The main candidates for mayor of Barcelona have just posed for the already traditional photograph of La Vanguardia during the day of reflection.
The mayoress and mayor of BComú, Ada Colau, the republican Ernest Maragall, the socialist Jaume Collboni, the former mayor of Junts Xavier Trias, and also Eva Parera, of Valents, Anna Grau, of Ciudadanos, and Daniel Sirera, of the PP, went up this morning at the Consulate of the Sea, which is the name of the boat owned by the Port of Barcelona moored next to the World Trade Center, to be remembered on such a special day next to the Jarra de las las guineanas of the America's Cup.
And the truth is that they all held up very well, this last effort after two tremendously intense and ultimately exhausting weeks of campaigning. In reality, the fatigue of politicians was more reflected in their advisers, always at their side, always in the shadows, but always there. Many journalists also attended the event.
The atmosphere between the candidates was at all times the sea of cordial. It gives the impression that the criticisms, accusations and even the disqualifications proffered this campaign did not make as much of a dent as one might think in the closest relations between them.
Political chroniclers with more tables in this city say that it is a very Barcelona trait, that setting up similar initiatives in, for example, Madrid, are practically impossible, that things work differently there, that here politicians are more eager to understand each other
The truth is that at this time there is no more firewood or wood, nor more luck to throw. The cards are already on the table. Tomorrow is the big day.
Xavier Cervera, head of the photography section of La Vanguardia, was in charge of clicking the camera, and also putting some order among the candidates, who followed his instructions without question. "Close your eyes, and when I count three, open them! Ready? One, two and...".
Gremlins and goblins also appeared, and suddenly a spyglass was lost, and at times it seemed that it would be forced to change plans, but then, very soon, the contraption appeared. It was next to the captain's helm.
A look at the newspaper library shows the evolution of these historic snapshots, as election after election seems more complex and daring. It is also a more complicated job each year. The photographer in question has very little time. The candidates' schedules are very tight, even during the day of reflection, when they can no longer ask for a vote.
Because politicians also have families, a few loved ones whom they barely saw during these last two weeks and who now also ask for their attention. "Mom, what's the plan today?"
No, this afternoon they will not stay on the sofa, watching TV.
