I’ve just returned from spending a few days in Girona, a city in Northern Catalonia, Spain. In addition to its rich history Girona is now a popular destination for cyclists. Whilst my husband was out cycling every day I was discovering the city in my own way and photographing it.
This blog focuses on images taken during the Sant Jordy Festival, the Catalan equivalent of St. George’s Day. Love and literature are celebrated – it’s traditional for women to be given roses and men to be given books. Sant Jordi is the Patron Saint of Catalunya and the day seems intertwined with Catalan identity. Red roses were ubiquitous alongside the reds and yellows of the Catalan flag, and the yellow suspended ribbons signifying support for the struggle for Catalan Independence:
Below, patisseries in Girona with special rose-decorated windows and cakes:
I came across a procession – a tall dragon (albeit with human legs) followed by a rhythmic band, rather like a samba percussion parade. I followed it through the streets of Girona:
Here’s a selection of street photos featuring the people of Girona and red roses:
Whilst sitting having a coffee with my husband I felt impelled to capture some of the passers by:
Later on I went down to the main square, Plaça de la Independència, to check out what was happening:
There was a stage set up at one end of the square with a band playing traditional Catalan music. This inspired people to get up and dance folkloric Sardana dances, in circles and also in couples:
Below, a few of the musicians from the band Cobra Bisbal Jove. I was intrigued by the fact the woman playing recorder with her left hand also played percussion on a small drum with a stick in her right hand:
And finally a shot of the architecture in the Plaça de la Independència, where much of the facade is adorned with Catalan flags:
