International Tattoo Convention - Teaser

This weekend we see the return of the international tattoo convention to Barcelona. We went last year, and you can check out the the photos beneath to get an idea of what its all about, but if you haven't already figured it out, it's all about tattoos. The event is full of all sorts of weird and wonderful people, and if you never wanted a tatto then you will do after this. The event runs for all of Saturday and Sunday @| Farga de L’Hospitalet and it cost about 10 euros to get in so get down there and check out the buzz.

Civil and Workers Rights Strike Turns to Riot In Barcelona - Huelga - 29 September

For any of you who missed what went down in Barcelona yesterday, here's a video that shows you a condensed version of the strike,  held for the sake of workers and civil rights, which swiftly turned into a riot. There were police wielding batons, a lot of upturned rubbish bins, burning police cars and a good dose of general mayhem.  But as serious as the event have might been, I still wonder if it will do any good...

Fotos de la Merce Festival

The weekends over....... Here are some stunning photos to bring back warm memories and keep you going until Friday. Thanks Luiza for these.

By: Luiza Helena de Barros Lacava
www.flickr.com/photos/luizalacava


www.relevantbcn.com

Manu Chao Vs los Mossos d'Esquadra

Spanish

Un lunes por la tarde decidimos hacer una vuelta por la Barceloneta y tomar algo. Al acercarnos a un bar de un callejon se ve luz, musica y muchas caras sonrientes. Habia gente de todas las edades, unos 15 personas. Nos damos cuenta que el que canta y toca la guitarra es nada mas ni nada menos que Manu Chao. Se ve que habia pasado por este bar de barrio y habia decidido tocar y cantar un rato nada mas que para la diversion de la gente que estaba. La gente con palmas y bailando en un espacio pequeñito en este pequeño bar de barrio, niños y adultos igual.

De repente se encienden las luces de un coche de los Mossos fuera del bar, y la musica para. “A mi me la suda Manu Chao” Dice el Policia “No esta permitido la musica en directo”

Como mola el Barcelona que nos estan intentando crear ultimamente, no? Civisme o estado policial?

English

Walking around the district of Barceloneta in Barcelona on a Monday evening we decide to grab a drink. As we approach a small backstreet bar we see and hear lights and music and a group of about 15 people. It is none other than Manu Chao playing his guitar and singing to people of all ages. People are clapping their hands and dancing and everyone has a smile on their face.
It turns out Manu decided to pass by this little local bar with his guitar and play purely for the enjoyment of those who would find themselves there.

After a few minutes the lights of a police car light up outside the door. The owner, scared out of her wits, goes to speak to the Police “It’s Manu Chao, he is just playing for us privately!”

“I don’t give a fuck about Manu Chao, live music is not permitted”

That was the end, of course.

Barcelona lately – the local government are intent on destroying all that made this city the greatest.

Oli has got a point here.....go deal with some real crime!

Make sure you check out oli's great web page for more adventures and words of wisdom.

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www.olibenet.com