and skill and the brand heavily expanded in the second half of the century having now more than 400 stores in 45 countries, and huge shops in New York, Paris, Moscow, Milan and Tokyo and of course Barcelona!

Tous also expanded widely beyond making watches. Now they offer Clothes for women and babies, accessories, jewelry and even perfumes. For the company it is all about variety! They offer a luxurious but modern and fashionable style at higher but affordable prices. Their recent winter collection as an example is cheerful, dynamic and colorful, but still can be used for formal events. Their former core business, the jewelry  is similar. It is lively, with lots of original and playful designs, but it is still stylish and can be with no doubt be worn on any occasion by the confident woman.

Besides, its popular products Tous is also widely renowned for its marketing. The Tous Teddy bear which was created in 1985 is popular and represent in all kind of shapes and forms throughout all the collection. When they first launched it as a golden accessory, the bear became a popular lucky charm for many people. Till now it remains a truly beloved symbol of the firms play- and cheerful designs as well as a symbol of good luck for the client and the firm. Many stars joined to support the bear in its mission to spread Tous` success globally. The most recent example is the glorious Jenifer Lopez, who, with her charm and attractiveness represents the classy brand fully.

We advise you to book a Barcelona apartment rental, to go shopping for some of the best Tous products and collections. Why Barcelona, you may ask. Well that is quite simple. The firm actually started out in Catalonia and up until today is proud to be called a Catalonian company. It is no surprise therefore that Barcelona is probably their main market in which they conquered by building several huge Tous stores, offering the best and most renowned products at reasonable prices.

Novembers most popular Apartment in Barcelona: Bruc – Paseo De Gracia

 

Our articles “Apartment of the Month” inform you every 4 weeks about one our most demanded holiday apartment. Read here to erase every doubt about your planned Barcelona apartment rentals!

 

Noviembres winner is the highly requested Apartment:  Bruc – Paseo De Gracia. This fully equiped rental offers a comfortable area of 120 m2, which makes it the best option for a group of friends or families of up to 4 people. 2 air-conditioned bedrooms with on double bed and 2 single beds provide comfortable sleeping possibilities. The modern kitchen and the two bathrooms provide all necessities as well as several luxuries that will make your stay special. The Living room has a TV and a DVD player and with the comfortable sofas and internet access you can enjoy all the traditional and modern ways of relaxing after a busy day. Initial cleaning is also provided so you do not have to worry about anything and can use your spare time after a busy day to relax and fully experience all the comforts this apartment has to offer.

 

 

The apartment is located in central Barcelona, just a 3 minute walk to Paseo de Gracia where you can admire the magnificent buildings of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi (La Casa Milá/La Pedrera y la Casa Batlló) and enjoy shooping at the most prestigious boutiques (Armani, Guzzi, Channel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc). Plaza Catalunya is only a 10 minute walk far and so is the famous Las Ramblas, the most visited street in Europe (200,00 visitors daily), a perfect place to experience history, tradition, culture and leisure at one spot. The apartment is well connected several Bus and Metro lines with which you can access the whole city in literally only a few minutes. This makes it the perfect location for holidays and sightseeing as well as business travels, where time matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details:

-Area: Eixample

-Sleeps up to 4

-2  Bedrooms;   2 Bathrooms

- 1  Double beds and 2  Single beds

- Size:  120 sqm

-Webpage:  http://www.rent4days.com/barcelona-apartments/bruc-paseo-de-gracia/

 

Red Hot Chili Peppers playing in Barcelona

On the 15th of December the legendary Californian Punk Rock Band is hitting Barcelona on their current worldtour.

After a 5-year pause, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with a new album and world tour.  Many did not believe that the quartet would continue to play after guitarist John Frusciante decided to focus on his solo career and side projects. He quickly got replaced by his long time friend co-artist Josh Klinghoffer who is making a very good impression in the new songs.

The latest Studio Album “I`m With You” which was released on August 30 hit similar tones like the predecessor “Stadium Arcadium” but with occasional refreshing new tones and alternative songwriting. It is overall a good CD that shows that the band  is far from its end. See for yourself and rent apartment Barcelona now to experience the legendary band here.

Touring and live performances have always been the highlight of the band. They are one of those rare groups that sounds better, funkier and more engaging live than on CD. And they always manage to surprise. The Boys so far have suddenly appeared on Stage with Giant light bulbs on their head, freshly cut Mohawks, or even dressed with just a sock (don’t worry…they didn’t wear it on their feet.). It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers live that you should not miss out.

So book your tickets for the 15.12 in Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona now and see your favourite RHCP songs like “Dani California”, “Under the Bridge” or “Californication” performed live.

Apartamento más popular de Octubre: Paseo de Gracia Modernista

Nuestro artículo ¨Apartamento del Mes¨ le informa cada 4 semanas sobre uno de nuestros mejores y más populares apartamentos. Lea aquí para borrar todas sus dudas sobre dónde alquilar su apartamento en Barcelona.

El ganador de Octubre es el famoso y solicitado apartamento: Paseo de Gracia Modernista. Este apartamento completamente equipado, ofrece un impresionante espacio de 165 m2,  que le convierte en la mejor opción para grupos grandes o familias de hasta 8 personas.  Consta de 4 habitaciones,  3 de ellas dobles ( una matrimonial y dos con dos camas) y una habitación individual. Dispone también de una cama adicional.

El salón con TV, DVD, confortables sillones y una acogedora terraza hará que pueda disfrutar de todas las comodidades de este apartamento y relajarse en él.

El apartamento cuenta también con una espaciosa cocina y dos modernos baños.

El piso lo encontrará limpio, arreglado y preparado para que usted no tenga que preocuparse de nada y pueda utilizar su tiempo libre para disfrutar plenamente de todos los detalles que este apartamento le ofrece.

El piso está situado en pleno centro de Barcelona, a medio minuto de la lujosa avenida del Paseo de Gracia, donde podrá admirar los magníficos edificios del gran arquitecto modernista Antonio Gaudí (La Casa Milá/La pedrera y la Casa Batlló) y disfrutar de un día de compras en las mas prestigiosas boutiques internacionales (Armani, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc.). El Paseo de Gracia se ha convertido en una de las zonas más famosas de Barcelona puesto que es un importante núcleo turístico, comercial y de negocios. Paralela al Paseo de Gracia encontramos la bella Rambla de Catalunya y el famoso paseo de Las Ramblas, la calle más visitada de Europa (200.000 visitantes diarios).

El apartamento tiene una ubicación perfecta para los que quieren explorar Barcelona, en detalle, ya que se encuentra cerca de varias estaciones de metro y bus. Se puede acceder de forma rápida y fácil a cualquier parte de Barcelona.

Convirtiéndose este apartamento en el lugar perfecto para vacaciones y turismo así como para viajes de negocio.

 

Detalles:

-Zona: Eixample

-Capacidad de hasta 8 personas

-Dormitorios: 4

-Cuartos de baño: 2

-Tamaño: 165 m2

-Terraza: 5 m2

pagina web: http://www.rent4days.com/barcelona-apartments/paseo-de-gracia-modernista

43 Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz in Barcelona

Do you like music? Does the Jazz literally force you to swing your legs and dance? From 20th of October till the 1st of December 2011 the popular beer brand Voll Damm is sponsoring a spectacular music event. The annual Festival Internacional de Jazz is going into its 43th round.

This event represents one of Europes longest and most popular Jazz sessions. Day after day different artists playing different sub-styles of Jazz are being featured in various locations, from major clubs and hotels to public parks. A wide scale of individual experiences is offered during this event. Whether you want to dance the night or just take a drink in some relaxed Jazzy atmosphere there will be something there for you.

 

Book your Barcelona Apartment Rentals now to see the event and experience the Jazz in Spains largest seaside city. Who knows, maybe some of the bands will even stick around the for a little and you can get the chance to meet some of the most famous modern Jazz artists

Gamaya Boutique

Barcelona and Spain in general are famous for fashion. The common Spanish style combines traditional and modern elements to create a stylish and smart look which is never too fancy. Today we would like to share a little secret with you: A fashion store in Barcelona which is beloved but not that well known and which you should definitively go to see.

The “Gamaya Boutique” is a small but very welcoming store in the Born district. Here you can shop in a cozy and personal ambient and find clothes which perfectly handle the mentioned balance between traditional and modern elements. The store is also famous for its accessories. The bracelets and necklaces, often made of wood are popular among old and young. Rent Apartment Barcelona now to see for yourself and buy clothes which will not only look excellent on you, but will also always remind you of the great time you have had in this beautiful city.

As stated Spain is famous for its clothing design and with huge successes like Zara the importance of the countries fashion rises constantly in Europe and the world. Besides major current events and other stores and must-sees, our blog from now on will also inform you regularly about the latest trends and the best fashion stores.