Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

I was lucky enough to be in the Catalan city of Barcelona on a gorgeous sunny day during La Merce, a 4-day citywide festival devoted to the city's patron saint. One of the central events during the festival is a parade of "gegantes" (giants). Processions of giant statues move through the city streets and end in the Placa Sant Jaume (an important plaza in Barcelona). Everyone enjoys this event, but children are especially excited about this yearly event. The people of Barcelona gather in this plaza to view this exciting event. When I attended, the day was gorgeous -- sun flooded the square, and a soft breeze swept through the city. It was amazing to be in the center of the town plaza watching this traditional procession with local people from Barcelona celebrating their patron saint and regional pride!