Edinburgh Night Afore Fiesta 2005-2006

(This event is now past)

The Night Afore events begin in with the UK Premiere of THE CATALAN PARADE. Catalan dancers, musicians and performers led by a mass of pipe and drums, the PIPE BANDS OVERTURE, will march from the Mound to George Street.

The event will also see the UK Premiere of THE CASTELLERS. More than 150 Catalonians from all walks of life will raise a human tower in the heart of Edinburgh in a breathtaking feat of skill and bravery. Featuring one of Catalonia’s foremost company of Castellers, THE MINYONS OF TERRASSA, this will be a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Catalonia’s street theatre company L’AVALOT will bring monsters, mayhem and pyrotechnics to George Street in a spectacular performance entitled DINMAQUIA.

The Scottish contingent includes The PORTOBELLO CEILIDH BAND will perform at the SCOTTISH CEILIDH STAGE and partygoers will be invited to join the WORLD’S LONGEST STRIP-THE-WILLOW.

The Catalonian theme continues with a season classic Catalan cinema, including screenings of Pedro Almodovar’s ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER and Bigos Luna’s JAMON, JAMON at the Filmhouse. Delicious Catalan Food will also be available on George Street during THE NIGHT AFORE INTERNATIONAL and the best of Catalonia cuisine will be available at leading Edinburgh restaurants, Iggs, Tappas Tree, Tappas Ole and Urban Angel.

The NIGHT AFORE INTERNATIONAL also offers clubbers a Scottish treat with Edinburgh’s own DJ Joe Malik at the Assembly Rooms.

More information......

CATALONIA MEETS CALEDONIA AT EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY NIGHT AFORE CARNIVAL

In a triple UK first, at the NIGHT AFORE INTERNATIONAL on Friday 30 December, Edinburgh will host the largest celebration of Catalonian culture ever staged outside Spain.

The NIGHT AFORE INTERNATIONAL will begin in spectacular style with THE CATALAN PARADE, which has been specially produced in Barcelona and includes a large contingent of Scottish participants. The parade begins at 7.45pm when Catalan dancers, musicians and performers led by a mass of pipe and drums, the PIPE BANDS OVERTURE, will march from Mound Square to George Street.

From 8.00pm until 11.00pm, George Street will be transformed into a massive carnival celebrating Scottish and Catalan street theatre, music and dance.

The event will see the first appearance in the UK of THE CASTELLERS. 180 Catalonians of all ages and from all walks of life will raise a human tower in the heart of Edinburgh in a breathtaking feat of skill and bravery. Featuring Catalonia’s foremost company of Castellers, THE MINYONS OF TERRASSA, this will be a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Catalonia’s premier street theatre company L’AVALOT will bring monsters, mayhem and pyrotechnics to George Street in the spectacular performance piece DINMAQUIA.

Also performing will be THEATRE ALEA, OSADIA, BANDO DEL SURDO and, from Amsterdam, CLOSE ACT, completing an unforgettable night of theatre and live music.

Complimenting the Catalan performers, The PORTOBELLO CEILIDH BAND and MARK SAUL, Australia’s finest piper will perform at the SCOTTISH CEILIDH STAGE and from 9.15pm until 9.30pm, partygoers will be invited to join the world’s longest

STRIP-THE-WILLOW

Pete Irvine, Director Unique Events said: ‘The Night Afore International will be the largest concentration of Spanish and Catalan culture yet seen in the UK. We are delighted to be welcoming 300 performers from Barcelona and across Catalonia to Scotland, offering our hospitality in the best traditions of Hogmanay.’

Albert Carrillo, President dels Minyons de Terrassa commented: ‘We are extremely excited about bringing our human towers to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and look forward to dazzling you with an unforgettable performance.’

Santiago Salas, Consul General of Spain said: ‘This exciting blend of Catalan festive celebration with traditional Scots Hogmanay, I am sure, will prove to be a unique experience. It is something I am looking forward to with great anticipation.’