Tango Dancers in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

After some hieratic figures of human statues I decided to show you the tango dancers of Las Ramblas, Barcelona. They definitely make up a much more dynamic image. There isn't much to say here, only that you can find them almost at the end of the street near the sea, more or less next to the wax museum alley. The middle sidewalk along Las Ramblas seems to be less crowded in that area and some interesting quick performances take place. I was lucky to find a YouTube video with the same couple dancing in Las Ramblas, it is called Tango Dans La Rue

FC Barcelona - Real Madrid Fever At Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Barça - Madrid yesterday ended up 3 - 3 thanks to a wonderful hat trick scored by Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi. Those of you who don't like soccer and prefer other sports please skip this part. As you know whenever there's an important match like this, Barcelona is somewhat soccer-dependant for one day. We decided to take a walk down Las Ramblas (I took some more pictures of human statues for my set at Flickr) and you could feel the prematch mood flowing in the wind. Lots of tourists and locals wearing Barça uniforms and even some very "happy" fans betting on who was able to run in Barça underwear around Plaça Catalunya like this young follower. Here is one of Las Ramblas street artists, in this case a man kicking the ball nonstop with every possible part of his body. I lost my count and get bored so I kept on going. By the way there is a man called the Maradona of las Ramblas doing the same stuff, who had the Guiness record for this activity and has even a fan club.

Ramblas Lady Statue Lost in Her Own Thoughts

Walking the Tightrope of Las Ramblas

If you have ever been to Barcelona, you know that Las Ramblas is not just a street. It is a living, breathing beast. It is a kilometer of pure chaos that stretches from the city center down to the sea, packed tight with tourists, flower stalls, bird sellers (once upon a time), and the constant hum of a thousand conversations happening at once. It is the sort of place where you have to watch your wallet, watch your step, and watch the world go by all at the same time.

I have walked this pavement more times than I can count. Usually, I am just trying to get from point A to point B without bumping into someone dragging a suitcase. But every now and then, I stop. I stop because amidst all that movement—the rush of the locals and the wandering of the visitors—there are these islands of total stillness. The living statues.

You have seen them. They paint themselves in silver or gold, or they dress up like cowboys, dragons, or historical figures. They stand perfectly still, defying the human urge to itch or blink, just waiting for the sound of a coin hitting their hat so they can come to life for a few seconds. It is a fun little game. We pay a euro, they move, we smile, and we keep walking.

But recently, I realized that the "show" is not actually the most interesting part.

The Mystery of the Lady in Red

I took this photo on a recent walk down the boulevard. It stopped me in my tracks, not because of what she was doing, but because of what she wasn't doing. She wasn't trying to catch my eye. She wasn't posing. She was just... being.

She was sitting there, engulfed in this massive, incredible dress. The texture of it looked like crushed velvet or maybe dyed paper, layered in deep reds and burnt oranges, like a volcano or a dying fire. It is a stunning piece of costume design.

I do not know whether she impersonates a flamenco dancer or an opera singer. Maybe she is supposed to be a character from a specific play I don't know, or maybe she is just a generic symbol of "Spanish Passion" invented to look good in tourists' vacation photos. Honestly, it doesn't really matter who she is supposed to be.

As I said in a previous post, human statues in Las Ramblas are much more interesting when they are offstage, when you see the person behind the character. That is exactly what I saw here. The curtain was down, even though she was sitting right in the middle of the street.

The Moment the Mask Slips

There is something really vulnerable about catching a performer on their break. When they are "on," they are untouchable. They are protected by their paint and their props. They are staring right through you with a practiced, intense gaze. But when they take five minutes to rest? That armor falls off.

In this shot, you can see the contrast so clearly. Look at the background. You have the yellow construction poles—ugly, bright, and utilitarian. You have a guy in white work clothes walking past, and a woman in jeans on her phone, rushing somewhere. That is the real world. It is grey, busy, and undistinguished.

Then you have her. A splash of fantasy sitting right on the dirty pavement. But look at her posture. She is slumped over a little bit. She is holding a fan, but she isn't using it to flirt or pose; she is just holding it because her hands need somewhere to go. She is looking down, completely lost in her own thoughts.

The Hardest Performance of All

I stood there for a moment and just wondered what she was thinking about. Was she counting how much money she had made so far? Was she thinking about how much her feet hurt? Maybe she was making a mental grocery list for later, or worrying about rent, or just wishing the construction noise behind her would stop for five minutes.

It hit me then. Lost in her own thoughts, this lady is in some way acting. She is in the middle of yet another performance, the most difficult, the most demanding: trying to make a living in the real world.

We tend to romanticize street artists. We think it is a bohemian, free life. But looking at her, I saw the grind. I saw the work. It is not just about standing still; it is about the mental stamina it takes to put on a costume, paint your face, go out into the heat or the cold, and rely on the kindness of strangers to pay your bills. That is a heavy weight to carry, heavier than that dress she is wearing.

Reflections on the Sidewalk

I think that is why I love this photo. If she were looking at the camera and smiling, it would just be a postcard. It would be a souvenir. But because she is looking away, it becomes a story.

It reminds me that everyone we walk past on Las Ramblas—or any street in any city—is putting on a show of some kind. We all have our costumes. Maybe you wear a suit and tie to the office; maybe you wear a uniform; maybe you put on a "customer service voice" when you answer the phone. We all freeze up and play our parts when people are watching.

But we all have those moments, like this lady, where we just need to sit down and stare at the ground for a second. We have to drop the act and just deal with the reality of being tired, or stressed, or bored.

So, the next time you are walking down Las Ramblas and you see one of these statues, go ahead and drop a coin in the hat. They earned it. But take a second to look for the person underneath the paint, too. The interesting stuff isn't the robot dance or the frozen bow. The interesting stuff is the human being who is working hard to make a little bit of magic in a loud, busy, messy world.

Las Ramblas Buggy Rides

It might look kind of anachronic to ride along Las Ramblas of Barcelona on one of those horse-drawn carriages (buggies in this case) something which is very common in cities like Seville for example, I mean it must be difficult to circulate considering there is still a dense traffic in spite of official bans to regulate it. Not that horses look out of place, in fact they were always here when this street was young, a long, long time ago, but aside from the platane trees that adorn the famous promenade the rest seems to go against the pleasant effect the ride's supposed to trigger. I am not saying that they should stop the service, on the contrary, I'd prefer that Las Ramblas got rid of cars and everything looked the way it must have been in the early 20s of last century.

Information about La Rambla buggies:

Departures from the Portal de la Pau at the end of the Ramblas, near Columbus monument

Mon-Sun and holidays: from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Length of time of the route: 30 minutes or 1 hour

Information and reservations:
Tel.: 93 421 15 49
Fax: 93 421 88 04

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La Font de Canaletes: Barcelona City's Icon

The upper part of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, is called La Rambla de Canaletes, precisely because it features La font de Canaletes (Canaletes Fountain). A brief history of Las Ramblas, now that I issued the topic, will introduce you to this icon of FC Barcelona fans and the city. As some of you already read in my previous posts, Las Ramblas were just a muddy path next to the city walls and a stream carrying rain waters towards the sea - the name Rambla in Arabic means strand or riverside. That was long before the walls were extended beyond the path, engulfing the Raval quarter, taking the city limits to nowadays' Avinguda del Parallel. The path turned into a wide road lined with trees by the end of the XVIII century. Part of the old city walls had been demolished and houses were being built along the way. In the second half of the XIX century, the second line of walls fell too, and the city grew as well as the flourishing Ramblas, which were divided into five imaginary parts: Rambla de Santa Mónica, named after a church, Rambla dels Caputxins, after a Capuchin friars' convent, Rambla de Sant Josep or Rambla de les Flors (due to the many flower stalls), Rambla del Estudis, named after a XVI demolished university, and Rambla de Canaletes, where our old XIX iron fountain is. Tradition says all those who drink from Canaletes return to the city. Of course try not to coincide with a day in which FC Barcelona soccer team fans celebrate a victory (quite often lately), as the place is stormed traditionally by a jubilant crowd being the fountain their highest totem and one of Barcelona's most appreciated landmarks.

Recommended: Footloose in Spain’s Capital of Style, Barcelona, an article by Matt Gross that recently appeared in the Travel section of New York Times. And second best, Gridskipper, the Urban Travel guide, also featuring Barcelona (with a group photo pool on Flickr).

How to Make the Most of Your First Trip to Barcelona in 2023

Barcelona is a city that captivates visitors from around the globe with its blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Here are some essential travel tips to make the most of your first trip to Barcelona:

Plan your itinerary wisely. Barcelona offers a wealth of attractions and activities, so it's important to plan your itinerary wisely. Start by outlining a list of the things you most want to see and do. Be sure to include iconic sites such as the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Sagrada Familia. You can find more information about these attractions in my blog posts about the Gothic Quarter, about Las Ramblas, and about the Sagrada Familia.

Secure accommodation in advance. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. This will ensure you have a comfortable place to stay and give you more options to choose from.

Obtain a Barcelona Card. The Barcelona Card is a great way to save money on transportation, attractions, and tours. It can be purchased for one, two, or three days, and it gives you free entry to many of the city's most popular attractions, as well as discounts on public transportation and tours.

Familiarize yourself with basic Spanish phrases. While many locals in Barcelona speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be immensely helpful. Polite greetings, simple directions, and ordering food are a few key phrases that can enhance your interactions with locals and create a more immersive experience. Here is a list of basic words and phrases in Spanish:

Certainly! Here are some useful Spanish words and phrases that can enhance your experience during your first visit to Barcelona:

1. Greetings:

• - Hello: Hola
• - Good morning: Buenos días
• - Good afternoon/evening: Buenas tardes
• - Goodnight: Buenas noches
• - Goodbye: Adiós

2. Polite Expressions:

• - Please: Por favor
• - Thank you: Gracias
• - You're welcome: De nada
• - Excuse me: Perdón/Disculpe
• - I'm sorry: Lo siento

3. Basic Conversational Phrases:

• - Yes: Sí
• - No: No
• - I don't understand: No entiendo
• - Could you please repeat that?: ¿Podría repetir eso, por favor?
• - Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?

4. Asking for Directions:

• - Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...?
• - How can I get to...?: ¿Cómo puedo llegar a...?
• - Is it far?: ¿Está lejos?
• - Left: Izquierda
• - Right: Derecha
• - Straight ahead: Todo recto

5. Ordering Food and Drinks:

• - I would like...: Me gustaría...
• - What do you recommend?: ¿Qué me recomienda?
• - Can I have the bill, please?: ¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?
• - A table for two, please: Una mesa para dos, por favor
• - Cheers!: ¡Salud!

6. Shopping:

• - How much does it cost?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
• - Can I try it on?: ¿Puedo probármelo?
• - I'm just browsing: Solo estoy mirando
• - Do you have this in a different color/size?: ¿Tiene esto en otro color/talla?
• - Can I pay with a credit card?: ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito?

7. Emergencies:

• - Help!: ¡Ayuda!
• - I need a doctor: Necesito un médico
• - Where is the nearest hospital?: ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?
• - I lost my passport: Perdí mi pasaporte
• - I've been robbed: Me han robado

Remember, even if you're not fluent in Spanish, locals appreciate the effort to communicate in their language. These basic phrases will help you navigate common situations and interact with locals more comfortably during your visit to Barcelona. If you manage to learn them in Catalan it would be great!

Prepare for crowds. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so certain areas like the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas can become crowded. Be prepared for bustling streets and plan accordingly. Exploring early in the morning or during weekdays might offer a more tranquil experience.

Utilize public transportation. Barcelona boasts an efficient public transportation system, consisting of metro lines, buses, and trams. Purchase a T-10 ticket (no need to buy this one for each of you), which allows ten trips on various modes of transportation, or opt for a travel card that provides unlimited travel for a specific duration. Navigating the city becomes convenient, cost-effective, and time-saving with these options.

Wander on foot. While public transportation is excellent, don't forget to explore Barcelona's streets on foot. Meander through the narrow alleys, soak in the city's atmosphere, and stumble upon hidden gems tucked away from the main tourist routes. Walking enables you to discover charming neighborhoods and stumble upon quaint cafes or boutique shops. Tourist exploration has skyrocketed lately so finding new routes is not that frequent anymore. Don't stop trying though there are still unconquered treasures out there with a good pirate map.

Marvel at Gaudí's architectural wonders. Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpieces are an integral part of Barcelona's identity. No visit to the city is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, the whimsical Park Güell, and the extraordinary Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Marvel at the intricate details and innovative designs that make Gaudí's works truly unique. But remember our architecture expands way beyond the master's legacy. Try other famous architects like Domenech i Montaner or check my list of 10 best modernist architectural buildings in Barcelona

Indulge in beach time. Barcelona's beautiful coastline beckons visitors to relax and unwind. Set aside time to enjoy the city's sandy beaches, with Barceloneta Beach being the most renowned. Whether it's sunbathing, strolling along the promenade, or engaging in water sports, the Mediterranean Sea provides a refreshing escape. 

Experience the vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets, Barcelona's nightlife comes alive. From cozy bars to pulsating nightclubs, the city offers a diverse range of options for nocturnal adventures. Explore the lively neighborhoods of El Raval, Gràcia, or the trendy district of El Born (not just at night), where you can savor tapas, sip on refreshing cocktails, and dance the night away.

Barcelona is a city that encapsulates the essence of a rich culture and a captivating history, besides our architectural wonders. By following these travel tips, you can ensure a memorable experience during your first visit. Embrace the energy of the city, explore its hidden corners, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of Catalan charm that makes Barcelona an unparalleled destination.

Las Ramblas: The Most Frequented Street in Barcelona

Las Ramblas, a small scale Catalan version of the Champs Elysées, is perhaps Barcelona's most frequented street and not precisely by the locals. Hordes of tourists wander up and down around the clock under the plataneros (hybrid plane trees) of the famous walk. This is how it looked on a Saturday morning last month. Recently, authorities met the local guild of stall owners to listen to their complaints and they have started cleaning Las Ramblas from pickpockets, trileros (a sort of shell game swindlers) and other petty criminals. In return the stalls will be replaced more than a meter backwards so they are not another obstacle in the way. Workers alleged that the living statues are also responsible for jamming the area as each of them gathers their own circle of admirers. Besides, there is the ever growing number of visitors. Did you know that according to a recent report by Saffron Brand Consultants, Barcelona is the third most attractive city for tourism, business and foreign investment after Paris and London from a list of 72 European cities. The data was obtained after interviewing 2000 people and considering different factors such as location, culture, history, food, business potential and residents attitude towards visitors.

Now for you to rejoice here are some breathtaking shots: The Earth From Above via The Boston Globe

Toy Souvenirs, Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Well, the new domain and the updating of backlinks via emails to webmasters is keeping me busy lately. All the old internal links have been automatically reconfigured and the ones on the search engines are leading to www.barcelonaphotoblog.com. It has been hard but I feel much better now. Any help passing on the change of address message is deeply appreciated. Oh yeah, today's image, I almost forgot:

It is a small toy, a souvenir you can buy at stalls in Las Ramblas. I published a very similar image in the past. Here is the old post: Wooden Toys at Las Ramblas Stall

Street Artist at Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Another picture of one of Las Ramblas street artists I showed you in a previous post, the angel, this time accompanied by two girls in pink.

Satellite View of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona Street Artist: Las Ramblas Cowboy

This picture was taken in March, as you can easily guess by the coats and jackets, but I felt the need to resume the street artist series. Let's see if I can go down to Las Ramblas soon and refresh my set. 

I guess this happens to many of us, that the most interesting places to shoot are downtown, sometimes quite out of your daily route to work. This year I am rediscovering Barcelona, I had never paid much attention to its history, I was missing that enthusiasm that only children or tourists show.

Satellite View of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain

Las Ramblas Devil? Please, Dial 666

Las Ramblas Devil? Please, Dial 666

Satan, Beelzebub, Lucifer, Mephistopheles, the Prince of Darkness... or simply the Devil. There are a thousand names for the eternal antagonist, the "slanderer" (if you want to get technical with the Greek diabolos), or as we call him here, El Diablo.

Most religions have their own definition of this malevolent entity, but one thing is true: there seems to be a general acceptance that evil exists. Some place it in hell, others in a parallel dimension, or maybe inside a black cat. If we want to get materialistic about it, maybe it is just a glitch in our neural connections—a result of a lousy childhood or the fact that we chewed on too many plastic toys when we were toddlers.

The Root of All Evil?

Of course, on a bad day, we might just think the devil is our boss, our mother-in-law, our bank creditor, or maybe even Marilyn Manson. But walking down Las Ramblas, the manifestation is a little more literal.

Judging by the massive, textured horns on this creature and that heavy shoulder armor that looks like it was stolen from an Orc in The Lord of the Rings, I’d say this is a pretty practical example of a downtown demon manifestation. I went with a gritty black and white edit for this shot because I think it brings out the textures of the mask and makes him look even more like an ancient gargoyle.

Careful Who You Call

If you look closely at the background, you can spot the logo of a public telephone booth right behind him. It makes for a perfect, slightly ominous coincidence. So, beware of who is next in line when you use a public phone in Barcelona! You never know if you might accidentally dial 666.

Flower Bouquets at Flower Stall, La Rambla, Barcelona

These colorful flower bouquets I found at one of the flower stalls along La Rambla. 

It was a holiday in Barcelona as today it was the day of Catalonia, that is, La Diada that happens to coincide with the anniversary of the terrible events of the twin towers on September 11th or what we all know as 9/11. 

I went to see if I captured some new images of street artists so abundant in the area and I managed to take some pictures in the end. I will show you in coming posts since on second thought I preferred to post the flowers to honor 9/11 victims and commemorate our Diada.

As you probably know it is common to find flower stands along this famous street, in fact this part is called Ramblas de les Flors or Flower Ramblas because of the big assortment of flowers. 

There is a great offer of bouquets, made not only of natural plants but also of dried colorful flowers, some of them even painted.

Here are some links to examples of some flower bouquets of Las Ramblas, Barcelona as shown in other posts:

1.  Flower Bouquet at La Rambla dels Flors
2.  Carnation Fresco in Flower Stall
3.  Flower Stock Photography
4.  Small Colorful Bouquets of Paper Flowers
5.  Purple Flower Fantasy in Las Ramblas
6.  Pink Flower Fantasy in Las Ramblas

Ramblas Cowboy Wishes You a Happy 2010!

Golden Greetings from Las Ramblas

On behalf of the Ramblas Cowboy—that famous human statue you really can't miss on Barcelona's most renowned street—I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Now, he is not technically my acquaintance, I don't know the guy under the paint, but I am sure he can back me up on this greeting. Judging by the warm smile he always seems to wear, even when frozen solid, he must be a great guy.

Chasing the Christmas Lights

I actually woke up today with a specific photo in mind: catching his shimmering golden figure against the backdrop of the city's Christmas lights. The final shot came out a little different than I planned—he’s caught here in a really dynamic, mid-action pose with that golden pistol drawn, rather than standing still—but I think it works even better.

He is practically glowing against those cool blue bokeh lights hanging in the plane trees and the warm blur of the shops behind him. In the end, I am just happy I walked down to Las Ramblas. You could really feel the good mood everyone was sharing as the year comes to a close. It’s a great atmosphere down here right now. All the best to everyone!

Biker and Skeleton in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

Cycling with the Skeleton Crew

If you are a regular on Las Ramblas de Barcelona, you definitely know this duo. It is a familiar sight: the man and the skeleton, pedaling in tandem through the static crowd. It is one of those mechanical setups that is just fun to watch, as the skeleton mimics every move the biker makes.

I was actually used to watching him dressed in completely different colors—usually darker, more steampunk tones. (You can check out his old look in my previous post: Human Statue in Las Ramblas - Biker). But this time, he has reinvented himself with a ghostly, textured white finish that makes him look like a statue carved from rough stone.

A Thumbs Up for the Camera

The details here are great, from the tall top hat down to the round sunglasses that add a bit of "cool" to the spooky vibe. And he is a pro; he had no problem pausing his eternal bike ride to pose for the camera the second the coin hit the bottom of his tin can.

That thumbs-up is the universal sign of "transaction complete" on the Ramblas. I also like how the background—the "Vien" sign and the hotel entrance—frames him perfectly in the city's hustle, even while he and his bony friend are frozen in their own little world.

Dwarf Rabbit in Pet Stall at Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

Like some sort of scared Pikachu, this dwarf rabbit finds the most faraway corner to escape the tip of my lens stuck as they were on the cage's bars. The rabbit is part of the bizarre blend of exotic species in animal stalls along Las Ramblas, Barcelona.

Smurf icecream, Las Ramblas, Barcelona

It's winter around here, not too cold but certainly not the best time to have an icecream, but you know, Las Ramblas never sleeps, tourists are always storming the place, going up and down, along the mall and probably more than one person will fall for this luscious sight, the sight of beautiful creamy icecreams like that blue one with the Smurfs on top that in Spanish are known as pitufos

Musing in Las Ramblas de Barcelona

Before I begin I would like to thank a couple of friends for making me muse on my blog and the daily posting affair. They both did in two very different ways which I won't explain here but made me think that daily doesn't mean having to post each and every day of the year but to do it several times a week perhaps. These are their sites: San Francisco Daily Photo by Manuel Guerzoni and Hyde Daily Photo by Gerald England. I am glad they made me came out of my stubborn obsession and in way released me from this sacrifice. I think this will mean better posts as I will have more energy and less ambiguity as to the date on my posts considering I am one month behind schedule and the blog is talking about January 2009 as of now. So I stood like this man leaning on the railing of some parking lot in Las Ramblas and began musing for a while about the future. In fact it only took me an hour to change my mind. Thanks again my friends.

Spanish Paintings in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Collage

Here is a collage of Spanish paintings about topics such as bullfighting and flamenco plus some everyday scenes of Barri Gotic or El Raval streets, two quarters nearby Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Paintings like these are frequently ignored by Barcelonians and I guess this happens in other cities like say Paris, London...,but they obviously trap tourists like ants on a sugar lump. I don't say it isn't art but they are mostly centered on cliches and contribute to enhance them. When we visit Paris or London they do the same to us and we bite on the bait! Come to think of it I would do the same if I were to paint for money. So this is not the artist's fault, it is the cultural authorities' responsibility to promote a more representative art without forgetting, and I stress this, the cliches which are also part, in this case, of Spanish culture.

Street Artists: Las Ramblas Clown, Barcelona

Among dozens of human statues in Las Ramblas de Barcelona you may now and then find other "minor", less sophisticated and striking ways of artistry equally respectable and venerable as is the case of the Clown. See this artist in context using my geotagged Barcelona photos set on Flickr.

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Ferrets: Captive Animals in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Among the many captive animals you can buy in Las Ramblas stalls there are these ferrets. Apparently they are cute and make good pets but keeping them in a cage is not what nature had in mind. The noise, the lack of freedom to move in such a small space, the great amount of people coming and going or stopping by to watch like this girl provoke stress in many of these creatures. If you enlarge the picture you will notice how the ferret on the right is stubbornly biting on the bars of the cage.

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