In Catalonia the War of the Spanish Succession ended on 11 September 1714 and signalled the start of an era when various rights and liberties were lost. Catalan National Day marks the defeat on 11 September, which is all about actively standing up to oppression. The date was chosen as the national day for its…

Kazushi Ono conducts the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya (OBC) in the only symphony by Tchaikovsky which, curiously, the orchestra has never performed. A fresh and direct work which includes a polonaise and a waltz, authentic jewels in the work of a composer who, just after presenting it, started working on Swan…

The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe organises its annual CIRSE Conference to promote research into and exchanges of expertise in these disciplines. The city chosen to play host to this year’s conference is Barcelona and its central headquarters will be the Barcelona International Conventions Centre at the Fòrum. The conference is where health-care…

Concert Hall Gianandrea Noseda conducts imposing international soloists, the Orfeó Català choirs and the London Symphony Orchestra to offer a dramatic and practically operatic version of this unforgettable musical monument. Written to mark the death of Alessandro Manzoni, and using the “Libera me” dedicated to the memory of Gioachino Rossini, the Requiem premiered in Milan…

Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain offers traditional choreographed light, colour, water and music shows throughout the summer. Last year’s biggest music hits will be playing at the Magic Fountain this season, in a medley of contemporary songs. Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain, as well as all the other ornamental fountains located along Avda Maria Cristina, was designed by Carlos…

The city’s flamenco scene is booming. Barcelona is full of bars, restaurants, tablaos, dance schools and every kind of event at which flamenco takes centre stage. Ready to feel the duende? http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/music/the-best-of-flamenco-in-barcelona

Can you imagine an organic supermarket with its own restaurant, where you can sample the products on sale? A sandwich bar with a secret cocktail speakeasy? A clothing shop with a nightclub hidden inside? Well hold onto your hats, because you’re about to discover these and more. http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/8-places-in-barcelona-that-arent-what-they-seem

Historically, Catalans have always been considered hard-working people and in many different sectors. Centuries ago agriculture prevailed, especially livestock farming. Then industrialisation began, and many rivers became dotted with factories and chimneys. There’s also a long history of commercial tradition as well, and lest we forget how, since antiquity, large and small towns have filled…

Sample some of the finest bespoke cocktails in Barcelona, and meet the city’s most daring mixologists. Whether your taste is for the red-velvety classic interiors and old-fashioned drinks as your nan likes ’em or if you prefer a more modern ambience with your one-of-a-kind tipple, we’ve got just the place for you. http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/bars-and-pubs/best-cocktail-bars-in-barcelona

Finding a truly good paella in Barcelona can be complicated, especially these days when anyone with a handful of rice, a jar of broth, and a picture of the dish outside their tourist-trap establishment can claim to have the best paella in town. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go to Valencia to taste this…