Carassa, the Big Face of Catalonia
Just like a second Halloween, the time has come to eat candies with
impunity! The catalan figure of Carassa (Big Face) goes around the streets of
Barcelona to bring joy to the smallest ones by “spitting” candies all the way
it goes.
The big scary face of Carassa is one of the nicest faces to the kids of
Barcelona. Originally the figures were put under church organs, and the organists took
the candy out of their mouth to throw it to the waiting children. Today the
Carassa goes on wheels on the streets around the Cathedral, and spits the
sweets out of its mouth – while the children are following it enthusiastically,
ready to catch the most they can.
The figure forms the face of a Muslim man, with all the typical clothes
and barb, as it was originally made as an apology for xenophobia and racism.
The Carassa only
makes its routes in the period before Christmas, in this year it sets out on
the following dates:
- 28th November 12.00h
- 29th November 12.00h
- 11th December 18.00h
- 12th December 12.00h
- 13th December 12.00h
- 19th December 12.00h
- 20th December 12.00h
Where to sleep in Barcelona?
If you want to spend the Advent season with us, but still don´t have a place to sleep, don´t look further! Check out our cozy, friendly hostel!