You might have heard about some of the small town or neighborhood festivals, known as the Festa Majors, that take place in the streets. These celebrations popcorn around the city throughout the year, especially in the summer months, in each of the different districts. Despite the late nights and multitude of acts, nothing could compare to the days leading up to September 24th, when the entire city of Barcelona transforms itself for the biggest celebration of the year - La Mercè.
If you've ever been present as I explain the history of some parts of the city, you may have heard me mention a saint, calling them the patron saint of the city. Maybe you’ve heard this more than once, but with a different name each time, thinking, “...But didn't you just say someone else was the patron saint?!”
Yes, I did. Just hear me out... The event was started by a Mallorcan named Toni Torrents in 1993. After coming to Barcelona with his family, he decided to also bring with him the flagship celebration of his village, where they mounted bonfires, sang, danced, and enjoyed barbequed food. The neighborhood of Gracia has warmly welcomed the tradition as one of their own, incorporating some of its cultural groups and associations into the main lineup of entertainment. Every year in the middle of January, Barcelona honors Sant Antoni Abat (English: Saint Anthony the Abbot) in a series of events that take place over two consecutive weekends. The following weekend (usually the last in the month), a Mallorcan version of the celebration quite literally lights up the neighborhood of Gracia.
First of all, welcome to the blog. =)
The start of a new year means a beginning of sorts. In some ways it can be the commencement of something (such as this blog), yet I rarely tend to begin new things at the start of the year (following resolutions, etc.). For me, I like to think of the new year as the beginning of an existing cycle of events and patterns; an opportunity to experience the year again with new meaning and enthusiasm. |
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