There are so many great, fantastic things to do and see in the alluring city of Barcelona.

Whether it is your first visit or your tenth it will captivate you. It is a city that is ever on the go and yet comfortably maintains its centuries old past with the demands of a modern day metropolis. It would take one years to go through all the neighborhoods, events and sights. Besides museums, art, theatre, cruise ships and the Mediterranean Sea, their fiestas are numero uno!

To an official end to Barcelona's summer is The Festes de la Merce. Parades, street music, dancing, a swimming race across the harbor, and a correfoc (fire race) are just a few of the activities on hand. There is something for everyone on the 19th leading up to 24th (a public holiday) of September 2008, which celebrates the day of the city's patron saint, the Virgin de la Merce. This festival truly makes Barcelona the city that never sleeps as name designated to Barcelona by New York City's own mayor, Michael Bloomberg when comparing it as a twin to his city.

The origin to this grand festival, The Festes de la Merce, began when Merce rid the entire city of the locusts. In tribute, the residents paid homage to her. Each year she is honored by this festival by maintaining the locusts away from Barcelona forever more

This festival has something for everyone and children will love the parade of the giants. This is a procession through the streets made up of enormous wooden figures, operated by a group of people. Even the adults are amazed at the originality of the giants.

For the whole family, every evening there is a fantastic firework display. Each night it becomes more dramatic than the night before. Of course food plays an important part with plenty of eating and drinking as is in the case of just about all the festivals Barcelona has to offer.

One fun highlight that is a must to see is the competition for which group of people can form the highest human pyramid. The best place to find the towers is in Placa de Sant Jaume, where participants in traditional costume climb on top of one another until they can hold no more. This human tower often reaches around eight but who knows, the record may be broken soon this year or perhaps next!

What a way to end the summer. This is on my agenda and perhaps should be on your own. If you miss this one, be prepared that Barcelona has others throughout the year.

Visit http://www.barcelona-tourist-g uide.com/ for information on a visit.

Learn more about this author, Veronica Shine.
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