Archive for September, 2010

Sagrada Familia is a church situated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the country and illustrates one of the most impressive architectural designs ever used in religious buildings. The official name of the church is Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia which translates as Expiatory Church of the Holy Family. It is a massive Roman Catholic church that is considered the masterpiece of the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

Gaudi started his work on the project in 1883 and spent fifteen years of his life completely devoted to it. The project is still in progress and is planned to be completed in 2026. Gaudi died in 1926 and the project went into the hands of Domenech Sugranyes. During the 20th century the construction has stopped for short periods of time during the Spanish Civil War and the time of the Catalan anarchists. Many famous architects and engineers have contributed to the project following the initial designs and plans of Gaudi.
Despite the fact the church is not yet completed, it is one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona and Spain. Parts of the interior of the church are open to visitors and are being visited by 2.2 million people every year. In 2010 open worship and tours have started in the church.

The church has been described by its creator as the “last great sanctuary of Christendom”. The design is characterized by eighteen great spires that represent the twelve apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary and the highest Jesus Christ. The church is planned to have three facades- one describing the Nativity scene directed to the east, one called the Glory facade to the south and the Passion facade looking west.

Car rental companies that you can use in the city of Barcelona are Autoeurope, Europcar, Cooltra, Sixt, Hertz and more.

Before autumn sets in and the summer ends, Barcelona’s most popular and awaited festival “Festes de la Merce” is held on September 24th each year. So, if you are looking for a short haul during this time, then Barcelona is the place to be. You can witness around 500 events from September 23rd to September 26th, September 24th being the most important day and a national holiday. All these events reflect the culture and traditions of the Catalan and Mediterranean communities. I have tried to describe some of the most popular events below:

The Sonar Festival: For all you music lovers out there, the Sonar Festival is one big multimedia festival – a three day and three night feast for your senses. You will find the cutting-edge technology in electronic music, audiovisual concerts; media lab presentations, DJ sets and many more, covering the areas of music, art and film. The Sonar Festival attracts the most prominent artists in the world of music.

“Parade of the Giants”: A procession of “gegants I capgrossos” – giant and big heads. Gegants are giant hollow paper effigies, 3 to 4 meter tall, of queen, kings and nobles marching through the streets of Barcelona, showing off their glory. These figures are carried by the strong people, called the “Geganter” – the giant carrier. A group of musical band beat the drums as the Gegants pass by.

Ball de Bastons: Meaning “the stick dance”. Each dancer holds two sticks and the rhythmic act of hitting the sticks (either their own sticks or their partner’s) reflects the dance. This is the most ancient and traditional folkdance of Barcelona.

Correfoc: A “Firerun”. A spectacular series of fireworks light up the sky. Around 400 “fire devils” and 20 “dragons” walk around Via Laietana, spitting fire and throwing fireworks. We recommend you to plug your ears and wear cotton clothes, with long sleeves and closed necks, scarf and boots.
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“La Diada Catalunya” – National Day of Catalonia:
Try visiting Barcelona around September 11th. Why? Cause this day commemorates the defeat of Barcelona at the hands of Bourbon monarchy. Later, in 1980, the Spanish Government restored Catalonia and September 11th was declared as the National Day of Catalonia. Since then, every year the Catalan nationalists pay homage to the monuments of the war heroes, General Moragues and Rafael Casanova at Fossar de las Moreres.
People of Catalonia get on to the streets to demonstrate their sense of unity and desire for independence. They also conduct various concerts, parades and political demonstrations.
They also have a music concert, where in they sing their national anthem “Els Segadors”. This song strongly reflects the revolt (also known as “Guerra dels Segadors” or the Reapers War) of the peasants against the King Philip IV of Spain. “Els Segadors” was declared the national anthem of Catalonia on 25 February 1993. Emili Guanyavents has written the modern lyrics of this song.
You will see the Catalan flags “la Senyera” proudly floating on every balcony. The history of this flag goes back to the 9th century and is one of the oldest flags being used. As per a legend, King Charles the Bald drew the four red bars with the blood of Wilfred I the Hairy (count of Barcelona) on a golden shield as an act of gratitude for his bravery.
Lastly, do not miss the famous human pyramids, also known as “castells”! This is a famous sport and also tradition of Barcelona. Castellers build a human tower with the support of one another. Finally, one person climbs to the top of the tower and raises one hand and points four fingers to the sky (except his thumb) thus symbolizing the Catalonia flag.
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