Barcelona's reputation as a world centre for art, architecture and design is growing yearly with plethora of cultural activities on offer. As if it needed confirming, in 1999 the entire city was awarded a Royal Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects. The seminal ghosts of such artistic luminaries as Antonio Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies permeate Barcelona's cultural scene. Barcelona is also a showcase for home grown Catalan traditions: dozens of festivals, religious holidays and special occasions are celebrated in Barcelona each year!

Traditional festivities take place on 23 April in honour of Sant Jordi (St George) and again on 24 June for the Verbena de Sant Joan (St John) when bonfires and fireworks illuminate the city. There are two major celebrations in early autumn: Diada Nacional de Catalunya (Catalonia National Day) on 11 September and the spectacular Fiesta de La Mercé (the patron saint of Barcelona) on 24 September. Festivities for the latter include parades, traditional dancing, sporting events and religious celebrations. Human pyramids known as castellers are constructed in the streets!