The premiere of the star of the Sagrada Família starts with ‘castells’, giants and Àliga

The lighting ceremony of Maria’s star, which aspires to become another symbol of Barcelona and the highest point of the basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí until the dome of Jesus ends up surpassing it, it was opened this morning to the rhythm of sardana with the interpretation by the Cobla de Sant Jordi of ‘La sardana de les monges’, composed in 1919 by Enric Morera, a contemporary of the brilliant architect. Deathly silence from the 2,000 people who have been able to access the basilica prior reservation of entry. Pandemic stuff.

This Wednesday was the first time that the temple has received the honors of popular culture. Not in vain the Sagrada Família wants to get closer to the city and the neighborhood, a neighborhood sometimes sick of the crowds, and its consequent discomforts, which the temple attracts. Thus, the popular festival has been in a big way, but without the highest authority in Barcelona. The mayor Ada Colau has not made an appearance. Yes, the ‘president’ of the Generalitat Pere Aragonès and the cardinal of Barcelona Joan Josep Omella have done it. Also the deputy mayor Albert Batlle.

Pillars in front of the altar

What we were going to. The giants of the Holy Family they have received those from Barcelona, ​​for a reason they were the hosts. And immediately afterwards, the most solemn moment of the ceremony took place: the parade, for the first time in the history of the basilica, of the Gegants of Barcelona and the Àliga to the altar. Goose bumps among the public that has reached the peak when the Castellers de la Sagrada Família have raised two pillars, also in front of the altar. Or what is the same, under the tower of Mary.

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Applause from the audience. And sardana, ‘Davant la Verge’, danced by four Sardanist ‘colles’ to give way to another more than solemn moment: the Àliga dance, the only starter with the historic privilege of dancing before the altar. More applause, more goosebumps, and more dancing. The big-headed Macers have performed the dance that has given way to the joy of the Gegants of Barcelona, ​​present in the great liturgical and civic celebrations of the city since 1424. Music and dance marked by the applause of the public. And final jubilation.

The ceremony inside the temple has ended with the Offering of the ‘geganta’ and Àliga bouquets, and the words of Cardinal Omella: “I thank Antoni Gaudí for having conceived this wonderful project that unites us. Thank you all. “The next appointment of the festivities is the solemn mass this afternoon, the subsequent blessing of the tower of Mary and the lighting of the star.