Merce 2010

This weekend was incredible. As the website says, "The traditional Mercè is a compendium of Catalan popular culture, from the sardana, from Girona, to castells (towers) from Tarragona, or cercaviles (music-led street marches) that are the modern version of ancient processions. With the restoration of democracy, La Mercè was modernised and new celebrations were invented, such as the Correfoc (Fire Run)". I didn't get a chance to go to every event I was interested in but everyone I went to proved to me much more incredible than my expectations. 


My three favorite:


1. Correfoc

One of the most insane things I've ever been part of. There is a parade of people dressed up in various costumes including devils and dragons holding long poles with fireworks attached to the ends. My friends and I could have chosen to stand on the sides and watch the parade and that would have been enough. But decided to make it more exciting. There is no one stopping you from running in the streets right next to the people in the parade. We ran back and forth in the middle of all the fire. It was incredible. I did not know what I was getting myself into so I was not properly dressed but everyone else I was with made sure to completely cover their bodies since we were having fire thrown at us. Oops. I should have thought that one out. Lucky, I was unburned although the shirt I was wearing may have a few burn holes. I did see one woman whose head scarf caught on fire and my friend Sam helped to put it out. Close call. I can't believe they can do things like that.


2. Belle and Sebastian

I didn't really know Belle and Sebastian that well before but they put on an amazing show. I loved it. I had such a great time. Not too many of the Spaniards there seemed to be dancing or that into the concert but I still had a great time with my friends.

3. PiroMusical

Most incredible fireworks I've ever seen in my life. These were the closing ceremony and were definitely an amazing way to end the festival. All the fireworks were set to music. The music was almost all classic American rock which I found entertaining. I was surprised they wouldn't use traditional Catalan music for a festival like this. But there was tons of Queen, Beatles and AC/DC so I loved it. There was also a water show going on from the fountain under the fireworks. It was incredible. It reminded me of the water fireworks show Haley, Dan and I saw at Jordan's in MA. The whole show was just mesmerizing. 


I wish I had seem more of the traditional dances but I still got a great impression of the festival. I was kinda surprised that no one in my home stay family went to any of the events but I guess if they have been going every year of their life, it may not be as exciting. I know I would still be going. I'm so glad I came in the fall. 


Check it out: http://www.bcn.cat/merce/docs/en/program.pdf

Hiking tomorrow to Montserrat. Can't waitttt.