Submitted by Hailey Galbraithon the 2025 Summer program in Granada, Spain…
Wednesday, our professors allowed us to leave class early in order to witness the pagan festival, celebrating the legend of Tarasca. There was singing and music and hundreds of people gathering in the streets to see the lively parade. I love the legend of the Tarasca, I think it’s one of the more compelling myths of human nature, where hatred and ignorance can blind diplomacy and good faith. I loved that even the locals seemed to be excited for the parade, dressing up and stepping onto their balconies to watch, even though they get to see it every year. I think that is a bit of a cultural divide. Americans are obsessed with efficiency and newness. We tend to hold the attitude of “on to the next”, which I feel isn’t as strong here. It was lovely to be part of, I really enjoyed this.
Additionally, the late-night festival was such a wonderful experience. I love amusement parks, but mostly just being around people in general. I had such a great time, even on the packed metro and dizzying rides, the lights and excitement cast an infectious glow over the area. We ended up leaving around 2:30, but people were still arriving when we were just leaving! If I am lucky enough to come again, I would like to stay longer.
Then there was the Corpus Christi festival. I was actually pleasantly surprised with this religious festival; I wasn’t necessarily expecting a boring march, but nonetheless, I was unexpectedly pleased to be part of this crowd. Though I didn’t know the words, hearing the crowd join in to whatever songs or chants was so interesting. Rather than a stuffy, strictly traditional event, the parade seemed dedicated to honoring the people as well as their god. I wasn’t expecting that, and I feel that’s just another way Granada is so good about honoring their history in a way that still moves forward. I feel that often times in America, we struggle to find that balance and I hope to take these lessons with me back overseas. (Submitted July 3, 2025).
