Having Fun Under The Sun – The Culture On The Streets Of Spain

Photographer Lori Needleman is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this social documentary photography. From her series ‘Fiesta Modernist“, Fiesta de San Anton‘ and ‘Military:Brigada de Caballeria ‘Castillejos II‘. To see Lori’s España click on any photograph.

Feria de Modernista
It was the year 1912, a time of celebration, creativity and innovation. Differences between classes, the bourgeoisie of Spain versus the middle and poor classes can be seen as locals walk around the city center. In collaboration with Fundación Bodas de Isabel, the Conservatorio y Escuela de Música as well as two folklore groups, Amigos de la Jota and Ciudad de Los Amantes, Teruel recreates and celebrates 100 years of Modernism in Teruel by creating a new fiesta set against the World Heritage UNESCO modernist buildings in the Plaza del Torico. From two modernist balconies, la Caja Rural de Teruel and la Casa de la Madrileña, you can hear grandiose operatic voices singing and instruments playing music from the century. On the second day, a local marketplace is set up selling products of the time as well as showing what the daily life was like for the people. The famous Modernist architect Paul Monguió, Marias Abad, Lady Aveling and Gonzalo Doña Ricarda Acuavera Liria and more all showed up for the event.

Military: Brigada de Caballería ´Castillejos II´
Regimiento de Caballería ‘España 11’ celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2011, but their history dates back to the 16th Century. Today, over 3,000 men make up the brigade. Their coat of arms is a dragon devouring a human being. Some believe that the first cavalry originated from Milan. Throughout Spain, citizens are given the opportunity to pledge themselves to their country. This military act is usually presented once a year in various towns. Military commanders, generals, colonels, mayors along with other civil and military authorities, perform a ceremony so that citizens can take an oath and kiss the flag. The Zaragoza based brigade performs at various traditional ceremonies around Aragón. Colonel José Luis Sánchez Martínez-Falero usually leads the act of homage and the troops march in celebration of the Aragonese citizens.

Fiesta de San Antón
In January, Spaniards flock to church with their animals in tow to celebrate the patron saint of animals, San Antón. This festival, otherwise known as Fiesta de Antón, is celebrated over a couple of days and includes bonfires on Saturday night, mass on Sunday and a procession following. During the mass, the lucky few inside listen intently to the bishop or priest, while the majority waits outside with their animals: dogs, cats, horses, birds, and turtles for the bishop to come and bless their beloved pets and protect them from harm and disease.