La Rambla's Festa Major is back with buildings decorated with flowers, among them the Arts Santa Mònica, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Columbus monument, the Maritime Museum and the Palau de la Virreina.
This is the big attraction of this year's Festival of Roses, on from October 7 to 12. In a year marked by the attacks on La Rambla in August, it's a lovely time for locals and visitors to return to the popular avenue and appreciate the floral beauty. You'll also come across various activities. On Friday 6 from 10am to 7pm, organisations for the elderly of Ciutat Vella are on hand, at 11am there are live performances from Ciutat Vella homes for the eldery, and a dance with the Ogue de Gatos orchestra at 5pm in front of the Columbus monument; Saturday starts with 'One flower, one wish' at 11am in front of the Palau de la Virreina, a big chocolate feast for all at noon, and a free concert (limited spaces) from Enric Montefusco at 7pm at the Teatrino of the Liceu Conservatory.
Also during the festival different private and public cultural venues open their doors, offering free entry. To get in, however, you've got to book your free tickets in advance by calling 93 317 29 40. Participating venues are: Palau Güell, the Wax Museum, the Palau Moja, the Liceu, the Principal and Poliorama theatres, the Royal Academy of Science and Art (No 115), the Virreina and Arts Santa Mònica.
The Festa Major comes to a close on Wednesday 18 with the awarding of prizes for Ramblista de Honor (6pm) in the Cent Salon in the City Hall building.