From all the amazing shots in our Flickr group last month, your vote went to Fred Shively’s “A town called LanjaroÌn 4: an early escalator“:
You can see more of Fred’s photos over at Flickr. I’d like to add another winner, Steve, with his amazing photo “Fiesta in Gracia“:
It was taken at a local fiesta in Gracia, a neighbourhood in Barcelona, complete with political speeches in favour of the okupas, drummers, 2 dragons, and a group of people firing antique muskets into the air! Steve commented, “I’ve no idea if it’s an Easter thing or not. It seemed very pagan with the devil costumes and dragons.” It seems the pagan and the Christian are often closely mixed in Spain… You can see more of Steve’s photos on Flickr, and at his daily photo blog, bcncamara.blogspot.com
Edith
8 Apr 07 at 2:34 am
Picture 1: beautiful! Pure ‘National Geographic’. I love the way in which the geraniums are standing out against the whitewashed walls.
To Steve: many Christian holidays have pre-Christian roots, and Easter is no exception. The whole concept of Easter probably dates back to ancient fertility rites – yes, the bunny and the eggs! Masked rituals have always intrigued outside observers. It surprises me that the Spanish Inquisition has never rooted out these so-called ‘pagan’ traditions. Some ethnic groups in Mexico also wear ‘devil’-like masks during their Easter rituals, for example the Yaquis and Mayos of Sonora. But even in European countries like Austria, you will find similar rituals and outfits.
Duncan
7 Aug 07 at 11:52 pm
I saw this when I was in Barcelona last year (my first real excursion into Spain). Just stumbled across it wandering around: heard some bangs, and followed them and found a group of people Dressed as devils letting off bangers, carrying a gaudi-dragon! I followed them with a procession down backstreets with more fireworks and sonic explosives, to the square in Gracia, where much more noise and sparkling occurred, and there were two lots of human towers! In the evening, eating alone in a tapas tent, I was picked up by a group of wild Barceloní¨s who took me to a street party where we danced until the morning and went for churros. One of the best travelling days ever.
I enjoy listening to the podcasts so much: I’ve learned a lot and I always get the glorious sense of escaping somewhere… It’s really re-sparked my interest in Spain. It’s the best podcast I’ve heard. Thankyou.
Ben
8 Aug 07 at 9:19 am
Thanks Duncan. Sounds like you had a wild night in BCN!