Benvinguts al Cabanyal (Welcome to El Cabayal)

The severe threat of extinction haunts El Cabanyal, and yet this neighbourhood refuses to cease to exist. We believe this resistance is noteworthy; it should be wider known and completely deserves our support. The best way we can support our neighbours who fight for the refurbishment of their homes is by publishing this book of collective authorship.

For its preparation, we have conducted interviews with the local people who currently live there, as well as written testimonies, fragments of literary works, and articles and news stories found in diverse publications. Forty illustrators and graphic artists have collaborated in this project: they have explored the long and windy streets of the neighbourhood in search of meaningful stories that will help inform those who do not know them, and will also reveal unusual and interesting aspects to many neighbours. In one way or another, every story speaks of the people of El Cabanyal, because there is no doubt that it is people who create a place. Welcome to El Cabanyal is above all a book of illustrated memories.

As we mention in the introduction: welcome to El Cabanyal, an extraordinary place where people still say “bon dia” (good morning) and “bona nit” (good night)