![Bolivian Dancers, NouBarris Quarter, Barcelona [enlarge]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/1697974032_391a00c5eb_o.jpg)
This is a group of Bolivian dancers with their colorful traditional costumes, in Nou Barris quarter, Barcelona. As part of an initiative by a local guild of shops and other small businesses, an integration party was organized in an attempt to show all time neighbors what newcomers' traditions are like thus strengthening the ties among the old and new Catalans. Immigration numbers have been skyrocketing in recent years in Barcelona and the process has been so fast that it takes some time for locals to assimilate different aspects such as behavior, language, cultural activities, food. This process, which is part of globalization and is inevitable, as it is inevitable that humans travel, interact, blend, trade and make a living where they see fit, is an old issue in the rest of Europe, in countries like France, Germany or the United Kingdom and now it is Spain's turn to face it. Young people, specially students have no difficulties with ethnic or social traits but our parents and grandparents are sometimes old fashioned and narrow minded.
Spectacular costumes.
ReplyDelete--steve buser
New Orleans Daily Photo
Even though immigrants built this country, most ethnic groups stayed together and didn't really open up to those from different countries. My mother's parents, who were born in Italy, faced discrimination when they arrived here. Unfortunately, almost 100 years later, many things (being the narrow-minded views of some) remain the same. Thankfully, we also have some groups trying to strengthen ties between cultures. Nashville has a number of events such as the Celebration of Cultures and Oktoberfest to bridge the gap.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I can understand why immigration is skyrocketing there. I would move to Barcelona in a heartbeat. . .
The world is changing, with people moving here and there. I'm fascinated by these transitions of cultures.
ReplyDeletebonita fotografia, adoro fatos tradicionais e estes são muito bonitos.
ReplyDeleteImmigration is on the march worldwide, and I really enjoy all the different cultures. Whenever a culture encounters a minority group, inevitably there are issues of discrimination. If history is an example, by the third generation the differences often seem no longer to exist.
ReplyDelete