Sunday 13 January 2008

Living History Through Old Catalan Dragons


Later this week, Vilanova will celebrate Els Tres Tombs and since it centres around animals, firecrackers are not very welcome. But these days are also our festa major of the winter and that simply cannot be a calm event. Tonight, before going out to see the cercavila (procession) of monsters, we put ear muffs on our youngest son. His older brother knows to put his fingers in his ears.

The dragon of Vilanova, those of la Geltrú and other local figures all took positions behind a famous visitor - the official replica of the dragon of Vilafranca. The original only leaves its museum for that town’s own festa major, since it is documented to have been in use from the year 1600, while paint analyses give reason to believe that it stems from the 13th century. Whatever we think about Catalans’ love for bangs and fire, it does have an amazingly long history.

2 comments:

Monica said...

I suppose it has been a central part long before christianity. Interesting, as well as the caganer-cagatió-stuff. This christmas Nils got a very nice catalan book, Petufet. Also an interesting scene when the cow "explodes".....

Erik Wirdheim said...

Seems a bit "picante" if I understand you correctly. Guess I will have to have a look at Petufet next time we come over.