Since a few days before the local Spanish elections, the main Spanish cities are holding in their most representative squares, peaceful demonstrations against the government under the slogan of “they (politicians) do not represent us”.
The demonstration that started improvisedly, has been growing day after day and many people are still joining Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) where around 10,000 people remain in calm and harmony.
“Indignats” as they have been nicknamed, are staying 24 hours at they very city center of Barcelona has trespassed borders as it is followed around the world through social networks (facebook, twitter, …).
The Spanish people is requiring a deep meditation from the Spanish politicians to get a change of mentality as people is already tired of always being the victims of the mistakes of politicians.
If you are in Barcelona or you are planning a trip, Barcelona’s safety has not changed. This demonstration is totally peaceful, however, if you visit Plaza Cataluña you will see a totally different view of the place as it is overcrowded and with a large presence of police. In order not to get involved in any trouble, we recommend you to visit any other place of the city.
Formula 1 is back in Barcelona. The Circuit de Catalunya will host the fifth Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season (GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA BARCELONA 2011) between the 19th and the 22nd of May.
GP España F1 Timetable
Day
Event
Time
Friday 20th May
Practice
10:00 – 11:30
Friday 20th May
Practice
14:00 – 15:30
Saturday 21st May
Qualyfing
11:00 – 12:00
Saturday 21st May
Qualifying Q3
14:00
Sunday 22nd May
Race
14:00
Two presale periods with different price discounts have been introduced: First presale period ending on November the 30th offers a 20% discount while the second presale period ends on February the 28th allows a 10% discount. Tickets price vary from €110 to €535 outside the two pre-sale periods. Click here for further details regarding prices.
How to get to the Circuit?
By train (Rodalies – RENFE): Take the train at either Sant Estació train station or El Clot-Aragó train station towards Montmeló train station (line R2). The journey time is around 30 minutes. From Montmeló train station it is just a 20 minutes walk to the circuit.
BUS:Sagalés Coach Company offers a direct bus service from Barcelona city centre to Montmeló Circuit. Busses depart from the junction of Diputacio street and Passeig the Gracia. Price: €8 return ticket.
Finally, don’t forget to use sunscreen products, sun glasses, a baseball cap or a hut and comfortable footwear as although the Grand Prix will take place in May, temperatures can easily reach 30ºC.
Tip: A 3 day ticket includes a pit lane walkabout on Thursday the 19th of May that will allow you get a very close look at the pit garages.
In January 2006 Spain introducted a smoking ban, however bar and restaurant owners could decide whether or not smoking was allowed depending on the size of their premises. Large bars and restaurants had to have a designated smoking area.
However, on January 2nd 2011, Spain introduced a new Smoking Ban (‘Ley Antitabaco’ in Spanish), much tougher than the one introduced in 2006. The objective of this ban is not only to protect non-smokers but also smokers within their workplaces. Therefore from January 2nd 2011 it is not possible to smoke in bars and restaurants.
Similar bans have been already implemented by most of other UE counties. However Spain’s ban is even tougher as it prohibits smoking in some open spaces like children’s playgrounds, and access points to schools and hospitals.
Fines for breaking the ban range from €30 to €600,000.
