La Mercè: Goodbye Summer!

Another festival here in Barcelona! This time, it is to celebrate the end of summer. Similar to Sant Joan, where we celebrated the beginning of summer and the saint of the same name(or the summer solstice), La Mercè is the festival to celebrate the end of summer and the Mare de Déu de la Mercè or the Virgin of Grace. She is the patron saint of the Barcelona district.

Historically, the festival has been celebrated since 1678 to give thanks to the Virgin after they prayed to her to rid them of locusts. It has been an official holiday since 1871 and takes place for the entire weekend of September 24th. So, we had La Diada and then the next weekend, a three day weekend of
La Mercè. In 1902, many of the most popular aspects of the festival were introduced. These were the gegants i capgrossos or giants(similar to those in Pamplona), the first Castell competition, and the Sardana which at the time was becoming very popular(it is now considered the official dance of Catalunya).

Los Gigantes

Catalan King and Queen

So what did I do? Inevitably I ran into the problem of having too many things I wanted to see and didn't get to see. Since the Sardana and Castells are relatively easy to see here, I didn't see them. I did LOOK for a Castell but I always got there during the breaks or they were done.

My first night I met up with some friends and we walked around just seeing what was going on. There was a concert but it wasn't music we terribly enjoyed. So off I went to Sagrada Familia to meet another friend. We happened to meet up right at the same time the most amazing light show started. It was a surprise for sure! I was happy to just stand and watch it, since I got lost and had to run around the entire cathedral before I was able to find my friend. It was on the Nativity Facade side, and it was really centered around nature. I think Gaudi would have been proud of it.

Sagrada Familia at Night

The next day was pretty hectic for me. Class, Practice, THEN some La Mercè fun. My friend and I wandered around El Born and found several really nice places though everything was mostly closed because of the holiday weekend. We went to the Arc de Triomf, which is very similar to the French Arc Du Triomphe where there was a wine tasting. We got a wine glass and got to try a lot of different wines and had a great time! Another friend came and joined us and we ended up going back to the Sagrada Familia for the light show again. This time it was really, really crazy. We couldn't move, the crowd was so huge. People were pushing and shoving, I got my legs rammed over and over again by a lady with a baby carriage. I turned around and yelled at her because seriously? Who brings an infant into this kind of crowd? The baby wasn't even in the carriage. And it HURT. Ramming it into me wasn't going to make me move, or anyone else in front of me. My friend got an elbow to the back multiple times and had a pretty large bruise there the next day. Our other friend had to leave, it freaked her out too much. We ended up seeking refuge in a KFC, which was absolutely chaotic. It was terrible. The show was worth it though. It was just as beautiful the night before.

The next day we went back to the wine tasting and had a snack of chocolate crackers, cheese, and a bottle of red wine. Another group near us shared their cava, or sparkling wine with us as well. Overall, the weekend was really relaxing, and a great way to end the summer.

Wine Tasting at the Arc de Triomf

Though I don't think Barcelona got the message because it's still warm enough to go to the beach.

Where Did September Go?

Wow, I can't believe its already October. I'm not really sure what happened to September, but there you go.

Lots has been happening, and since the girls started school, my life got crazy busy. I will continue to update, I have several posts in drafts that need to be finished.

But a quick update: I am still living with my family. A is currently in South America for 3 weeks on business so its been just myself, E and the girls at home. I got a job working for a company, they contract me out to different houses and I go there and teach. I only have 2 jobs with them now, but I also have one private student. So, not much work. It's incredibly difficult to find work here without working papers, but that's the reality for most Americans. I'm working on getting them, but there are a lot of hoops to jump through.

I also have been finding new friends. Many of them are in a much older age range than I am, but I find that it's been better for me. Like in college there is a lot pressure to drink and party, which is something I can't do because of my job. It's easier to find people who enjoy a glass of wine, tapas, and chatting over getting wild all night.

And lastly, I've been enjoying a little more of what Barcelona has to offer. I like to watch the football(FCB) games with my host father or with friends, and enjoy the odd festivals that happen around her. For example, last weekend was a Renaissance Fair. Catalan Renaissance is interesting, to say the least. I also have joined a Gaelic Football team, which has a mixture of Irishwomen/men and Catalans. I'm one of 2 Americans, which is cool.

And my favorite activity, I joined a Catalan Rugby Team. When I first came here I thought there wasn't any teams for women, but there turns out to be a school for rugby here. it's geared mostly towards young boys and men but there is a women's team. There used to be two but since there wasn't enough women to play on both teams, they've combined to form one super women's rugby team. The language barrier has been interesting but I've been enjoying playing with a new team and new women. The language is different but the game is the same. I'm the only American.