A street in Gracia decorated for Festa; photo by Jaume Meneses

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona—

Barcelona is well known for its lively nightlife. Here the idea of a “festa” may only be surpassed in Spain by Madrid’s infamous “marcha” (literally meaning “to go out on the town”). And if you want to party in Barcelona like the locals, it’s not uncommon to spend between €30 to €40 on a night out—especially if you plan on hitting up a club with a DJ or want to hear live music.

But before you resign to just sit in your hotel room afraid of the costs of painting the town red, consider these 100% free August “fiestas” and events. Most of them are put on by the city government. Leave it to Spain to spend tax money on parties–you gotta love it!

Festa de Gracia
Through August 22, 2009

Most locals agree that this is one of the best parties in Barcelona. It begins on the 15th of August and lasts for one whole week. Expect lots of music including jazz, rock n’ roll, folk and more on multiple stages every night. Gracia is a neighborhood in Barcelona, and the Festa de Gracia is essentially a block party that spans many, many blocks. Residents of the barri (neighborhood) organize all of the festivities and do all the decorating. Neighbors also sell home-made food and drinks in the street at super Cheapo prices.

The decorations beg mentioning in more detail. Each year, different blocks in Gracia compete against one another for the prize for best decorations. This year some blocks are decorated with floating plastic jellyfish or Japanese gardens and lanterns. Half of the fun of the festival is in checking out the outrageous and creative décor.

Of course, the Festa de Gracia is free and a drink and some street food will set you back all of €5. For more info, visit the Festa’s web site.

Outdoor Cinema: Film Fest at the CCCB
Through August 27, 2009

This is one of my favorite Barcelona freebies. During the month of August the art museum CCCB shows films in an outdoor theatre called “Gandules” (which means “lawn chairs”). The films are mostly about music this year, and the event is popular. If you decide to go, make sure to get there an hour early to get a chair. Otherwise, bring your own chair or blanket and pull up a patch of grass nearby. There is beer and wine for €2.50, offered at the venue.

Movies are shown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 PM and go until around 11:45 PM, just in time to catch the metro after the show. The event ends August 27th.

More info: www.cccb.org

Music in Parc de la Ciutadella on Fridays
August 21 and 28, 2009

This is a great one for families or groups of friends. Grab a picnic and a blanket and pop over to Parc de la Ciutadella on Fridays at 9:30 PM. The music starts at 10 PM and runs for about an hour. Again, this event is popular, so it’s best to arrive early.

Live bands are mostly local groups who play jazz. At times the music is fantastic and at other times it is, admittedly, a bit flat. But that’s half the fun. You never know what you’re going to get, but at least it’s outside and offers a festive vibe. Those who want a closer view can sit in the gazebo, which is really just an extension of the stage. This is one of the nicest places to see music in the city on hot, humid Barcelona nights.

Upcoming acts include the Alejandro di Costanzo trio (August 21) and the Martin Leiton quartet (August 28).

For more info, visit the website.

Festa de Sants
August 22-30, 2009

This fiesta is much like that of Gracia, but it’s located in the more low-key neighborhood of Sants. Beginning on the 22nd of August, the party gets started around 7:30 PM with a family-friendly parade. Expect music, lots of food and drinking.

Sants can be reached by taking the metro and getting off either at Plaça de Centre or Sants Estacio. You’re best bet? Go around 8 or 9 PM to have dinner at the Festa (party) and then stay to wander around and hear Saturday night’s music line-up..

For more info, visit the website.

About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.

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Typical fare at Buenas Migas Focacceria; photo by Ian Kershaw

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona—

If you’re a foodie, Barcelona can get spendy. To add insult to injury, it also has the unfortunate reputation of offering overpriced, mediocre meals. While there are some fantastic Michelin starred restaurants in the city, Cheapos in need of good grub require other options.

No te preocupes (Don’t worry!). Here are five cheap eats that will ensure a full belly, and plenty of extra pocket change for all those Gaudi postcards you’ll send back home. They may not be glamorous, but their fare is tasty and oh so inexpensive.

1. Woki
Asturies, 22
Gracia

One of my all-time-favorites, Woki is located in the vibrant Gracia neighborhood, but also benefits from two other locations, one on the beach in Barceloneta and another in Borne (Carders, 6).

Simply select a noodle or rice base for €4 and then add ingredients (starting at €1.30 each). Finally, choose a free sauce, which can be anything from Thai, Hoi Sin or the “House Sauce.”

Hand in your order and the Woki team throws it all together on an enormous wok right in front of you. Since there’s limited seating at Woki, I usually get my noodles to-go, often eating them right out of the box while watching the tide come in.

2. Tallers 76
Calle Tallers, 76bis

Right in the middle of the city and on trendy Calle Tallers, this lavender-colored café and restaurant is a right-on choice for sandwiches. Made with artisan breads, sandwiches come in delectable combos like goat cheese with sun-dried tomato and smoked salmon with cucumber.

Hey, it’s a no-frills lunch, but tasty and under €6.00, though plan to spend a bit more if you purchase a drink or side.

3. Buenas Migas
Passeig de Gracia (with locations citywide)

Cheap delights are on every corner in Barcelona.

With multiple spots around town, Buenas Migas is an easy-to-find—and yummy—Cheapo option. Choose from focaccia pizzas, ample salads, plus an array of sandwiches and pastries.

A focaccia pizza will run you between €4 and €5 (flavors include ‘meat-lovers’, tomato and basil, and four-cheese). Add a drink with your focaccia and you’ll have a delicious midday feast for around €6!

4. La Central
Calle Mallorca, 237 (with locations citywide)

Not everything offered on the menu at La Central—an eatery within a bookshop—falls under the budget category. However, during the lunch rush, they do offer reasonably priced deli wraps, sandwiches, and some pasta salads. All items range from €6 and up.

But, the real reason I love La Central is for their coffee and ambiance. The place benefits by being one of the city’s most eclectic book stores right in the heart of an old neighborhood. Grab a cup o’ joe, take a seat, and browse the wares.

5. Pans & Company
Plaça urquinaona, 12-13 (with locations nationwide)

In a way I hate to mention Pans & Company because, well, it’s a chain. However, it is also very cheap and the quality and quantities here is pretty good. Not unlike the U.S.-based Subway sandwiches, Pans is fast-food in style, but takes a healthy approach to eating.

Outdoor seating at Pans & Company; photo by Enric Archivell

The sandwiches and sides offered at Pans are geared towards the classic Mediterranean eater, with combos like melted brie and Spanish ham, or tuna and olives. They also serve large salads and occasionally offer hamburgers.

All sandwiches are under €6 and depending on what you order you will likely have a euro or two leftover to grab a drink, side, or opt for a meal combo (around €6 or €7.00). Pans also has an espresso bar that offers cheap, good coffee and tasty pastries and breads.

About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.

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