Hi everyone! This past weekend was the “Festa de Sant Martí”, our annual local festivities in our barrio. Every Barcelona neighborhood has their own celebration placed at different times throughout the year. We stopped by since we knew some of Paloma’s classmates would be going as well. They served some ham and even some bread and hot chocolate. Come see what else was going on...
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The opening attraction is always a look at the gegants, these large marionettes in which a person inside is trained to operate. Hi Martí, Hi Dolça!
School children also made their own capgrossos, big heads of festive masks.
A few kids put them on in anticipation of the parade that would take place later.
In the meantime, a group of
castellers prepares to make their “human castle”. One man wraps a cummerbund around his waist for extra support.
A little boy gets some help from a friend.
Equipped with her protective headgear, this little girl has an extra snack before she hits the top of the castle.
Paloma gets a prime seat to see the 18th-century tradition take place.
The circular bottom is called a
pinya, which is the prime support of the tower.
The first person as the “trunk”.
Up....
Second layer...
And finally, the
enxaneta, the final layer makes her way up.
Climbing, climbing...
YES! A salute to the crowd.
A
casteller is relieved their performance was a success.
Next, streets in Sant Martí were cut off for a parade with the gegants, a band, and the people of the neighborhood behind them.
Kids got to show off their
capgrossos.
Martí and Martina lead the way.
This
capgrosso has such an expressive face.
Dainty lady.
A nice couple walking by.
Hey! Someone’s peeeeking....
I really liked seeing teenagers playing in a band, especially these chicks who rock.
It seems the whole neighborhood was out to join in.
A curious neighbor spies on the festivities.
This was fun. Thanks for stopping by!
