La Merce: La Sagrada Familia

One of the highlights of this year's Merce festival was the story of creation projected on the facade of La Sagrada Familia.  We arrived for the 9 PM show and were met by a mob of people who would make the bravest person become claustrophobic.  I sweat out most of the liquid in my system.  Aside from the mob, we enjoyed the show and the artistry behind the entire festival.

Waiting for the show to begin.

The Final Act

A Blast from the Past

I watched these four sitting on a bench on the Arc de Triomf while the Merce festival was in full swing.  I could imagine them sitting in the same place having a conversation 40 years ago.

The Open Window

There is a hotel directly across the street from our flat.  The bathroom windows are obscured but see-through nonetheless.  We had this couple staying with us for several days and he would sit in a chair next to her while she did whatever it was she did.  I found it sweet and endearing (you must know my affinity for the grotesque), although I do wish they had closed the windows more often.  To their defense, it was arguably the hottest week this summer.

The Port

The port by night is beautiful.  There are people milling about everywhere, but incredibly peaceful and serene.  It's the perfect place to sit with friends, talk, and laugh.

La Diada

I got the privilege to join with 1.5 million people marching for the independence of Catalunya.  I arrived to Plaza Urqinaona at 5:30 to try to find my friend Edgar.  It took me 40 minutes of pushing through crowds to cover the 30 feet necessary to reach his location (I had to walk around a city block and circle back).  The spirit was electric and energetic and surprisingly peaceful.

The crowd went as far as I could see.

Passing the flag over the crowd

Standing room only

Even puppies want independence.

Cheering for the helicopter.

Edgar, who proudly guided me through the crowd. 

Felt like the first day of school!

Flags

La Diada Nacional de Catalunya

Today is the national day of Catalunya, La Diada.  It is the day when, in 1714, the Spanish troops defeated the Catalan army.  Today, the Catalans gather for their right to become independent of Spain.  Over 1 million people are expected and there are buses shuttling people into Barcelona from the other parts of Catalunya.  The Mercat del Born has been decorated with the Catalan stripes to signify the day.    This is a fantastic documentary outlining the conflict.

Passeig Del Born

We walked out through the neighborhood in the waning hours of the day and caught a beautiful view of Passeig Del Born.  It was a place of execution during the inquisition and now is home to many trendy shops and bars.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is a giant green space in our neighborhood.  On Sundays in the spring almost every square inch of grass will be covered with picnickers.  It has been one of our favorite places to sit, relax, and chat with friends.  A must see!

Sunday Futbol

We took a long walk on Sunday and came across a futbol match at the pitch near Estacio del Nord.  What an amazing day to play.  There are many pitches and leagues throughout the city where amateurs can play an organized season.  I only wish I was coordinated enough to join.  The tower in the back is Torre Agbar.