The festivals in the Gràcia neighborhood of Barcelona, one of the city's most traditional celebrations, will begin on August 15th and continue until August 21st. This year, they will feature 23 decorated streets and squares, with a notable novelty being a space specifically designed for families and adolescents. These measures are being implemented amidst high temperatures, with new provisions to cope with the summer heat recorded in Catalonia.
Despite the festive and neighborly spirit that characterizes the celebration, one of the organizing entities has experienced an unexpected incident. The commission for La Perla street has reported on social media that the shutter of their premises was found sealed with silicone, preventing its opening and operation. This act, described as a "deliberate action" by the commission, is interpreted as "a direct attack" on the voluntary work they undertake throughout the year.
Journalist and historian Vicenç Sanclemente will officially open the festival as the town crier for this edition. The poster, designed by Pol Lupiáñez (Kota), pays homage to the celebration's origins with an image of popular street dances in the decorated streets.
Joanic square will be transformed during the day into a space dedicated to children, featuring storytelling, workshops, traditional games, and a reading corner. At night, it will become a "quiet zone" for family dinners, with activities for teenagers such as open-air cinema. To minimize sun exposure during peak heat hours, many morning activities will conclude earlier, and afternoon activities will start later.
The La Perla commission explained that the incident occurred after a day of decoration that took place "in a calm atmosphere with no nighttime festive activity." They reject the notion that the action could be justified as a reaction to previous incidents, as no neighbors expressed complaints during the day. They consider this sabotage to be part of a context of questioning the festival's model, although they share concerns about incivility and call for dialogue to improve the celebration.
