The Sardana

Some say the sardana as a dance goes all the way back to the 16th century. It is possible. It was certainly popular by the 19th/20th century, though, and has now become yet one more symbol of Catalan nationalism as they push for independence from Madrid.

The small band that provides the music is called a cobla, typically an 11-member ensemble. Note the unusual wind instruments in the front row–these are sort of like oboes of various registers (but, on steroids!) and are responsible for the strange, perhaps even medieval-like, sound of the group.

You can see and hear what I mean about the dance and the music in this YouTube video from the very place I made the images on this post–the plaza in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. (Dances go on there during the summer months every Saturday starting at 6p.m. and every Sunday starting at noon. There may also be a dance on Wednesday at 6p.m. as well–ask around.)