Carnival in Barcelona epitomizes some of the more gluttonous aspects of traditional celebration. The time before the Lenten fast is spent indulging in the very best of soon-to-be-forbidden pleasures, and for Barcelonans this means a gargantuan feast dedicated to anything particularly fatty.
Carnival weekend sees revellers converge on the market places and streets to watch as the local carnival guilds and commercial establishments compete for the much acclaimed pimiento de oro - golden pepper. On Saturday afternoon the celebrations come to a climax with the Gran Rua de Carnaval, a colossal parade of adorned carriages and carnival groups and a snowfall of streaming confetti.

All good things must come to an end and the celebrants mark the occasion appropriately with a funeral. The king of carnival has, after all, died and taken the carnival with him. A funeral cortege of his widows and entourage, all suitably dressed in black, mourn his passing.

Barcelona International Jazz Festival – October - December
The Barcelona International Jazz Festival is one of Europe's longest-running and most well-respected events. It takes place in the autumn, a perfect time to visit the city as the summer heat has subsided and there are fewer tourists. The music comes in a wide variety of styles, from big bands and bebop to gospel and Latin jazz, consistently attracting a great line-up of international performers.