Nou Barris is an area of former hamlets that grew rapidly and messily into a full-blown suburb during the city’s immigration booms. Long a poverty-stricken area of slapdash apartment blocks, in recent years a regeneration of sorts has begun. Retail facilities have been built, dilapidated housing has been knocked down and parks created. The tight-knit community, which has a rebellious history, remains a potent force, seen at its most active during the festival season (June and July).