Studio Ghibli inspired street wins Festes de Gràcia decorations contest

Barcelona's Festes de Gràcia are one of the most eagerly anticipated local celebrations of the summer in the Catalan capital, mainly because of its particular feature, the 'guarnits' - elaborate decorations made of recycled material that takes over dozens of streets.  

For months, neighbors get together to create the decorations based on a chosen theme, with each street decorated with a different theme. 

Towards the end of the Festes de Gràcia, a contest for the best 'guarnits' takes place. 

This year, Carrer Mozart won the first prize with 'MozartZakis' inspired by the creations of anime filmmakers Studio Ghibli. 

On this trip to Japan in the middle of Gràcia, visitors will find recreations of characters and films like 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Spirited Away'. 

Germán, a resident of Carrer Mozart, said that it was a "surprise" to win, despite some people had been telling them that they “deserved to get the first prize."  

Marcelo, another resident of the street, explained to the Catalan News Agency that Miyazaki's films, one of the founders of Studio Ghibli, usually "convey a message of antiwar, respect for nature, and a demonstration of women and women's power." 

The second prize has been awarded to Plaça Rovira i Trias, with decorations inspired by a Las Vegas wedding chapel. 

The third prize was for Carrer Jesús, which recreated a psychedelic disco, followed by Carrer Progrés's homage to videogames in the fourth position.  

In fifth place there was Carrer Tordera, which recreated a smack of jellyfish.