Memorials grow along site of deadly attack in Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain — An ever-expanding jumble of flags, candles, teddy bears and flowers grew Friday at the base of Barcelona’s ornate Canaletes Fountain, where a local legend says that those who drink from the monument will fall in love with the city and always return.
The makeshift memorial sprang up with others along the historic Las Ramblas promenade, the site of a van attack that killed 13 people, injured 120 others and brought Islamic extremism to the heart of Catalonia.
Jesus Borrull, a lifelong resident, gently pushed through the crowd to kneel and pray in front of the Canaletes monument, which for two centuries has been a symbol of the city and a meeting spot for FC Barcelona soccer fans after a victory.
“The only thing we can do is go forward with peace and goodness,” he said. “Even though it’s difficult, we have to do it.”