Where's the party at? Well, this is was in August, and it was clearly at the annual Festes de Gracia! As each neighborhood in Barcelona has week-long festivals throughout the year, I think this is the most popular one in the city.
Essentially, it's a party where 19 streets and plazas are highly decorated with a theme, and compete for "best decorated street" prize. Party-goers can partake in concerts, bouncy castles, kids' activities, traditional Catalan dances, and lots of eating and drinking of course! I think tourists (especially with kids) are very lucky if catch this exciting tradition of Catalan culture.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
It's common to see movie themes, like "The Jungle Book".
I'm not sure if there's a requirement for the decorations to be eco-friendly, but everything seems to be made with paper, plastic, or wood. These hanging flowers are plastic water bottles.
A banana tree.
From afar, we noticed some smoke and loud beating noises and realized we were running into a
correfoc, or fire-run. Here they come...
This is common in Catalan festivals where revelers dress in devil costumes, light fireworks, and dance in a circle. This would be sooo illegal in the States!
Even kids participate in throwing sparks on spectators. It's impressionable and so much fun to watch as you try to avoid getting set on fire.
Ah, a huge stovetop espresso maker. I'm craving my caffeine buzz now.
Found my cup!
A Nespresso coffee pod curtain.
Beads are going out of fashion anyway. I see people make earrings and necklaces out of these things.
Why stop there with the coffee...an upside down coffee cup to light the streets.
I think this theme was colorful nature. Painted plastic bottles cut into spirals and flowers.
Color and geometrics.
I think my happiness level would increase if I ran into this everyday.
A nautical theme.
I suppose this is like being underwater.
A fishy!
Hey, mermaids! Exposed boobies too. Nice.
Licensed characters are always a theme. Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados! This is when you realize English is a more economical language.
I never posted the pictures of the Gracia festival from last year, which I might do one of these rainy days. Thanks for dropping by!
2 comments:
best line ever having fun while "you try to avoid getting set on fire." OMG that would be a US Lawyers dream event...fire devils. It is like being in Wonka Ville for a day...I LOVE IT...heck I need to live in coffee land.....I loved this celebration..it is super cool..almost seems like something the BAY area would/should adopt!!! HUGS + LOVE
HOW FUN! OMG, I need to start saving my Nespresso capsules so that in about 3 years I can finally make a curtain or something creative out of them! You look fabulous! Kisses to the beautiful Paloma!
Post a Comment