Submitted by Kailey Schissler on the 2019 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
The Corpus Christi celebration started Friday at noon, with a parade in the street. It was hard for us to find a good place to watch everyone go by, I had no idea how crazy it would be! We luckily did see the Tarasca go by on her dragon. I also enjoyed the band playing music for everyone, and found it particularly funny when I realized they were playing Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.
One part of the parade that I found very interesting was the Cabezudos, or giant heads. These people wear giant paper maché heads. They also hit people on the head with dried goat bladders. Although, I do not know the origin of this tradition, I was disappointed I was not tapped on the head with one. I feel like it would bring good luck or something.
Thursday was the main day of celebration. We got a nice spot by Puerta Real this time. We were just in time to see the horses, band, people, and Cabezudo pass by. 6+I can also proudly say I was tapped on the head with the goat bladder. Hopefully, I will be blessed with good luck.
I loved seeing women wearing traditional Flamenco dresses while just walking around the street. I don’t know the background of everyone, if they just owe one for the occasion or actually dance. A lot of little girls were wearing Flamenco dresses, which I think was adorable. Overall, I loved seeing the variety of colors and patterns on the dresses. I hope to see a Flamenco show once while I am here too.
Although I did not get the opportunity to go to the Fair, I enjoyed my celebration of Corpus Christi. Not being very religious myself, it was interesting to watch from a cultural perspective, as it seemed that everyone in Granada was in the streets that day to watch the parade. It shows culture that is hard to come by in the United States, in my opinion.
