Drawn in by the sight of dancers frozen in stone. You stand before the Monument a la Sardana Sculpture. It stands as a tribute to Catalonia’s beloved dance.
The Monument a la Sardana Sculpture was created by Josep Cañas. He collaborated with Carles Amadon on this artwork. Inaugurated in 1966 it originally stood at the entrance to the Montjuïc fairground. The fairground operated from 1966 to 1998.
The Monument a la Sardana Sculpture represents eight people dancing the sardana. They are specifically depicted in the “llargs” position. This is indicated by their raised hands. The sculpture is made of limestone from Ulldecona. It measures 2.61 meters in height and 4.72 meters in width. An inscription reads “La sardana és la dansa més bella”. It translates to “The sardana is the most beautiful dance”.
In 2009 a plaque was added to honor the Colla Sardanista Violetes del Bosc dance group. The inscription reads “Barcelona a la colla sardanista Violetes del Bosc”.
Unfortunately the Monument a la Sardana Sculpture has faced challenges. In October 2020 it was vandalized. The hands of the eight dancers were amputated. This act deeply saddened the sardanista community.
The city of Barcelona undertook restoration. The sculptor Abel Vallhonesta carried out the work. The restoration cost 28500 euros. Two sets of original arms and hands were repaired. Six missing sets were recreated. Clay and plaster models were used to replicate the stone parts. The restored Monument a la Sardana Sculpture was unveiled on March 13 2022.
The Monument a la Sardana Sculpture has a fascinating history. It was vandalized but it was lovingly restored. The monument stands as a symbol of Catalan identity. It embodies the spirit of community and resilience. As you admire this sculpture remember its journey. Feel the rhythm of the sardana and celebrate Catalan culture.