Mataro is the local town to our camp site and each year it hosts the Les Santes Festival. It’s a big deal around here. It goes for about a week with most events starting about 5 pm and going all night. We won’t be up for most of it but today we witnessed the opening event of the festival, the Parade of the Giants.

First though a little bit of Matao.

It’s a hospital. Almost makes you want to go there.

The kid’s seat was intriguing. Works real well for mum.

This early morning line up is just for merchandise for the festival. It was packed when we came back later.

Going into Barcelona on the bus every morning we are given the safety briefing on bag security and pick pockets. It’s a big deal here, up there with Rome.

Fabulous goodies in a glorious shop.

Another museum, this one is of architect Antoni Gaudi. This building was his first project after university and relates his time line in significant detail. The inside roof design is the main feature here. Incredibly innovative for his time.

A Gaudi outhouse.

The Parade of the Giants is all for the kids and there were thousands all having a great time.

Each giant had its own drum band. Every one of them played very loud and their own tune and all at once. The cacophony and level of sound had a lot of young ones with ear muffs.

This kid had lots of fun throwing tinsel.

Change of shift. The giants must be hot and heavy. I saw quite a few changes of carriers.

I think they are enjoying themselves.

This guy was spraying water on the crowd which I think the crowd enjoyed more than him. It was pretty warm.

Not really a giant but the kid was working it hard.

Hot in there.

Putting on a few great dance moves.

Having fun and a great view on grandad’s shoulders.

To get you in the mood for tomorrow, a few cathedral photos.

The Cathedral of Barcelona tomorrow and I think a bit more festival.

David & Collette