In our research we read that there was more than the normal affinity between some areas of Spain and Texas. More than one area of Spain feels about the Spanish government the way some of our more truculent fellow Texans feel about The U.S. Gubment. Oookaaay.
The “senyera” of the four provinces that make up Catalonia is simple yellow and red bars.
Seperatists, however have adopted an unofficial “estelada” that has flown for about 100 years.The Catalonian separatist sentiment goes back a ways in Spanish history. This is their “Lone Star Flag”. Look and sound familiar?
There is a more modern version of the esteslada (1972) that is all yellow/red. However, the blue/white estelada is much more prevelant hanging from balconies than either the senyera or the yellow/red estelada. Actually, there are lots of flags hanging around.
While walking on La Rambla Minor (Rambla Catalunya), we stopped for a beer and I received a long-neck. This is sort of unusual. Mostly beer here is served from draft in various sizes of glasses unless you get specific with your choices and sometimes those are not plentiful. The label got my attention. There is that lone star again.
Days later, on a lark, I tried to run a translation of the name. It came up! The first definition was “Nope”. How appropriate. But, this leads to questions. Is this a social comment referring to Spain (Madrid) or to the separatist movement or are we just supposed to look at it and not drink it? More research is needed!
Post Script (7/20/15) Research:
We never found another place that served Nolla so we asked a new Spanish friend about it. He had never heard of it but said that the separatists have taken to micro-brewing as a way to show their independence and to make a little cash as well.
After spending our last Spanish days with our friends Mike and Susan, we flew to the UK as they went to Madrid and then flew home out of Barcelona. But, not before they discovered Nolla at the old bull-fighting stadium. I guess the word is out! Nope!
