Introduction
You may not know it, but one of the most famous squares in Barcelona is named after John Lennon. But it was not always like this. In the early 90's this plaza was in a very bad condition. It was full of garbage and graffiti, and there were no benches or children's games.
Luckily, things started to change in 1992. That's when the city decided to rebuild the plaza. They put in new pavement, a fountain, and some swings and slides. And they also installed a huge metal plaque with the words "Give peace a chance" (Give peace a chance), from one of John Lennon's most famous songs.
Barcelonians loved this new square, and in 1993 they voted to name it after John Lennon. Since then, the square has been a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
John Lennon Square: A place to celebrate peace
Surely you've seen pictures of it on the news: John Lennon's square in Gràcia, a quiet place in the heart of Barcelona that was rebuilt in the early 90s. It's a very popular place among Barcelonans and locals. visitors, thanks to its 1,500 square meters of extension and its swings and fountain. It is a place very frequented by Barcelonans and visitors, thanks to its 1,500 square meters, swings and a fountain.
But what you may not know is that this square has a special meaning. It was named in honor of John Lennon, the legendary singer-songwriter and Beatles member assassinated in 1980. The square was rebuilt in 1993 as part of Barcelona's efforts to revitalize rundown areas, and was inaugurated with a special ceremony featuring the performance by Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow.
Since then, the square has become a popular gathering place for local residents, who have held protests and demonstrations there with Beatles music playing in the background. In fact, more than one Beatles song has served as a rallying cry for the people of Barcelona.
The history of Barcelona's John Lennon Square
At the beginning of the 1990s, Barcelona was in the middle of the process of rebuilding degraded spaces. An example is this square of 1,500 square meters, with swings and a fountain.
The well-known John Lennon song "Give Peace a Chance" is inscribed on the metallic vinyl that presides over the square. The pacifist spirit of the Liverpool singer-songwriter won the hearts of the neighborhood, which elected him by popular vote in 1993. Since then, more than one Beatles title has led neighborhood petitions and protests.
The Community of Gràcia and its connection to John Lennon
John Lennon Square is a popular spot in Barcelona's Gràcia neighborhood. It was renovated in the early 1990s and has become a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The square houses several playgrounds and a fountain.
The most interesting thing is that in the square there is a large metal plate with the lyrics of John Lennon's song "Give Peace a Chance". Lennon's anti-war message resonated with locals, who voted to name the square after him in 1993. Since then, many of Lennon's Beatles songs have served as rallying cries to locals at protests and demonstrations.
How the square has been used as a symbol of peace
Plaza John Lennon has also become a symbol of peace and reconciliation in the Gràcia neighbourhood. It is a place where neighbors come together to discuss problems and solutions, as well as organize activities such as concerts. But not only that: Lennon's famous song Give peace a chance is inscribed on the metal vinyl that presides over the square, recalling the pacifist message of the English singer-songwriter.
Over the years, the square has earned the respect of the neighborhood thanks to its symbol of peace; even songs by The Beatles have led neighborhood protests and demands.
What events are held in John Lennon Square?
In this square, commemorative acts are also held to honor the work of John Lennon. Every year, in the month of October, 'John Lennon Day' is celebrated, an anniversary with free musical performances for all the residents of the neighbourhood. During the months of May and June, plants are given away to reforest a small forest next to the square.
In addition, various groups have carried out different activities such as children's workshops, photographic exhibitions on the Beatles and recitals in honor of other emblematic figures of contemporary music.
The most notable commemoration dates back to 2014 when the 50th anniversary of John Lennon's song Give peace a chance coincided. The residents celebrated this milestone with a magnetic peaceful march that started from this square to nearby squares such as Las Glorias and Verdaguer.
Conclusion
The square is a symbol of peace and reconciliation in the neighborhood, and was chosen by the residents in 1993 through a vote. The plaza is adorned with a metallic vinyl with John Lennon's song "Give Peace a Chance" inscribed on it. The spirit of the Liverpool singer-songwriter has won the hearts of residents and they have used his music to support his claims and protests.