For me the Rumba Catalana is like a rollito de verano – a summer fling. We came across Sant Gaudenci Rumba Club, winding in and out of the streets of Gracia, taking turns to peddle the bike while looking for the club KGB that someone had suggested earlier on in the evening, in a previous bar. In Barcelona, Rumba is street music. It´s not performed to an audience, but equally performed by the audience and the group on stage, interacting. Everyone was clapping or singing or passing the instruments between them, while the singer of the Impagaos laughed and sang upfront, his crazy blue eyes gleaming. I'm sure everyone has a favourite music that they find liberating, but for me the hot energy, playfulness and nonchalance of the rumba Catalana sums up the atmosphere in Barcelona when the summer sun comes out and you are too content to think about anywhere else on Earth.
I guess Gato Perez and Peret, (The King of the Rumba), are more or less where the movement of Rumba started in Barcelona in the 50s. It is hard to define exactly where it fits in as a genre of music, especially for me since I know little about the Cuban Rumba that influences it, but today, its fusion with Flamenco, local rock, traditional Catalan instruments and topical lyrics has turned it into something unmistakeably from Barcelona. It grows right here, in the city, in the local bars. Waiting for the cold winter months to pass they sing about having a good time.
In the summer they move out into the streets, for the festivals of the barrios or “ neighbourhoods” of Barcelona. Rumba Catalana is like Flamenco in that sense that it started with the Catalan gitanos - gypsies that play it in the street. Rumba is everywhere and anywhere because all you need is a guitar or Flamenco cajon (a wooden box that you sit on and tap the sides) and some people to clap and dance, and in Barcelona after a few beers in the warm air thats what we do.
I too am waiting for the summer fiestas to begin – but for the moment we make do with the Rumba Club in the Sala Apolo, just up the street from Barcelona Mar and Barcelona Sound Hostel. Ask at reception.
Gemma Temlett, from Zimbabwe, afternoon receptionist.
Hey guys! If you, like me, enjoy to see the world in different perspectives, Tibidabo is the perspective you can't miss out during your stay in Barcelona.
Tibidabo is a mountain located in the back of the town, and is also the highest point in the town (512 m above the ocean). Tibidabo is a natural park full of paths to get lost and enjoy the view of Barcelona at your feed. The essence of Tibidabo is without a doubt "El Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor", a cathedral on the top, which you can actually see from all over Barcelona. With its amazing statues, work of mozaik and the INCREDIBLE view from the top floor (after you've climbed all the stairs), this temple is absolutely one of the most important must-do in whole Barcelona. Right beside the temple is an old fashioned amusement park with different kinds of rides, paris wheels, roller coasters, etc. Tibidabo offer things to do for everyone!!
To go there you can always use the bus that goes from the town center (Plaça Catalunya) all the way up to the top. You can also take the local subway, and afterwards an old style tram and then use a gondola all way up. However, if you, like me, prefers the challenge and the natural experience you “simply” walk by food (3 hours from city center). Like this you can enjoy the natural park and you see more of the amazing spanish nature and when you reach the top you´ll really feel that you've accomplished something during the day.
From the highest point of Barcelona you're able to see everything in a bigger and mightier perspective than any other place in town. If it sounds good to you, do go to Tibidabo!
De va la änna Gött!
Rickard Haeggman, Viking from Sweden and also night receptionist at Barcelona Sound Hostel.
This week is going to be great week in barcelona!! The neighbourhood of L`HOSPITALLET is giving good vibrations to spring ! The program of the festival will have all kind of oportunities to let you come inside the spanish mood and join people in the street.
Will make part of it sport activities, concerts in the company of: Los Delicuentes, O`Funkillo, Estopa and some others spanish groups that will give the best “ made in Spain “. I can assure you that you will have a great time. All concert are for free and they start from 21h at: Avda. Josep Tarradellas (delante de la Tecla Sala) of the city Hospitalet.
The parties of Hospitalet also will provide you a street show of “els gegants”, “ el caltells “ and “el Foc” showing you the special culture of this neighbourhood. CANNOT MISS IT!!!! Starts at 22 untill 25 of april.
Party , exposicions, culture, music , big parks , good views , nice people, welcome to the powerfull BARCELONA, take some sun and relaxxx...! Barcelona can give you all you are looking for.
Be Happy Here!
Luis Pires from Portugal, night receptionist.
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Nathaniel, USA
What a wonderful hostel it was. Private bathrooms and public ones...A free breakfast that reminds you of "home" and 5 minutes from a great beach that isn't too crowded. Will return if I'm back in Barcelona!!! [ + ]
10-07-2010Gabriel, Brazil
Very good hostel, it's big, with different lounges. The cleanliness is almost perfect. The staff was great, fun and very helpful. The locker is also very good, with a card key. The only problem was the location, it's far from the center but there is a metro station right on the corner of the hostel, so you can get in every part of Barcelona in 20 minutes! [ + ]