Gay & Lesbian Barcelona - Barcelona - page 76

Special Events
The gay and lesbian community from Barcelona and beyond take centre stage during the an-
nual Pride Barcelona ( www.pridebarcelona.org ) . The week-long event takes place in late
June and features concerts, campy drag shows, film screenings, art shows and open-air
dance parties - complete with lots and lots of foam. It culminates with a festive parade
along Carrer de Sepúlveda and ends at the Plaça d'Espanya where the big events are held.
Also of note is the Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
( www.barcelonafilmfestival.org ) held from mid- to late October, with most screenings at the
Filmoteca de Catalunya . Film lovers might also be able to catch a bit of the Sitges Film
Festival (sitgesfilmfestival.com), which happens just prior in early October.
Sitges: Catalonia's Gay Capital
Barcelona has a busy gay scene, but Spain's gay capital is the saucily hedonistic Sitges, a
major destination on the international gay party circuit. The gay community there takes a
leading role in the wild Carnaval celebrations in February/March.
Lonely Planet's Top Choices
Metro The city's finest (and longest-running) gay club.
Dietrich Café Always a fun scene with nightly drag shows.
Hotel Axel Stylish gay boutique hotel in the heart of Gaixample.
Aire Barcelona's best lesbian bar, with a fab dance floor.
Best Gay Stays
Room Mate Pau Stylish but budget-conscious hotel on the edge of Barri Gòtic.
Casa de Billy Barcelona Gay-friendly B&B with wildly decorated rooms in L'Eixample.
Hotel Axel Designer rooms, a sauna and a rooftop pool in the heart of the Gaixample.
Best Gay Clubs
Arena Madre With striptease shows and pumping beats, it's always a fun night at Arena.
Metro One of Barcelona's top gay clubs with multiple dance floors, dark rooms and shows.
Pervert Club Electronic beats and a fit young crowd groove to the beat at this mega club.