The Devils in Gracia

Gracia, January 27 - After going to so many festivals outside of Barcelona, we finally got to witness it in our very own neighborhood last Saturday. Our friends came from out of town to play and attend the Festival of Saint Anthony in Gracia – Mallorca style. There is a huge population of Mallorquis here in Gracia such that their traditions have become adopted and entrenched here.

We came upon the parade of devils and the dragon awash in fireworks and flames on our way to Plaça Virreina. It was pretty wild as the devils chased after the spectators with the sparklers (including me, in the midst of videotaping!). We got a glimpse of the giants and the cabezons (the big heads), and saw them again in the plaza. What was distinct about this event from the others is that usually the event is held during the day. It was fun to see the fireworks at night.

At the plaza, the trabucaires shot their muskets in the air, but it was brief; not as long as in Centelles! Then we caught up with my friend Jordi who was in one of the groups of musicians. We ended up at one of the street bonfires throughout the neighborhood where the musicians and neighbors cook and eat sausages in the street, and sing and dance.

Later on, it was back to the plaza around midnight where a Mallorqui band played traditional and popular music while everyone danced with castanets.