Catalan Cultural Activites

Catalan Cultural Experiences

I have tried to get in as many cultural activities as possible during my stay in Barcelona.  Here is a list of some of the few experiences I've had in Catalunia. I took all of these pictures.

Museo Nacional d'Arte Catalunia

Park Guell

Sagrada Familia

Palau Guell

Tibidabo

Camp Nou

Montserrat

La Pedrera

Ciutatdella Park

Delta Del Ebre

Calsotts

Paella

Barceloneta Beach

Various bars and restaurants

Santa Maria Del Mar/Pi

Barcelona Cathedral

El Born Market (field study)

El Raval

Picasso Museum

Catalan news!

International News

http://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/futbol/20140304/54402011501/carles-puyol-deja-barsa.html

This article from LaVanguardia announces that Barcelona's famous defender Carles Puyol has announced his retirement from football after the end of the season.  Puyol is one of the longest serving Barcelona players and is emblematic of the team and Barcelona as a whole.  Having never played for another football club, Puyol told reporters that due to his recurring and debilitating injuries that he can no longer play at the level Barcelona requires.  Puyol claims that his body is not allowing him to play at the high standards that he demands from himself.  Since joining the team in 1999, Puyol and Barcelona have won twenty-one titles.  As a stalwart in defense, Puyol made his name as a no-nonsense defender.  He was the Barcelona captain and truly a symbol of Barcelona and Catalonia as a whole.

National News

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303636404579395270291392630

(Pictured at left is the Spanish Parliament)

This article from the Wall Street Journal discusses how Spain's Parliament responded to Catalonia's plan to hold a referendum on independence.  The motion was categorically rejected.  However there was a silver lining to the decision.  Although Catalonia's "right to decide" was firmly rejected, it shows that the Catalonia government is "moving to its own rhythm."  According to the article, Robert Tornabell, an economist at Barcelona's ESADE Business School, shows that the referendum is a step in the right direction for Catalonia to form an independent nation.  The article continues to point out that the main concern of Catalonia citizens and the main reason to desire independence is the very high taxes levied by the Spanish government.

LOCAL NEWS

http://videos.lavanguardia.com/deportes/20140309/54402927414/barcelona-inaugura-gigantesco-skatepark.html
This video from LaVanguardia talks about a large, new skate park that has been constructed in Mar Bella in Sant Marti.  Before the skate park was built there was nothing substantial occupying the space.  The park can be used for bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller blades.  It has generally been very well received, especially among skaters and those utilizing the park. There are different kinds of slopes and angles to get the most of skating and biking. Skateboarding is one of the most popular sports in Barcelona after Football.  The establishment of a park will be very good for skaters and keep them away from buildings and stairs where they are sometimes not very well received.   

Catalan symbols!

Catalan Symbols

These photos below are representative of Barcelona and Catalonia:

These two pictures below of Barcelona's Camp Nou are emblematic that the FC Barcelona stands for more than a club.  Indeed when FC Barcelona plays Real Madrid the soccer is not the most important part.  What it is really representing is the fierce rivalry between Catalonia and Madrid.  It seems that it is indeed more political and economical motivated than sport related.

These two photos below are of Montserrat, to many a very important religious destination in Catalonia.  Montserrat is best known for the Benedictine Abbey and Santa Maria de Montserrat.  There is often a choir of boy singers that preform in the church.  To some, Montserrat is the location of the Holy Grail, at least according to Arthurian myth.

 Barcelona Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.  The beautifully designed cathedral, built in the Gothic style with many gargoyles overhanging the roof, is one of the focal points of the Gothic region of Barcelona.  Interior views are stunning.  

 Park Guell, designed by Antoni Gaudi between 1900 and 1914, is representative of the brilliance of Gaudi.  The park brings calm and serenity to the mind and is emblematic of the unique architecture of Catalonia.  The mosaic salamander stands at the front entrance of the park and is beautifully designed.  The park offers brilliant views of Barcelona.

 The Barcelona beach, built only twenty years ago, is a unique symbol of Barcelona because it is a beautiful beach situated right on the coast of a huge city.  With almost three miles of coastline, the beach is heavily populated during Spring and Summer and is one of the symbols of the city.

(I took all these pictures myself)