Geraniums, ferns and rubber plants, flags, banners and slogans, laundry and bikes. A balcony can be a personal green haven, a practical extension to a flat, a public noticeboard for political statements or all three at once.
Many Barcelona balconies display Catalan flags, often paired with Spanish ones, but there are a great variety of other origins and allegiances on display too. The residents of the Barceloneta district between the beach and the port proudly display the blue and yellow flag that is only available to local residents. Around the old town I spotted Swedish, Brazilian and Scottish flags and one (that I had to look up) for the Spanish region of Extramadura.
(Click on any image to view the gallery)
Beyond the Window Box 
November 30, 2017 at 9:17 am
Very interesting. I find the loyalty to regions both inspiring and frightening, I find myself conflicted. Identity is important but can be divisive and passive-aggressive.
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November 30, 2017 at 9:48 am
Yes, I agree. Interestingly you can see two different versions of the Catalan flag on the Barcelona balconies. The plain red and yellow striped flag is simply signifies the region while the one with the blue triangle and star is the flag of an independent Catalonia. You could (rightly or wrongly) read many subtle messages into the different juxtapositions.
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November 30, 2017 at 10:34 pm
It all becomes a bit intimidating…I think.
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