Better lucky than smart - again

Correfoc combines drumming and giant sparklers in an attempt to drive away demons. It's a loud, chaotic and exuberant promenade down Via Laeitana.

Last year we stumbled on the week-long La Merce festival in Barcelona, held each year in late September. It was a blast, with music, folk dancing, human castle (castellers) competition, Correfoc and a spectacular fireworks/fountain/music show at the Magic Fountain.

Our upcoming September trip brings us to Barcelona on the 21st and it looked like we might catch the first couple of days this year. It was hard to tell because the actual dates and schedule didn't come out until recently. Surprise! We'll be there for the whole event, including the closing fountain performance. And with a little more knowledge we'll add some attractions, such as jazz in Parc Ciutadella and perhaps the parade of giants, all of which we can share with friends who are traveling with us.

 The living room of our apartment on Carrer de Valencia, in the Eixample Dreta zone of Barcelona.

Because we'll be renting two separate apartments - in the Right (Dreta) and Left (Esquerra) Eixample - during our stay we'll be able to experience the festival in different parts of the city. Stages are scattered all around and it's quite easy to get from venue to venue by metro. But we learned last year that patience is necessary when staying to the end of a big event as it takes a while for tens of thousands to board. That's also a time for extra vigilance against pickpockets, who work the jostling crowds.