From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the week here is known as Semana Santa.
In the United States, Catholic Churches give their parishioners blessed palms as they leave Mass, but here in Barcelona palms are purchased in supermarkets, flower shops and even on Rambla de Catalunya.
On la Rambla, my eye caught a friendly face with a warm and inviting smile.
I motioned to him in that way one asks for permission to take a photo and he smiled, and began to proudly “pose” his wares.
Poor guy had to contend with not one but 2 people clicking away but he didn’t seem to mind.
Walking further down, the street was rich with multi-colored bows, palms, people and the warm inviting sun.
As I turned to leave, the old gentlemen called me over.
He gave me a tiny palm he had woven into an intricate pattern.
A simple gesture on his part and for me I saw rainbows.
Enjoy!
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Palm Sunday (Fiesta de Ramos/Fira de Rams) is one of the most important events in Spain's Christian calendar. In Barcelona, a solemn procession wends its way from La Seu (the cathedral) in the old town to one of the parishes.
ReplyDeleteDepending on the particular parishes that participate, it may be possible to see some of the palm craft creations made by local families. Visitors from Barcelona hotels will be bowled over by the sculptures on show, some of which are up to 12 feet high and sport the most majestic braids, tassles and intricate designs. While the procession doesn't take in all the parishes, each church does hold its own celebratory mass.