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Published: November 8th 2009
I headed off to Girona on the fervent recommendation of Loriane from Canada (who I met in Madrid). Its a fairly small town with a long wall stretching across half of it which you can walk along. You really know that youre in the Catalanian region once you get here because the signs are written in Catalan and the people typically speak it. Spanish phrasebook out the window! Despite officially being part of Spain now, the Catalonian people definitely do NOT consider themselves Spanish. In fact I saw a tshirt that said Catalania is NOT Spain! and they were trying to get signatures for a petition.
I was fortunate enough to have landed in Girona slap bang in the middle of their annual festival for Saint Narcis. But dont let the name fool you. There doesnt appear to be anything religious about this festival. The Catalonians sure know how to throw a party! Iv never seen so many rides in one place (not even at the Royal Melbourne Show). And the quality of the arts and crafts stalls were inspiring. If they had markets like that back home id be permanently broke. And in keeping with the amazing produce market
in Barcelona this one was pure quality too. I was wishing I had access to a decent kitchen. I know people say the French are known for their food but Iv gotta say the panish shouldnt be overlooked.
Not only did they have heaps to do during the day and evening at 11.30 every night was a concert. Sadly the nights I checked it out the music was 1. rap and then 2. heavy metal. Apparently the following night was something much more palatable but Id decided not to risk it again. What I WAS excited to see were the fireworks coming out of mens crash helmets. Very cool.
On my last day I was also lucky enough to see a traditional Catalonian human tower! People climb up each other to create not a pyriamid but a proper tall rounded tower. The one I saw was about 7 stories people high and the little girl at the top looked no more than 5 years old, if that. She was a little monkey though! After building the proper tower they had about 5 people stand on each others shoulders and then RUN up a heap of steps to the
Catalonian Tower
A real Catalonian tradition. The little girl at the top couldnt have been more than 5!cathedral where the little girl touched the top of the large entrance door. Amazing! I dont know how or why this tradition developed but its quite a spectacle and attracts one hell of a crowd.
On the Sunday I headed to nearby Figueres to see the highly recommended Salvadore Dali Museum. I thought Dali was all about melting clocks and weridness. I was WRONG! Im amazed at how many different styles he was actually capable of. And once you understand the symbolism of his melting clocks and drawers in people his work is much more interesting. Never thought Id say this but I actually like Dali! This trip is defintely broadening my artistic horizons.
So for my very last stop in Spain I was excited to have been able to see a proper Spanish (or Catalonian at any rate) festival and learn more about modern art. Girona itself is a lovely little village but I would imagine it would be a bit too quiet for my tastes without all the people.
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dragonlady
Kathy H
Dali
We have just had a very good Salvador Dali exhibition in Melbourne and I was also surprised by some of his artworks. I had no idea he had done jewellery, but they were unusual and interesting. I also liked some of his film sets. Like you, I discovered that his works are full of symbolism, however, I thought a lot of it was overly and obscurely sexual (like chops on his wife's shoulders in her portrait - just weird!) Some of his works were lovely, though. In your set, I like the planet/lady figure the best. Re Gironda - I have never heard of it. It sounds as though you found a little gem and it was good to experience a Catalonian festival. I had hear about the towers but didn't know they were so tall.