The entertainment street

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Flag of Spain  ,
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

If you've ever been to Barcelona, then you know that there is something to entertain you on every street corner. If you haven't yet adventured through this city's miracles, then I guess you'll have to continue reading this article, as it might prove interesting. And take my word for granted when I say that there is no need to enter a theater, circus or cinema. You can get your daily portion of amusement and spirit right there, out in the street. Or, why not, even on the Metro (even though that might prove to be tiring sometimes, as there is no way of escaping it).
 
And, since there is no other better place to be entertained than Ramblas, that is the spot where all the "live" entertainment takes place. You can start your day by learning some football tricks from Ronaldinho himself or the other 2 football "specialists" (and whose abilities can be quite impressive) that bring the stadium out in the street. Continuing your way down the Ramblas, you'll be introduced to other more or less catchy living statues, get freaked out by the cat that suddenly jumps out of its hiding place, enjoy flamenco and tap steps, join the "hip-hop" crowd or simply be the clown's "toy" for a couple of minutes. As a more relaxing good-evening note, you can let yourself carried away by indian rhythms or act as a model for one of the numerous portrait-sketchers or painters that have their ateliers on the famous Las Ramblas.
 
Now, if we are to regard all this on-the-spot entertainment from a more professional point of view, than I can tell you that all this is known as buskering. I don't know how many of you are familiar with this term, but I have been experiencing this Barcelona characteristic without knowing it was being called like that. Apparently, buskering is a well-known way of fighting begging on the metros or on the streets and has been managed by Barcelona's Association of Street Musicians, in conjunction with public transport providers TMB. If you haven't noticed that, there are a couple of metro stations already that have a special place with special signs allocated to the buskers, in order for them to perform on a somehow legitimate basis.
 
One should know, however, that not anyone is allowed to do buskering. If some of the living statues you see on the street might be there "on their own risk", every person that you'll encounter performing on the metros or metro stations does have an "official approval". Buskers are supposed to pass an "audition" and pay a 36-euro fee if they are to successfully pass it. Once they have convinced the jury (formed of members of the Barcelona's Association of Street Musicians) that their abilities are real, they can start entertaining the public with their performances.
 
Having said all that, I hope I managed to give you a hint at how Barcelona's live entertainment looks like and that I somehow convinced you to try out one day. And- if you decide to do that, then don't hesitate to contact us, bcnloft.com, so that we can arrange for your accomodation in one of our lovely apartments and guide you through this beautiful and intriguing city called Barcelona.
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