Mexican Hats in Barcelona

We accept not without remorse and anguish the presence of assorted souvenirs that are made to content visitors who are curious about Spain, its culture and its many regions. We accept with resignation folklore and stereotyped patrons which are not necessarily linked to this part of the country but what we can't definitely understand is what the heck do Mexican hats have to do with us. With all due respect to Mexican culture which is rich, colorful and beautiful, I wonder why we sell tourists tokens that are alien to our traditions and what is worse mislead tourists that think we sleep siestas leaned on a porch hidden under the brim of our enormous hats.

Visit La Boqueria Market in Barcelona!

Most important cities in the world have markets which they are more or less proud of, not because we as inhabitants are going to earn profit from selling products but due to the fact that major markets are a representation of traditions and cultural legacy handed down from past generations.

What I mean is that we as a community are proud of El Mercat de la Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat del Ninot, because part of our history is present in those premises, in the architecture, in the products sold, in the way they are displayed, in the way things are cooked or the advice they give us to prepare a nice dinner the way our grandparents did, in the daily thriving of so many families that have been in this trade for ages.

This is what we are and how we are and is good to see that visitors like it and get to know Barcelona in one of the most ancestral ways of doing it, by the food. Check this video of La Boqueria Market by denniscallan.

Remember you can spot La Boqueria market on my Flickr map!

Europe Photobloggers Meetup 2008 in Barcelona: Macba

During Europe Photobloggers Meetup 2008 we visited several interesting spots in Barcelona city such as the Macba museum (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona) in El Raval quarter. The square in front of the art center is normally frequented by skateboarders but we spotted none in the area that morning so we stood there for a while taking pictures of one another. Fortunately our long photo walk split into two days and brought forth many good shots. No need to say that the meetup was a success. Once more Europe photo bloggers got together to share experiences and enjoy the pleasure of taking photographs.