I can dance the Sardana!

So the last few days have been absolutely fun filled and packed with La Mercè activities. Yesterday was manic – but amazing! We meet in the early morning with the plan to watch more events as the 24^th is the main day of celebration, however it started to absolutely poor down with rain – I bought a three euro umbrella but it meant that the “Castellers” or human towers were cancelled. After some yummy scrummy hot chocolate and a croissant we decided to go to a wine tasting event. However we got there and decided against the idea as it was a complete rip off; 10 euros for 6 tickets which may only mean 2 wines if you were to pick ones of good quality. So instead we went to a little grocery store and spent 17 euros on a bottle of red, white and a cava and sat drinking wine, eating cheese/bread/meat/pizza and listening to music at Adrian’s flat.

We then went to see the Virgin La Mercè before attempting to do the Sardana. It may look slow and boring but infact is extremely difficult and involves a lot of footwork! After multiple elderly Spanish people helping us we finally got the hang of it and decided that we quite like this Sardana-ing after all. :)

We then went to a jazz concert which was pretty cool before heading up to watch a couple of Catalan groups perform before Fangoria! Adrian and I decided to do the Sardana to all different types of music from electro to pop to rock and decided it is pretty darn cool – we even got invited to join a Sardana dance troop – result! We were also part of the most posh botellon ever – drinking cava at an open air concert. 

Fangoria was simply amazing – great dancing, great singing and absolutely amazing costumes – but who could expect anything else from the legendary Alaska. After this we went down to some more concerts, where Adrian taught me to do the Charleston before I finally turned in at about half five this morning.

Then up to watch the Castellers today, take a look at my photos – they were simply breath taking – the participants are so brave and well practiced, I would advise everyone to watch them, they are beautiful! The children who climb to the very top are tiny and resemble monkeys in their movements.

So now after composing this I shall relax, I start taking Catalan classes tomorrow, with my brand new dictionary :)

Adios!