The fine folks of Barcelona (and La Merce)

The city of Barcelona celebrates an Annual Festival called La Merce.  

This year celebrated its 150th official celebration. The festival is centered on the Feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, which in Catalan is "La Mare de Déu de la Mercè", and has done so since 1871 shortly after the Pope recognized the Virgin as the "Patroness of Barcelona".  (It should be noted that the city had bestowed this title on her, specifically on a revered statue in a church in the Gotica district, 200 years before.) The feast itself has been held on September 24th since the middle ages, possible as far back as 1218 with the founding of the Order of Mercy by two Saints, Saint Peter Nolasc and Saint Ramon de Penyafort, and King James the Conqueror. 

Being here in Barcelona this year, I had pointed out to a few of my Barcelonian friends that Judy's birthday is also September 24, and, to a person, they all agreed that the festival was also to celebrate Judy's birthday, and that the fireworks display that was a major part of the activities was also to honor Judy on her Birthday.  I have letters from them that confirm this. (I think these are among the most generous people I have ever met . . . )

Therefore, a small shot of "Judy's" fireworks can be seen below.

The full 28 minute movie is available here:

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipN0hdcIV06Yv5EfAisYXPuzPg_KFtO7PyOvKfX2

https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mare_de_D%C3%A9u_de_la_Merc%C3%A8