There was no doubt whatsoever now that the kids version had been the opening act to warm up the crowd. Things were by now darker (in more ways than one), explosions were louder as all Hell broke loose. It wasn't really that dangerous but one had to keep one's wits about them.
There was no doubt whatsoever now that the kids version had been the opening act to warm up the crowd. Things were by now darker (in more ways than one), explosions were louder as all Hell broke loose. It wasn't really that dangerous but one had to keep one's wits about them.
0 2024/12/14 21:34:16
It was as exciting as any stage production or concert anywhere. I thought to myself, "WELL-DONE BARCELONA!" It was then necessary to search for gaps in the crowd in order to squeeze onto the actual street location of the coming Correfoc procession. No easy task.
It was as exciting as any stage production or concert anywhere. I thought to myself, "WELL-DONE BARCELONA!" It was then necessary to search for gaps in the crowd in order to squeeze onto the actual street location of the coming Correfoc procession. No easy task.
0 2024/12/14 21:23:55
Just five shots here. There was a palpable sense of mounting excitement in the massive crowd during the hour gap between the end of the kids Correfoc and the start of the Adult version. We chatted on a wet bench with a young German engineer whose dad was from Barcelona. The second that the above fireworks signaled 'the start' and illuminated Gaudi's most famous apartment, the above wavy 'La Pedrera', an ocean of giddy people swept us away from that bench.
Just five shots here. There was a palpable sense of mounting excitement in the massive crowd during the hour gap between the end of the kids Correfoc and the start of the Adult version. We chatted on a wet bench with a young German engineer whose dad was from Barcelona. The second that the above fireworks signaled 'the start' and illuminated Gaudi's most famous apartment, the above wavy 'La Pedrera', an ocean of giddy people swept us away from that bench.
0 2024/12/14 21:23:43
This figure was much taller than a basketball player. Dig the claws. Next: *The Adult Correfoc, one of Barcelona's Great Travel Moments. We recommend that you wear eye goggles and like that.
This figure was much taller than a basketball player. Dig the claws. Next: *The Adult Correfoc, one of Barcelona's Great Travel Moments. We recommend that you wear eye goggles and like that.
0 2024/12/14 20:36:10
The end of the kids correfoc. It began to rain. A cold rain not conducive to people with illness.
The end of the kids correfoc. It began to rain. A cold rain not conducive to people with illness.
0 2024/12/14 20:35:59
By this point, you could tell that everyone was anticipating the REAL adult Correfoc.
By this point, you could tell that everyone was anticipating the REAL adult Correfoc.
0 2024/12/14 20:35:49
These kids will never forget the moment. We see them at recess the following day. Sister: "AND THEN THE DRAGON BEAST SHOT SPARK FIRE AT RAIMUNDO AND EVERYTHING! HE STARTED CRYING!" Brother Raimundo: "LIAR! I DID NOT!!!'
These kids will never forget the moment. We see them at recess the following day. Sister: "AND THEN THE DRAGON BEAST SHOT SPARK FIRE AT RAIMUNDO AND EVERYTHING! HE STARTED CRYING!" Brother Raimundo: "LIAR! I DID NOT!!!'
0 2024/12/14 20:35:18
The location was Passeig de Gracia between Rossello and the Catalunya metro stop.
The location was Passeig de Gracia between Rossello and the Catalunya metro stop.
0 2024/12/14 20:34:52
Things were ramping up. Some tourists acted with control. Others seemed to forget social norms. A Chinese tourist family stood right in front of me, like I was somehow invisible (long groan). Their 20-ish entitled daughter tried to move me off my spot with a nudge. I ignored her, planted my feet and maintained my position.
Things were ramping up. Some tourists acted with control. Others seemed to forget social norms. A Chinese tourist family stood right in front of me, like I was somehow invisible (long groan). Their 20-ish entitled daughter tried to move me off my spot with a nudge. I ignored her, planted my feet and maintained my position.
0 2024/12/14 20:34:15
Check out the boy's facial expression.
Check out the boy's facial expression.
0 2024/12/14 20:34:00
There were some coordinated gestures, while other participants favored solo prancing about. Many approached tourist watchers with mock-charges and playful 'threats.'
There were some coordinated gestures, while other participants favored solo prancing about. Many approached tourist watchers with mock-charges and playful 'threats.'
0 2024/12/14 20:33:51
Some folks wisely brought goggles plus long-sleeved clothing to protect against errant sparks. I saw a number of participants plus tourists who were seemingly unaware of live sparks that had fallen onto their clothing.
Some folks wisely brought goggles plus long-sleeved clothing to protect against errant sparks. I saw a number of participants plus tourists who were seemingly unaware of live sparks that had fallen onto their clothing.
0 2024/12/14 20:33:40
Kids line up behind another adult in charge of lighting the various contraptions that carried fireworks. Those contraptions included vertical spark launchers ('francesos') and also spinning wheels on long poles ('carretilles').
Kids line up behind another adult in charge of lighting the various contraptions that carried fireworks. Those contraptions included vertical spark launchers ('francesos') and also spinning wheels on long poles ('carretilles').
0 2024/12/14 20:33:24
Here is one such adult, sober as they should be.
Here is one such adult, sober as they should be.
0 2024/12/14 20:33:08
A designated adult or two was in charge of lighting each kids firecrackers, then the kids were sent on their merry way to parade and carry on.
A designated adult or two was in charge of lighting each kids firecrackers, then the kids were sent on their merry way to parade and carry on.
0 2024/12/14 20:32:57
Shooting sparks aplenty.
Shooting sparks aplenty.
0 2024/12/14 20:30:17
Gaudiamus is another 'drac' named for the city's famed hero. Larger than most, this Gracia figure was created in 99 by Dolors Sans. The Poblenou district's iconic monster bestiari is a 'fenix' bird, while the Sant Antoni motif is a 'porca' pig. Sant Andreu always sends their 'bretola' or three-headed Crebrus dog to the Correfoc.
Gaudiamus is another 'drac' named for the city's famed hero. Larger than most, this Gracia figure was created in 99 by Dolors Sans. The Poblenou district's iconic monster bestiari is a 'fenix' bird, while the Sant Antoni motif is a 'porca' pig. Sant Andreu always sends their 'bretola' or three-headed Crebrus dog to the Correfoc.
0 2024/12/14 20:19:11
Nimrod, who along with his wife Lilith were the original figures that til recently guarded the Correfoc's Porta de l'Infirm (gate of hell), the point through which all the diables and diablesses ran through to start the whole zany affair. Lilith wazzam (was & still is) a giant green 'vibria' (viper). She carries a trident and wears a brazen bodice. She and hubbie were recently retired for fear of folks stealing them. 'MENYSTIGUT LA PORTA HA DESAPAREGUT' (the door is gone) read a protesting sign.
Nimrod, who along with his wife Lilith were the original figures that til recently guarded the Correfoc's Porta de l'Infirm (gate of hell), the point through which all the diables and diablesses ran through to start the whole zany affair. Lilith wazzam (was & still is) a giant green 'vibria' (viper). She carries a trident and wears a brazen bodice. She and hubbie were recently retired for fear of folks stealing them. 'MENYSTIGUT LA PORTA HA DESAPAREGUT' (the door is gone) read a protesting sign.
0 2024/12/14 20:13:14
Here is Loki during the start of the parade. We learned that those drum troupes above serve an additional purpose: their relentless beats signal the location of unexploded firecracker caches to those paraders like the one shown here. The goal is to warn those wearing Loki-like figures to keep a distance so as NOT to accidentally spray their firecrackers too close to those caches.
Here is Loki during the start of the parade. We learned that those drum troupes above serve an additional purpose: their relentless beats signal the location of unexploded firecracker caches to those paraders like the one shown here. The goal is to warn those wearing Loki-like figures to keep a distance so as NOT to accidentally spray their firecrackers too close to those caches.
0 2024/12/14 20:00:56
This 'drac animacio' figure was called 'Loki'. He and his little brother 'Aro' were created in 2022 by Elais Alvarez to represent the El Coll neighborhood up in Gracia. Loki is shown here on display days before the fest at Born's Cultural Center, a former market with ancient foundation ruins on display.
This 'drac animacio' figure was called 'Loki'. He and his little brother 'Aro' were created in 2022 by Elais Alvarez to represent the El Coll neighborhood up in Gracia. Loki is shown here on display days before the fest at Born's Cultural Center, a former market with ancient foundation ruins on display.
0 2024/12/14 20:00:47
There were fire-breathing 'volador/sagresaur' dragon serpents representing evil, sinister eagles, Lleo the lion, angry goats, goofy cartoonish figures and more. Think a really animated Halloween where the-guy-down-the-street-who-does-pyrotechnic-effects-for-movies is in charge.
There were fire-breathing 'volador/sagresaur' dragon serpents representing evil, sinister eagles, Lleo the lion, angry goats, goofy cartoonish figures and more. Think a really animated Halloween where the-guy-down-the-street-who-does-pyrotechnic-effects-for-movies is in charge.
0 2024/12/14 20:00:21
An intense moment mere seconds before the parade commenced and moved onto Rambla de Catalunya (not to be confused with the more famous touristy Ramblas). *After the LOUD parade got going, I noticed a lone middle-aged man seated on a nearby bench while reading a novel. LOL! Kind of like yarning socks during a rocket launch.
An intense moment mere seconds before the parade commenced and moved onto Rambla de Catalunya (not to be confused with the more famous touristy Ramblas). *After the LOUD parade got going, I noticed a lone middle-aged man seated on a nearby bench while reading a novel. LOL! Kind of like yarning socks during a rocket launch.
0 2024/12/14 19:56:03
Everyone had fun. A true community highlight each autumn.
Everyone had fun. A true community highlight each autumn.
0 2024/12/14 19:55:50
Those neighborhood associations are composed of both children and adults - a wonderful idea.
Those neighborhood associations are composed of both children and adults - a wonderful idea.
0 2024/12/14 19:55:17
Brazilian-style neighborhood drum troupes ('tabalers' and 'timbales') start the kids Correfoc off by each performing some percussion pieces before a modest parade around the downtown corner.
Brazilian-style neighborhood drum troupes ('tabalers' and 'timbales') start the kids Correfoc off by each performing some percussion pieces before a modest parade around the downtown corner.
0 2024/12/14 19:51:09
Intermittent rain resulted in some Correfoc figures being held back in storage coz they were made of materials that could not stand water. Shown here through a window at the Barceloneta district museum housing past Correfoc items, a fierce fanged mask.
Intermittent rain resulted in some Correfoc figures being held back in storage coz they were made of materials that could not stand water. Shown here through a window at the Barceloneta district museum housing past Correfoc items, a fierce fanged mask.
0 2024/12/14 19:47:27
Another parading beastie who agreed to allow a quick foto. All diables and diablesses regardless of age, were members of barrio associations just like their drumming counterparts.
Another parading beastie who agreed to allow a quick foto. All diables and diablesses regardless of age, were members of barrio associations just like their drumming counterparts.
0 2024/12/14 19:46:44
We had a nice chat with this pair. The mentally-challenged son bearing the trident on the right was this year's kids Correfoc parade leader. I explained to his dad on the left how I'd once been a Spec Ed teacher and after that we hit it off.
We had a nice chat with this pair. The mentally-challenged son bearing the trident on the right was this year's kids Correfoc parade leader. I explained to his dad on the left how I'd once been a Spec Ed teacher and after that we hit it off.
0 2024/12/14 19:43:22
We conclude this overview with a picture of Annibal Palazolo. He is originally from BA and busks in front of the main Cathedral. We visited with him a couple of times, to share our mutual admiration of the Madrid band 'Radio Tarifa' and also buy his own flamenco CD 'Entre Cuerdas.' Next: after a musical interlude--La Merce fest.
We conclude this overview with a picture of Annibal Palazolo. He is originally from BA and busks in front of the main Cathedral. We visited with him a couple of times, to share our mutual admiration of the Madrid band 'Radio Tarifa' and also buy his own flamenco CD 'Entre Cuerdas.' Next: after a musical interlude--La Merce fest.
0 2024/12/14 14:19:44
A trick shot from the Barceloneta neighborhood.
A trick shot from the Barceloneta neighborhood.
0 2024/12/14 14:19:32
Self-explanatory, yeah?
Self-explanatory, yeah?
0 2024/12/14 14:19:24
So does Portugal. After 36 years of searching, I FINALLY found a bottle of the rare red 'Bucacao'!!! I found it at a shop nearby the Vinya del Senor: Vila Viniteca. We also bought a bottle of their similarly uncheap but superb Marques de Murrietta white. That shop has an adjoined deli.
So does Portugal. After 36 years of searching, I FINALLY found a bottle of the rare red 'Bucacao'!!! I found it at a shop nearby the Vinya del Senor: Vila Viniteca. We also bought a bottle of their similarly uncheap but superb Marques de Murrietta white. That shop has an adjoined deli.
0 2024/12/14 14:05:58
Spain has a long history of producing good wine.
Spain has a long history of producing good wine.
0 2024/12/14 14:05:46
One of the more enjoyable places in Born to have an outdoors meal with wine would be 'La Vinya del Senor'. Bonus: sometimes weddings spill out from the basilica barely 10m away.
One of the more enjoyable places in Born to have an outdoors meal with wine would be 'La Vinya del Senor'. Bonus: sometimes weddings spill out from the basilica barely 10m away.
0 2024/12/14 14:01:45
The Museu de la Xocolata. Know anyone who likes chocolate? You sure?
The Museu de la Xocolata. Know anyone who likes chocolate? You sure?
0 2024/12/14 13:53:55
Gracia is a gentrifying residential neighborhood filled with a number of placa-squares. Each has their own personality and some have pretty old buildings.
Gracia is a gentrifying residential neighborhood filled with a number of placa-squares. Each has their own personality and some have pretty old buildings.
0 2024/12/14 13:53:40
More mural art, this time from the Born placa in front of the 14C Basilica Santa Maria del Mar. The latter's placa is a must visit, the square's lively atmosphere a perfect microcosm of all the best the tiny Born district has to offer. Trendy Born retains some medieval flavor but remains less hectic and crowded with tourists as the Barri Gotic.
More mural art, this time from the Born placa in front of the 14C Basilica Santa Maria del Mar. The latter's placa is a must visit, the square's lively atmosphere a perfect microcosm of all the best the tiny Born district has to offer. Trendy Born retains some medieval flavor but remains less hectic and crowded with tourists as the Barri Gotic.
0 2024/12/14 13:45:47
Some street art. Atop, we see a depiction of local popstar Rosalia in the placa Jaume Sabartes. A break-and-enter had just happened a block away as we snapped this shot, leaving smashed glass from an unfortunate small business' front window littering the alley.
Some street art. Atop, we see a depiction of local popstar Rosalia in the placa Jaume Sabartes. A break-and-enter had just happened a block away as we snapped this shot, leaving smashed glass from an unfortunate small business' front window littering the alley.
0 2024/12/14 13:41:08
Barcelona is an art-led city. Above was the ingenious 5' tall male arm art installation located at the entry to one of the city's historic churches.. Realistic right down to the hairs!
Barcelona is an art-led city. Above was the ingenious 5' tall male arm art installation located at the entry to one of the city's historic churches.. Realistic right down to the hairs!
0 2024/12/14 13:38:11
A fair chunk of our time was spent attending activities associated with the annual La Merce fest. Seen here, the special gelato whipped up for the occasion by 'Anita' gelato. She originally came from Israel to establish her old-school gelateria by an attractive square up in Gracia. The staff there were especially welcoming and friendly.
A fair chunk of our time was spent attending activities associated with the annual La Merce fest. Seen here, the special gelato whipped up for the occasion by 'Anita' gelato. She originally came from Israel to establish her old-school gelateria by an attractive square up in Gracia. The staff there were especially welcoming and friendly.
0 2024/12/14 13:26:34
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