Fair of Indians

Indianos Fair

In the nineteenth century many begurenses were forced to travel to America, especially Cuba, in order to make a fortune as coca grower sector crisis, the main economic activity on which the population held Begur , affected this population .

It is estimated that over 500 begurenses undertook this trip and, with his return, determined the architectural appearance of the town with the construction of ostentatious houses. Just walk down the street to check Bonaventura.

In fact, it is considered that the reason for their new homes in colonial style in the sense of longing for the land where they had lived in recent years and that they intended, with them, recreate the lifestyle they had in Latin America.

Every year, in early September, held in Begur Indianos Fair reminds us of the relationship established between Cuba and this population. Throughout these days are all kinds of activities that recall the history of the "Indians". However, one of the most important activities and schedules of the fair is the market, which recreates an Indian market at the time where you can get products from overseas, for example, coffee.

The Habanera in Palafrugell

Palafrugell or Calella de Palafrugell is known today as the cradle of the Catalan Havana, genre introduced by the "Indians".

The link of Palafrugell with the Americas is based basically on colonial trade that developed in the mid-eighteenth century through the contacts and open house they had in Cadiz because, at that time, the city of Cadiz had the monopoly of trade with the other continent.

The Havana or what is known as "American" have become the main musical contribution Cuba has given to our country. Thus, Palafrugell is known throughout our territory, for that musical practice consolidated since 1967, with encouragement from the author of the habanera "the meu avi" is held annually, the Habanera Festival of Calella de Palafrugell .

Moreover, Palafrugell also retained traces architectural "indianos". The main street of the town is the most full of buildings for this colonial style. You can route the "Americans" that develops in Palafrugell which passes through fifteen points of interest. It begins in the house of the Bassa Rocks Llofriu , a family linked to Cuba and emigrated to this country where they developed a cultural activity. In the building you will find a brief explanation of the route, the family and the home.

Architecture "indiana"

The great visual and physical footprint that preserves the "Indians" currently, are the buildings that were built when returning enriched his adventure across the Atlantic.

The profile of the "Indian" returning was characterized as a rich illustrated responsible building palaces and mansions in colonial style, where they are present porches, balconies, galleries overseas landscape paintings ...

Also, these buildings stand by their surroundings, the house is well set, arcaded courtyards, interior gardens and ornate entrances, plantations of American origin (such as palm trees).

Many Catalan coastal municipalities around reurbanizaron with these, as in the case of Sant Feliu de Guixols . Although there is evidence that only returned 48% of the guixolencs who left, they raised their new homes in this population, which allowed them to remember his life in Cuba.

Urban space where are located the largest number of buildings of the era is the Passeig de Mar. This peculiar buildings are preserved as the Casino dels Nois, Patxot home, among others. What do you think if we end the walking path there?