Gràcia residents race to finish street decorations for annual 'Festa Major'

Residents of Barcelona's Gràcia neighbourhood are putting the finishing touches to their street decorations ahead of the Festa Major, which officially runs from August 15 to 21.

Gràcia's Festa Major is perhaps the best-known local traditional street festival in the Catalan capital, with its marvellously decorated streets amazing visitors each year. 

This year, 23 streets and squares are taking part in the traditional decoration contest, transforming the neighbourhood with themes ranging from Pirates of the Caribbean to fire brigades and the underwater world.

Carrer de la Perla is recreating the Black Pearl ship from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, while Carrer de Joan Blanques de Baix is paying tribute to firefighters.

Plaça Rovira i Trias has taken inspiration from Antònia Font’s 2006 album Batiscafo Katiuscas, with more than 9,000 strips forming part of its underwater-themed decoration.

The preparations have continued over several weeks of intense summer heat.

Residents say the work is also an important way of building community, with foreign residents among those helping create the decorations.

The Festes de Gràcia will also feature dozens of free concerts, including at Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila, Plaça Joanic, Plaça Rovira i Trias and Jardins de la Sedeta.

Traditional events include a castellers (human towers) performance on Sunday and the decorated-street competition on Wednesday, when the best displays will be announced.