The Fiestas are Here!

This morning the neighborhood was eerily quiet. But that only makes sense as the Festa de Gracia officially started yesterday. The level of activity in the last few days has been incredible, especially with a rainstorm that hit Sunday night and ruined a lot of the paper decorations. We were not able to take part fully as Mauricio had his first concert with Sendebar out of town. But no matter - the festival goes on for at least 10 days!

(Hmmm, it's raining right now again -- poor decorations! Not sure if the judges have gone around yet.)

Yesterday the streets were filled with locals and outsiders, festival guide in hand, roaming the streets in awe of all the wonderful presentations. Close to us we have a Route 66 theme on Calle Verdi, a Noah's Ark lower down on our own street, and a colorful school supply set up near by. The streets and plazas are set up with bars and stages.

As we got home last night by car, we were able to pass through many of the plazas and get a quick snapshot of all the festival has to offer: many music performances, a full street of carnival rides, and lots of drinking and boisterous folks!

I am overwhelmed with the amount of activities available. Each decorated street association has activities all day – and there are 18 of them. Then there are the plazas: at least 10 of those. Plus, I have lots of work to do too, so can't fully take part of lots of stuff. :( But it is wonderful to see the amount of creativity and dedication to create such a magical community event.

View more pictures.

Sendebar in concert at the Monestir de Bartolomeu, Bellpuig. At least 150 people attended on a hot summer evening, and the concert was very well received!