Manifestación

            For a cultural tradition to write about, today I am choosing to discuss protests in Barcelona.  I think they classify as tradition because they occur so frequently and casually, that I feel it is ingrained as a part of this culture.  Throughout this semester I have seen too many to count, and each time they are just as fascinating as the last.  Whether they are arguing for better rights, wages or something bank related, they all use more or less the same tactics.  That is, marching down main streets holding signs, flags, and making a lot of noise with whistles and horns.  I respect those that participate in the demonstrations because they are voicing their options and truly care about the problems at hand.  In America, we usually do not act with such force and passion, but rather argue behind the scenes without actually doing anything physical.  This is why I find these protests so intriguing, because they are full of emotion.  It gets everyone around them excited too, even if they have no opinion on the actual matter they are complaining about.

            Last week, my friends and I had a very frightening encounter with a particularly large group of demonstrators marching down Via Laietana.  Actually, it occurred when we were walking back from your second field study trip to the Borne area.  I was lucky enough to record the incident which is attached to this blog so you can see for yourself, but the video does not do it justice.  As we were passing the scene, a man who was part of the protest started yelling at us in catalan to get out of the way and step back.  Stunned and confused, we did not know what to do, and after less than a second there was a giant explosion of a firework only five feet away from us.  It was one of the loudest noises I have ever heard, and like I said earlier, the video does not truly show how loud it was!  We all freaked out and jumped out of the way like a bomb went off.  After we realized what happened, we were able to laugh at the matter, but it was quite frightening.

            Examples like this would make you think I hate protests, but it is just one more reason to love them.  They are spontaneous, exciting and different.  The fact that I can turn a corner and all of a sudden come upon one is so cool.  I look forward to seeing the next one which I am sure will happen in the near future, because this semi-tradition is a must see!

Patatas Bravas!

            After living in Barcelona, I can truly say that there are a lot of different and amazing local meals unique to Catalan culture, but my favorite without a doubt is patatas bravas.  I do not even know where to begin about them, because there is so much I love about this simple, yet amazing tapas dish!  Looking back, I believe the first time I ate them was at this very popular and local shop called Bo d B, located right by the harbor.  I admit it truly was “love at first bite.”  As a huge potato lover, there is not much that can top this meal.  Their crispy outside combined with their soft and warm center, plus the addition of salsas make it a must try.  I dread the day I go back to America because I know it will be the last time I will have them.  I think that the same phrase can apply to them like the one used about the famous water fountain on the top of Las Ramblas.  Once you drink from the fountain, you will come back to Barcelona again and again; this is how I feel about patatas bravas!

            I have a couple of friends from Barcelona who have lived in this city their entire lives, and I am lucky enough to be able to follow them around as they show me the area.  Having the privilege to be given a tour by true locals is something I do not take for granted.  A particularly remarkable time with them was the day they brought me to El Bar Tomas.  Famous for their patatas bravas, I felt as though I had died and gone to heaven!  What makes them so special is the sauce, which I think is garlic based.  I think garlic is the best addition to any meal, so having my potatoes drenched in them made it a dream come true.  Now every day I beg my roommates to go back to the bar with me to try this meal because they are truly missing a piece of their heart since they have yet to eat there.  I will continue to consume this tapas dish again and again until the day I leave this city!

La Merçè

La Merçè: Correfocs i Gegants

A couple weeks ago my friends and I woke up early to see the parade of Gegants and Castellers during La Merçè.  It was amazing and I have never seen anything remotely like it all my life!  I love how much passion and enthusiasm the Catalan people have for their traditional holidays, and although I too see that in America, there is still something different and unique about it here.  The Gegants were so elegantly crafted I could tell whoever was behind their creation spent a lot of time and dedication.  On top of that, the musicians who played in the parade alongside the props were also very talented and complimented the festival very well.  However I think my favorite part of La Merçè were the Castellers that performed in Plaça Sant Jaume right in-between the government and historical buildings.  They amazed me with their bravery, especially the very young children, including girls, who climbed to the very top to be the centerpiece of the whole manmade structure.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw how many levels high they grew to, and it was something that pictures fail to do it justice.  I am so happy I decided to stay in Barcelona for that weekend because I think that for me, a non-native of the area, I am unsure I will ever see it again in person.  The whole festival made me really appreciate Catalan culture and understand how deep its connections are with histories past.  Hopefully I will continue seeing other spectacles similar to these before I leave Barcelona this semester!

FC Barcelona Games!

Leisure Activity: FCB vs. Moscow and FCB vs. Granada

So far since studying abroad here, I have been to two home games of FC Barcelona.  As a huge fan of the sport in general, I also consider this team to be my personal favorite, so having the opportunity to live here a semester meant I would be most surely attending at least a couple games.  The first time I went was when they were playing a Champions League game against Moscow, which was amazing because I have always wanted to an interleague game such as that.  I also have a couple local Barcelona friends that took me to the game, so I was able to ask them questions and experience the entire thing with people that know it best.  That for me was an enormous treat because they gave me a true inside access to the game and the current news floating about the team.

            The second match was against Granada, and this time I decided it was worth the extra money to sit closer to the pitch.  I was lucky enough to get a first row seat directly at half, which to me was an indescribable experience.  The fact that I was able to watch and hear them talk before and during the match, as well as see their sweat and really feel their emotion, was something that made this a truly unforgettable time.  I am so happy I decided to sit where I did because it is something that cannot be experienced by watching the game on television or even sitting farther back in the stadium.  I really felt like a part of the game, and it was so far the most memorable Catalan cultural encounter to date!  Being my favorite team, this only made the entire thing even more sweeter and meaningful.