By Roxanne Hendrickx On August 17th time stood still in Barcelona. A white van entered the busy boulevard Las Ramblas and zigzagged over the sidewalk for almost half a kilometre, killing 13 people and wounding many more. It was a tragic event that affected a lot of people living, working and visiting the city. But how does Las Ramblas look now, five months after the … Continue reading How the terrorist attack changed Las Ramblas

By Roselin Walgien Street musicians in Europe’s big cities are under pressure. While playing in the streets is still allowed and some places, music in the subway is often forbidden. Still, buskers keep trying to make money underground, for example on the subway in Barcelona. ‘We want to wake them up and get them interested in music again.’ When you travel by metro in Barcelona you … Continue reading Busking: “We play music for the people”

Article by Isa Radich Photos by Larice Schuurbiers It’s a cat-and-mouse game that has been going on for years: the Barcelona police chasing the hundreds of illegal street vendors: the Manteros. Since two years they are organised in a union and since last summer they even have their own fashion label: Top Manta. But their clients still seem to prefer the fake brands they sell. … Continue reading Gucci bags and police chases: Barcelona’s street sellers

Article by Felix Kostersitz If you’re walking around in Barcelona you’ll see a new, tiny vehicle dominating the bike paths and pedestrian areas. “Patinetes electrics” (electric bikes) are a new way for Barcelonians to swiftly move through heavy traffic. Especially for those who have to go to work or school during rush hour, the patinetes electricos serve a great purpose. But there are also those … Continue reading Electric bikes rule Barcelona’s streets