Pubilla
Encyclopedia
A pubilla in ancestral Catalan tradition was the female that would inherit the whole rural estate in the absence of a brother.
. The purpose was not to divide estates that were already too small to exploit in a profitable manner.
From mid 20th century onwards the image of the pubilla underwent a change; in present times the pubilla has a role similar to a local beauty queen
in local popular celebrations.
Sometimes the female gegants are dressed as a pubilla, like in Manresa
. Often the naming of a pubilla is a good occasion for a Catalan girl to dress in the traditional costume.
Tradition
She was the female version of the hereu or male heir of the whole inmoval property of the family. Traditionally, when there was no male heir, the eldest girl of the family would inherit the home and the estate in ancient CataloniaCatalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
. The purpose was not to divide estates that were already too small to exploit in a profitable manner.
From mid 20th century onwards the image of the pubilla underwent a change; in present times the pubilla has a role similar to a local beauty queen
Beauty Queen
"Beauty Queen" is the second song from Roxy Music's second album, For Your Pleasure. The lyrics refer to Ferry's girlfriend, Valerie Leon, one-time UK beauty queen, B-movie actress and model working in the Newcastle area, circa 1973.-Musicians:...
in local popular celebrations.
Sometimes the female gegants are dressed as a pubilla, like in Manresa
Manresa
Manresa is the capital of the Comarca of Bages, located in the geographic centre of Catalonia, Spain, and crossed by the river Cardener. It is an industrial area with textile, metallurgical, and glass industries. The houses of Manresa are arranged around the basilica of Santa María de la Seo....
. Often the naming of a pubilla is a good occasion for a Catalan girl to dress in the traditional costume.
See also
- Traditions of CataloniaTraditions of CataloniaThere are quite a number of festivals and traditions in Catalonia. While most are of ancient origin, certain traditions are of relatively recent introduction. There are also some that are common to the whole Catalan society, but others are relevant only to a particular location...
- Symbols of Catalonia
- Ciutat Pubilla de la Sardana
Literature
- Kathryn A. Woolard, Double talk: bilingualism and the politics of ethnicity in Catalonia, Stanford University Press (1989), ISBN 13 9780804715027