The Barceloneta district will unveil Barcelona’s first Romani giantess during the upcoming Festes de la Mercè. This significant cultural milestone for the city will introduce a figure named Dolores, Queca, or Vieja Dolores. This pioneering initiative by the Associació Gitana de la Barceloneta aims to integrate Romani representation into Barcelona’s traditional festive imagery. The project seeks to challenge historical stereotypes and promote greater inclusion within Catalan culture. The new giantess will join the hundreds of ‘gegants’ that parade through Barcelona’s streets during major festivals.
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María Fernández, President of the Associació Gitana de la Barceloneta, explained the catalyst for the project. She recounted an incident where a woman corrected her, stating a giantess she identified as Romani was merely “the giantess’s maid”. Ms Fernández stated, “This clarification offended me because it aimed to place Romani people in the historical position we have always occupied, and we needed to do something to change certain stereotypes.” This personal experience highlighted a clear need for change.
Promoting Romani Representation
The Associació de Veïns Barri Mariner Barceloneta quickly joined the initiative, expanding it into a broader project titled “Romani Giants: Caravan Souls”. Loli Guisado, President of the residents’ association, emphasised the importance of this representation. Ms Guisado explained, “The Romani people must be represented in Catalan cultural traditions, not solely through rumba music.” She added that the project includes initiatives to engage young people in Catalonia’s festive traditions. These efforts aim to foster deeper involvement in the region’s vibrant cultural life and ensure the continuity of traditions.
The creation of the Romani giantess, Dolores, Queca, or Vieja Dolores, faced initial budgetary challenges. Funding became available through a Generalitat subsidy for commemorations and personalities. The Associació Gitana de la Barceloneta successfully applied for the grant, commemorating 600 years since the arrival of Romani people in Europe. This historical anniversary provided a crucial opportunity. They now seek support from the Barcelona City Council for the construction of the male giant, Antonio, having already submitted the project for consideration.
Local Artist Crafts New Icon
Local artist David García Llorca, who was born and lives in the Barceloneta district, received the commission to create the giantess. His workshop, Constructor de Fantasies, is also located in the neighbourhood. Mr García Llorca has previously crafted other iconic figures from Catalan culture and politics, many with strong ties to the district. This marks his first commission for a giantess. He expressed his feelings about the task, stating, “It is a great honour that the Romani community has entrusted me with this. I feel a great deal of responsibility and excitement.”
Mr García Llorca also consulted La Casa dels Entremesos for advice to ensure the project’s success. This organisation specialises in the preservation and promotion of traditional Catalan festive figures. He admitted, “I felt fear because it is a challenge for us, fear but also great excitement and responsibility.” The broader project envisions two elderly giants, symbolising the Romani community’s respect for elders. However, current funding only covers the giantess. The male giant, Antonio, will be created once additional budget is secured, completing the pair.
Barceloneta’s Romani Heritage
The Barceloneta district, a historic coastal neighbourhood in Barcelona, has a deep connection to Romani culture. The internationally renowned Romani flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya was born and raised in Somorrostro, a former shanty town within Barceloneta. A fountain bearing Carmen Amaya’s name, inaugurated on 14 February 1959 with her present, still stands in Plaça de Brugada. This new giantess further solidifies the Romani community’s visible presence and heritage in the area. The district, home to approximately 15,000 residents, values its diverse cultural tapestry and rich history.
La Mercè Festival, Barcelona’s largest annual celebration, takes place in late September. It features parades, concerts, and traditional Catalan activities, including the popular ‘gegants’ parades. The introduction of a Romani giantess during this prominent event ensures maximum visibility and impact. It provides a platform for the Romani community to share its culture and traditions with a wider audience, including the millions of tourists and residents who attend the festival.
The presentation of Dolores, Queca, or Vieja Dolores at the Festes de la Mercè will represent a powerful moment of cultural recognition and inclusion for Barcelona’s Romani community. This event sets a significant precedent for future festive traditions, ensuring broader representation across the city’s celebrated cultural landscape. It marks a vital step towards a more inclusive and representative Barcelona.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
