Among more recently introduced traditions are the annual Catalan Wine Fair, a special correfoc, a 10 km race and the pyro-musical, a display featuring synchronized fireworks, water fountains and music conducted at the base of the Montjuïc mountain.
When in 1687 Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts, the Consell de Cent, which then governed the city, voted to ask the Virgin for assistance with their fight against the insects.
[2] During the week-long festival, close to two million people attend cultural and artistic presentations held throughout the city.
Especially noteworthy are the street parades, originating from the spectacular processions which took place centuries ago for the celebration of Corpus Christi.
This tradition originated at the end of the 18th century in Valls, Province of Tarragona, when rival groups of people called colles began to compete in constructing the different kinds of human towers.