The city of Barcelona is gearing up to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France with an ambitious festival that will run from May 26th to July 5th. The event will feature over 60 cultural, gastronomic, and sporting activities spread across the city's 10 districts, aiming to make the cycling competition a grand citizen celebration.

The musical lineup includes 10 concerts with artists such as Doctor Prats, Suu, Sexenni, 31 FAM, Llauna Russa, Sidonie, Ambauka, and Xiula, who will perform primarily at the Cathedral Square. Additionally, there will be family performances and popular culture events like 'gegants' parades and 'casteller' displays.

Margarida Xirgu Square will be another key venue, offering music, dance, circus, and street theatre with artists like Joan Garriga and DJ Trapella. Anna Barbiela, founder of SMLXL, highlighted the intention to blend traditional festival elements with contemporary ones.

The involvement of the commercial sector is significant, with 14 commercial hubs and over 40 municipal markets actively participating. Javier Cottet, vice-president of Barcelona Oberta, and Jordi Arias from Barcelona Comerç, emphasized the benefits of an international event for local businesses. The markets are already decorated in the Tour's colors.

Six shopping centers (Westfield Glòries, Westfield La Maquinista, Arenas de Barcelona, L’illa Diagonal, Diagonal Mar, and Maremagnum) will organize activities and prize draws. The Zoo, Port Olímpic, and Tibidabo Amusement Park are also joining the celebration with family-oriented events.

The Barcelona Guild of Pastry Chefs has created a commemorative cake, and the Guild of Bakers of Barcelona, with the City Council's support, has launched the new 'Pa del Tour' (Tour Bread). Young baker Enric Badia from 'Forn Elias' explained that this round bread, about 12 centimeters in diameter, evokes a bicycle wheel and combines French and Catalan flavors.