The Rioja town of Calahorra sent this historical trio: a noblewoman, a bearded Moorish Sultan and a Roman woman.
The Rioja town of Calahorra sent this historical trio: a noblewoman, a bearded Moorish Sultan and a Roman woman.
0 2024/12/15 14:03:51
The angry 18C painter Francisco Goya next to a character called Giganticus or somesuch. This pair were also from Zaragoza and like all other gegants would do a twirling dance to historical music during the various downtown parades. If the parade took them along medieval alleys here, it would be called a 'toc a plagar'. Btw, Goya's wife trailed behind.
The angry 18C painter Francisco Goya next to a character called Giganticus or somesuch. This pair were also from Zaragoza and like all other gegants would do a twirling dance to historical music during the various downtown parades. If the parade took them along medieval alleys here, it would be called a 'toc a plagar'. Btw, Goya's wife trailed behind.
0 2024/12/15 13:41:26
Gegants are lovingly created with paper machier and fiberglass. They can reach as high as 5 meters. The robust individuals who volunteer to go inside them and carry them around are always covered in sweat afterwards. The towering King above was from Zaragoza, a town whose name I could not begin to properly pronounce, nothing like its phonetic appearance! The guy inside this gegant was actually a young keyboardist named Andrieu. We had a long chat during a break.
Gegants are lovingly created with paper machier and fiberglass. They can reach as high as 5 meters. The robust individuals who volunteer to go inside them and carry them around are always covered in sweat afterwards. The towering King above was from Zaragoza, a town whose name I could not begin to properly pronounce, nothing like its phonetic appearance! The guy inside this gegant was actually a young keyboardist named Andrieu. We had a long chat during a break.
0 2024/12/15 13:41:01
As with other festive events, banners representing barrios (or in this case another town) were part of the show. The gegants that they lead about represent various historical figures.
As with other festive events, banners representing barrios (or in this case another town) were part of the show. The gegants that they lead about represent various historical figures.
0 2024/12/15 13:35:47
Mrs Z wasn't interested so I attended this event on my own. That was a blessing. She simply could not have handled the crowds (more about those later). Pretty sure that the man above was the mayor of the nearby town of Zaragoza. The outsized gegants number in the hundreds across the country and Barcelona welcomes neighboring towns to send some of their own to be part of the big parades.
Mrs Z wasn't interested so I attended this event on my own. That was a blessing. She simply could not have handled the crowds (more about those later). Pretty sure that the man above was the mayor of the nearby town of Zaragoza. The outsized gegants number in the hundreds across the country and Barcelona welcomes neighboring towns to send some of their own to be part of the big parades.
0 2024/12/15 13:35:36
0 2024/12/14 22:53:49
0 2024/12/14 22:53:41
0 2024/12/14 22:53:27
Mrs Z said that this design was her fave...
Mrs Z said that this design was her fave...
0 2024/12/14 22:53:15
...until she saw this. next, the usual suspects: the Palaua de Musica, Barri Gothic (selfie stick central) and more.
...until she saw this. next, the usual suspects: the Palaua de Musica, Barri Gothic (selfie stick central) and more.
0 2024/12/14 22:53:00
No matter what the rumors say: the cafe is OPEN.
No matter what the rumors say: the cafe is OPEN.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:44
The eccentric building is known colorfully-tiled Moorish tiles.
The eccentric building is known colorfully-tiled Moorish tiles.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:35
Casa Vicens is a World Heritage Site. Here are the mugs that we bought from the Gift Shop. The motif second-from-right was all over the building.
Casa Vicens is a World Heritage Site. Here are the mugs that we bought from the Gift Shop. The motif second-from-right was all over the building.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:19
The stylish wrought-iron fence that he designed for his rich patron Vicens. See the mug second-from-left in the next foto.
The stylish wrought-iron fence that he designed for his rich patron Vicens. See the mug second-from-left in the next foto.
0 2024/12/14 22:52:05
Color was everywhere.
Color was everywhere.
0 2024/12/14 22:51:56
Casa Vicens was all about Gaudi's initial attempt at what became the 'Modernista' movement. In his imagination, that meant flamboyant mosaics and custom fountains. The various doors, windows, mirrors, art and plants were all special in their appearance. This was no place for 'plain.' Here, the ornate tower. There were good rooftop views.
Casa Vicens was all about Gaudi's initial attempt at what became the 'Modernista' movement. In his imagination, that meant flamboyant mosaics and custom fountains. The various doors, windows, mirrors, art and plants were all special in their appearance. This was no place for 'plain.' Here, the ornate tower. There were good rooftop views.
0 2024/12/14 22:51:41
I second what Percy says about wishing those with health concerns all the Best. Those interested in Spain may want to view our new TR 'From Born to Bielsa.' Born is one of the neighborhoods where we rented in Barcelona, while Bielsa is a mountain town up in the Pyrenees. We also visited the French Pyrenees. I am done. the pyrennial travelerz
I second what Percy says about wishing those with health concerns all the Best. Those interested in Spain may want to view our new TR 'From Born to Bielsa.' Born is one of the neighborhoods where we rented in Barcelona, while Bielsa is a mountain town up in the Pyrenees. We also visited the French Pyrenees. I am done. the pyrennial travelerz
0 2024/12/14 21:54:02
We will continue to cover La Merce fest in the next posts. But first, some reading reccos.
We will continue to cover La Merce fest in the next posts. But first, some reading reccos.
0 2024/12/14 21:34:38
Revelers, both local and foreign.
Revelers, both local and foreign.
0 2024/12/14 21:34:28
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
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