History, Contemporary Politics, Urban Image, and Graffiti of Barcelona

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the historical eras, contemporary Catalan politics, global branding events, and street art history of Barcelona.

Laietans

The first occupants of Barcelona during Roman times.

Barcino

The settlement created by Rome in the 3rd Century BC, connected to other European cities through Romanization.

Siege of Barcelona (1701-1714)

A conflict during the War of Spanish Succession between Charles of Austria (supported by Catalonia) and Philip V (winner) that placed Barcelona under military surveillance for two centuries via the Citadel, Montjuiic, and the Wall.

Francoism (1939-1975)

A period during which the city of Barcelona decayed under political oppression.

1978 Spanish Constitution

Established Spain as a Parliamentary Monarchy and reestablished the Generalitat de Catalunya.

Statute of Catalan Autonomy (2005/6)

A regional statute that was watered down before receiving approval by Spain.

Ateneu Popular

Civic centers centered on solidarity, social integration, and acceptance through access to culture and defense of language.

Neighbors Association

Civic organizations created in the 1960s and 1970s that give local conflicts a city dimension.

1888 World Fair

A major event that reorganized Barcelona through the development of Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Sant Joan, and Las Ramblas/Columbus Monument.

1929 International Exposition

A major event focused on Montjuic, Plaza Espanya, Catalunya, Universitat, and "Cleaning Gothic Quarter".

Fura dels Baus

The performance group behind the 1992 Olympic Opening Ceremony that emphasized the Mediterranean Sea.

Cobi

The character created by artist Javier Mariscal during the urban and cultural transformation of the 1992 Olympic Games.

Face of Barcelona

A public sculpture created by famous American artist Roy Lichtenstein.

2004 Forum of Cultures

A large-scale corporate-funded event focusing on sustainability, peace, and diversity that transformed 22@, Diagonal Mar, La Mina, Parc de la Forum, and Glories with the Agbar Tower.

Tag

A basic type of graffiti consisting of words rendered in a single color.

Throw-up / Bombing

A style of graffiti that consists of a more complex tag using two colors.

Piece

An elaborate style of graffiti featuring three or more colors, typically legal or commissioned.

Post-graffiti

Street art techniques emerging after the 1990s, including aerosol and stencils, posting stickers, and other alternative methods.

2006 Ordinance on Civic Behavior

Legislation that instituted penalties for consuming alcohol in the street, playing soccer in the street, and creating graffiti in public places.

Tres Xemeneies

A designated area created by the Barcelona City Council where anyone is permitted to make street art.

Roc BlackBlock

A street artist associated with a notable controversy regarding graffiti depicting Pablo Hasel and the Spanish King.