The opening parade of the Gracia Festival is not for the faint hearted. Squads of hooded "devils" roam the street, brandishing rods festooned with fireworks, which send streams of sparks into the crowds. Do not wear your best shirt - it is going to get burnt.
Gracia is often described as a village within the city, and the festival sees local residents assert their identity. They compete against each other with fabulous decorations which turns the warren of streets into a series of magical caves.
At night there are bands, playing throughout the neighbourhood, and there is very little elbow room. It is more mellow during the day when the locals enjoy lunch together in the shade of the decorations.
Some people living elsewhere in Barcelona shun this festival, they say there is too much drinking and fighting. That may have been true a few years ago, but now trendy types bemoan the gentrification of Gracia. 
However the established local community say they are happy to see their festival return to its roots as a family event...at least that is what I have been told.
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