Friday, March 10, 2006
SPANISH FESTIVAL WILL MODERATE USE OF RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS
In Valencia's Fallas festival, sculptures of the high and mighty are mocked before being destroyed in an orgy of gunpowder and flames. It has survived attacks by the Catholic Church, puritanical rulers and the Franco dictatorship.
But self-censorship has seen Muslim and Arab figures modified this year to avoid offence.
Last month, Valencia's Mayor, Rita Barbera, urged artists to "temper freedom with a sense of responsibility" when referring to religious subjects.
"Temper freedom with a sense of responsibility"...one can only hope the concept will spread!
