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Festival of La Mercè

September 7, 2011 in Spain, VBT Community with 0 Comments

Every year, in late September, the city of Barcelona erupts celebrating the Festival of La Mercè, the city’s largest official holiday. Though the actual feast day of La Mercé is September 24, festivities begin a few days before the feast and generally extend until the 25th or 26th of September.

The holiday was initially organized in the 19th century to celebrate the Virgin of La Mercè, Barcelona’s Patron Saint. Legend states, that the Virgin of La Mercè first appeared in the 13th century to inspire an order of monks to defend the city, and later in 1687 she returned to save Barcelona from a locust plague. Centuries later, the feast day was officially acknowledged by the Papacy, and in 1871, the first official festival of La Mercè took place. In 1902, the event adopted its modern format, and some of the most famous features of the celebration were introduced.

The Castells is a genuinely astounding portion of La Mercè. A crowd of thousands will pack into Placa de Jaume to watch as castellers—castle makers—stand upon one another to build up human towers. The towers are comprised of three parts, a pinya (base) a tronc (trunk), and the pom de dalt (crown of the castle). The castle is only considered crowned after a child ascends the monument and salutes the crowd at the top. Castells are raised in various forms and sizes, but each assembly is a wonder to watch.

Gigantes, or the Giants Parade, is another well-loved mainstay of La Mercè. Giant statues of kings and queens make there way through the city, dancing to traditional music, and delighting the crowds. The giants often represent many of Barcelona’s neighborhoods, and are well-supported as they parade along the city’s streets.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of La Mercè is the Correfoc, or “fire-run.” Beginning at dusk, groups of individuals portraying dragons, devils, and other monsters run through the streets setting off bangers, sparklers, and fireworks. One of the few fire-runs that take place each year in Barcelona, the Correfoc is an annual crowd favorite.

These highlights of La Mercè have long since been ingrained in Barcelona’s history. Yet, with thousands of events taking place in a multitude of outdoor venues at each annual festival, La Mercè is truly an event worth experiencing for yourself. Join VBT on our Spain: Under the Andalusian Sky vacation and take part in Barcelona’s latest and largest summer celebration.

Regatta Storica

August 31, 2011 in Italy, VBT Community with 0 Comments

Since its establishment, over 1500 years ago, the city of Venice has been predominantly shaped and influenced by its waterways. Comprised of 117 small islands, Venice has relied on its famed canals for transportation, and it has looked to the surrounding seas for trade and prosperity. It is therefore only appropriate that Venice’s longest-standing tradition commemorates the city’s paramount feature – the water.

Every year, on the first Sunday in September, the Regatta Storica takes place along Venice’s Grand Canal. Initially organized to applaud Venice’s political and military prowess, the event dates back to at least the 14th Century. It is speculated, however, that the Regatta has even deeper roots in Venetian history.

The Regatta Storica’s modern function has little to do with politics, but still remains as a celebration of the “City of Bridges’” cultural history. The event begins with a water parade, as the illustrious Bissone and Bucintoro boats lead a procession of the Venetian rowing clubs, adorned in historic attire, along the Grand Canal. As the ceremonial procession comes to a close, the competitive portion of the Regatta begins. A series of preliminary races takes place, leading up to the climax of the Storica Regatta, the Regata dei Campionissimi su Gondolini.

The event’s most celebrated challenge, the Regata dei Campionissimi su Gondolini, features two gondolini, light bodied boats propelled by oarsmen, in competition for la Machina, the floating stage that represents the finish line. While the Regatta’s previous races are focused on a display of power, the Regata dei Campionissimi su Gondolini is an illustration of technical rowing ability, and is thus, the crowd’s favorite event. The awards ceremony takes place in front of la Machina, in the heart of city, where all winners are rewarded with red flags, and a lasting piece of Venetian history.

Venice’s water-faring tradition extends well beyond the Storica Regatta. Check back on our Blog for the history behind Venice’s most famed vessel, the Gondola. We’ll have details about the boat’s conception as well as information about the trying processes of becoming a Gondolier.

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