Carnival 2009 in Barcelona is Coming!

Carnival 2009 in Barcelona is Coming!

Get your masks ready, because next Saturday a big parade will take place here in Barcelona to celebrate our Carnival. Now, I know our celebration isn't as world-famous as Rio or Venice yet, but trust me, it is getting better and bigger all the time.

Since I obviously don't have pictures of next week's parade yet (unless someone lends me a time machine), I thought this incredible pirate character would do the trick to help us start getting in the mood. Nothing says "costume party" quite like a pirate, right?

A Study in Silver and Orange

This living statue is a perfect example of the detail these performers put in. The texture of the silver paint on the face and that battered hat makes the artist look like cast in solid metal. But what really grabs me is that pop of orange eyeshadow.

It is such a striking contrast against the monochrome grey of the skin. It gives the whole expression a certain intensity, a bit of life amidst the "statue" effect. It’s that kind of theatrical flair that Carnestoltes is all about.

There are many sites online anticipating the festivities, but if you want the official info, you can check out the Carnaval site. Hmm, looking at it now, I really hope they update it soon with the final schedule!

Arc de Triomf: A Landmark of Barcelona

Barcelona's Arc de Triomf monument was built on the Ciutadella park during one of the most important events in the history of our city: the first Universal Exhibition of 1888. This triumphant arch which the Romans used to build to receive and honor victorious armies after their numerous invasions, was designed by architect Josep Vilaseca to act as the entrance to the Sant Joan Hall on the exhibition area. It is inevitable to think of other famous arches like the one in Paris. This one is not a world reference but it is one of our symbolic buildings and is tightly linked to our history. At the top of the beautiful brick monument we find several friezes, the one on the main façade, overlooking Paseo San Juan, containing the "Barcelona welcomes the nations" sculpture by Joseph Reynés, another on the rear façade with a sculpture called "Reward" by Joseph Lemon representing the delivery of awards to participants in the exhibition and finally the friezes on the sides with allegories of Agriculture, Industry and Trades. Previous posts: Triumph Arch or Arc de Triomphe and Arc de Triomph Detail.

Sant Pau Hospital: Cupolas

Can you imagine a hospital with buildings like this?

Think of a central square with colorful flowers and bloomed orange trees surrounded by brick wall pavilions crowned with beautiful Art Nouveau cupolas and literally covered with sculptures and assorted architectural adornments. That is not a dream, it exists. You only have to visit Sant Pau Hospital (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau).

Maybe you would say: "No way, I don't like hospitals". Well, the pavilions are not functional anymore so they will not admit you as a patient. Just enter through the main gate on Cartagena street, one block away from L5 blue subway line. You can sit on a bench there, take a lot of wonderful pictures and most of all, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place. When you leave you won't have the feeling you visited a hospital but the certainty that you have been in contact with a beautiful past.