La Rambla is possibly the most cosmopolitan of Barcelona, with the greatest diversity of people; passers-by, shoppers, tourists, civil servants, comedians, pick-pockets, street musicians and livingstatues. However, La Rambla was originally just a small stream flowing outside the city walls. In the 16th century a university and convents were built along the river, and in the 19th century the city wall was demolished and buildings were erected along the now dried up river. The name rambla refers to an intermittent water flow in both Catalan and Spanish, and is derived from the Arabic 'ramla' which means 'sandy riverbed'.
La Rambla actually consists of 5 different streets, which is why it is also called Las Ramblas (Les Rambles in catalan). I like the story behind La Rambla de Canaletes. The name originates from the 19th century Canaleta fountain, and according to legends, if you drink from this fountain you will keep returning to Barcelona. There is also an expression tied to the fountain ‘He drinks water from Canaletes’ (or in catalan “qui beu de canaletes, torna a la ciutat”) means that person comes from Barcelona.
The Spanish poet Federico García Lorca once said that La Rambla was ‘the only street in the world that I wish would never end’, and I think many people today can understand why!
For more information: http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/rambla.htm
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