Holiday morning in the cozy and central Plaza Reial at the mouth of the 20th century. It was an attractive and unallocated space, because after a while it became the permanent setting for the qualified philately and numismatics market; Fortunately it remained that way: it undoubtedly enhances the category of the place.
The custom of dancing sardanas, however, did not resist the seduction exerted there. Perhaps it was more comfortable and friendly than the Ciutadella park, although it offered other qualities, such as the vegetal environment and the protective kiosk for the cobla, especially in case of rain.
This popular dance soon gained followers as innovative music from composers provided melodies and rhythms that drove and made it easy to follow quickly.
We must also take into account the particularities that the rotllana offered, especially at that time. It was a free meeting point that needed no introduction or recommendations. The only thing required was to know how to dance with a minimum of success so as not to create difficulties for others. To join the circle it was enough to place oneself at a point that did not break the obligatory alternation of genders (girl-boy), only tolerated in the event that women or men were missing. Such was the basic rule; neither social status nor age had the slightest relevance, on the contrary.
The photograph shows what has been said: elegant hats, whether bowler hats or not, rule, but there is also an official's flat cap and a simple worker's cap. At the moment, only one woman: it was not frequent.
This dance encouraged making tricks; it was exciting not being able to dream of a major concession. The contact of the hands was necessary, when serving to communicate technical information about the piece performed. In each circle there was a person who counted and distributed the exact steps that had to be marked.
It was a point not only of meeting, but also of love. The correspondence between the musician Toldrà and his friend Capdevila, focused on this environment, provides details of the curious atmosphere that reigned and even tyrannized the couple.
The Franco dictatorship did not grant permission to dance sardanas again until six in the afternoon on a significant July 18, but 1943.
