Since the 1992 Olympics the city and people of Barcelona have recognized the myriad of positive effects that cultural events can bring to the urban experience. Over the next decade the city steadily developed and transformed itself into a growing cultural capital that would become one of the most event-competitive cities in Europe. By the time I arrived in 2003 the city was buzzing with now consolidated festivals and events and constantly emerging artistic projects. For someone with a love of the Arts it was very exciting, there was a feeling of frustration at not having the time to take it all in, so much was interesting. I could easily perceive the many natural and obvious affinities between Catalan and Irish and Celtic cultures and yet they were incredibly underrepresented in the city's many festivals from music to film to theatre and dance. It didn't end there; many friends in the music industry told me how they were baffled as to why it was so hard to break into the Spanish market compared to other regions with similar dynamics in Europe. I felt that a multi disciplinary Irish contemporary Arts festival establishing itself in the city delivering events of quality would over time gain the trust and respect of the local and make them feel that an artist with little profile here could be worth taking a chance on. The plan was also and still is to develop the Celtic cultural aspect by brining more and more artists from across all the Celtic nations. Another founding principle was that the festival should act as a cultural bridge and point of contact between artists and institutions in the city and Ireland just 2 hours away. The other thing was personal I had had enough of the bicycles and biscuit tin paddywhackery which had become somehow the frontline of our rich cultural heritage. I took a look at the calendar and literally one of the very few weekends in the year that was free was St Patrick's weekend, the date would help with exposure and profile and we would be right in the front line - El Feile was born. In 2006 El Feile entered the city's official tourist agenda. It is our primary goal to further develop this official connection with the city. We offer a focus for the local Irish expat community and a platform for anyone with artistic projects. El Feile is foremost a Barcelona festival devised and developed locally with an agenda of existing to share the best of our cultures with the people of Catalonia and bring their culture closer to the Celtic Expat or visitor.

Eng - Cat - Cast   CURRACH LAUNCH... March 31st 2008: Photos of Mark Redden's Currach-launch have been uploaded to the site, check them out... Read More >> AER LINGUS COMPETITION WINNER... Congratulations to Sandra of MS Barcelona who has won the free flights to Ireland competition with Aerlingus. Enjoy...