Three weeks of art happenings, exhibitions, workshops and performances, all focused on the gay culture will most certainly attract the LGBT crowds to Barcelona this May. From the 7th to the 29th of the month, the Espai Cultural Francolí, run by teresarius: promotors d’art, presents a series of multidisciplinary events under the title BAG’09 [BarcelonaArtGay], including painting, photography, sculpture, comic and video-installations by well-known and upcoming artists from Spain and the world. The BAG’09 programme is accompanied by a series of parallel activities that run throughout May.

BAG’09 is the brain child of created by Sergi Ortín of teresarius, and aims to become an annual event with maximum diffusion. BAG’09 sees contemporary art from a LGTB viewpoint. Gay art nowadays is very much present in the international artistic panorama, trendy magazines of fashion and design and many art galleries, art fairs and festivals around the world.

Thu, May 7, 19:30
Private view and opening party with the participation of the artists, Dj LaPablo, performance and projection of Léchifla (designers and art directors of the BAG’09), catering by Ago Catering and wine by Vino Gay (Ribera de Duero). The party continues after 23:30 at the brand new Lotus Theater club featuring a live dance session by Natan Spunker and Club Tropicana by Silvia Prada.

Thu, May 14, 19:00
Kink: The freedom of the self-edition. Conference by of Paco y Manolo
After 10 published issues of Kink magazine, the two publishers talk about what made them launch their project. Admission is free with prior reservation.

Sat, May 16, 10:00-14:00
Remembering Robert Mapplethorpe. Workshop of photography with model
The workshop aims to recreate the typical atmosphere in the photographs of American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and explain his motivations, sources of inspiration and lighting techniques. To attend you need to reserve (max. 10 participants; fee is € 48.00)

Thu, May 21, 19:30
Mythology and Art: the secrets of Dionysus. Workshop of wine tasting by Emma Giné.
Discover the origins of wine, spoil yourself by tasting the pleasures of the Gods surrounded by gay erotic art. To attend you need to reserve (max. 15 participants; fee is € 15.00)

Fri-Sat, May 22-23
Gaycelona: from the persecution to the integration.
An itinerary through Gay Barcelona that helps you know the culture and history of the gay movement and its evolution in the city, as well as emblematic figures, like Terenci Moix, Pedro Almodóvar, Jean Genet or Ocaña. To participate you need to reserve (max. 30 participants; fee is € 8.00). The itinerary is organized by ConèixerBCN.

Thu, May 28, 19:30
Closing party. There will be Louis de Vernier wine kindly offered by Cavas Masachs.

Dietrichs is one of the most popular bars in Barcelona… we especially like “Patricks Performances” every Wednesday…. Popular with locals and tourists alike, its a great starting point for you night out in Barcelona.

Barcelona Carnival takes place from the 31st of January until the 1st of February. It is worth noting that rather than one single parade, Barcelona takes a different approach. Instead, all of the local districts have their own separate parades, each district trying to out do the other. Flamboyant and crazy, man of the parades take place during the evening.

The biggest parade takes place in Sitges, 35kms outside Barcelona. For full details on the Sitges Parade check out Gay Sitges Guide’s Carnival Page.

For details on the Barcelona Carnival check out Barcelona Council’s Carnival Microsite.

 Welcome to the first post of the brand new Gay Barcelona 4 U Blog. This guide will cover everything from where to stay right through to where to party. 

Need a place to stay? Check out our Hotel reviews. Want something more personal? Then try our apartment booking services.  Get on our VIP guest list and ensure that you know where to party in Barcelona throughout 2008!