What to do in ‘new normality’ in July

As we get accustomed to the ‘new normality,’ we’re going to have to quickly get used to the safety measures put in place across all areas of everyday life. 

Face masks, safety distances, hand washing, and disinfecting, but once that’s in place, cultural spaces like are welcoming the public back once again. Galleries are open for viewing again, and the first gigs and concerts following the peak of the coronavirus crisis are already here. 

Here are our picks of some of the best cultural activities in Catalonia to do for the month of July.

Foto Colectania photography gallery | Open all month

Tucked away under the arches on Passeig Picasso right beside the Parc de la Ciutadella, Foto Colectania is a photography gallery with rotating exhibitions that offers an intimate space to delve into the world of the artist. Until October, you can visit the radical exhibit from 2019 Hasselblad award winner Daido Moriyama’s, entitled, ‘A Diary’. 

Nits del Primavera Sound | Throughout the month

Fans didn’t get to enjoy the 20th anniversary of Primavera Sound as planned, but instead, music lovers are offered a great selection of bands and artists playing nights throughout the summer at the Parc del Forum venue. 

Some of the biggest names in Catalan and Spanish indie rock will take to the stage this month, such as Pavvla, Mujeres, and Triangulo de Amor Bizarro.

Delayed Sant Jordi | July 23rd

Sant Jordi is a beloved Catalan holiday known for gifting roses and books to loved ones, and is considered the most romantic day of the year here. The day falls on April 23, but this year due to the lockdown, the holiday was only half-celebrated, with the second half postponed until July as we are now out of lockdown. 

Authors will give book signings in various bookshops around the country, and roses will be available in shops again, but perhaps fewer, as the summer is not the normal season for the flowers.

Festival Grec | Throughout the month

The performing arts and theatre festival, Festival Grec is taking place with a new look this year, aiming for a year-round schedule of events. 

The programme will be divided into three separate parts, and the majority of the shows - 93 in total - will take place in July. 

Gaudí landmarks reopening their doors 

Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks are opening up to visitors again this month. The Sagrada Familia will first be open free to healthcare and security professionals, before residents of Barcelona, and then the rest of the public, while Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia opens its doors again on July 15. From July 1, Casa Batlló welcomes the people back again too.

Peralada virtual festival | July 22-31

Girona’s Peralada Castle Festival is one of the most beloved events of the year in northern Catalonia. This year, the festival will be celebrated in a virtual way, with organizers hoping to keep the spirit of the festival alive with live-streamed concerts, available to view on their website. 

For over a week, from July 22-31, various intimate concerts will be available to ‘Livestream’ - watch online streamed at home. Some of the acts involved include the singer María Pagés, and the baritone Carlos Álvarez.