Why Is Barcelona Called Blaugrana?

By Robert Palmer

Have you ever wondered why Barcelona is called Blaugrana? The answer lies in the history of this iconic football club.

The Origins

Barcelona Football Club was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, Spanish, and English footballers. The team wore blue and white striped shirts for their first few seasons. However, in 1909, the club was looking for a new kit design and decided to adopt the now-famous Blaugrana colors.

What Does Blaugrana Mean?

Blaugrana is a Catalan word that translates to “blue and deep red.” The club’s kit consists of blue and garnet stripes, which are representative of the colors of the Catalan flag. The shade of blue used on the shirt is usually royal blue or navy blue, while the garnet color is often referred to as “Barça red.”

Significance of the Colors

The adoption of these colors was not only a practical decision but also had political significance. In the early 20th century, Catalonia was facing political repression from the central government in Madrid. The adoption of these colors was seen as a symbol of Catalan identity and resistance against oppression.

Blue

The blue color on Barcelona’s shirt represents the sky above Montserrat, a mountain near Barcelona that holds great cultural significance for Catalans.

Garnet

The garnet color on Barcelona’s shirt represents the blood spilled during battles fought by Catalans throughout their history.

Evolution of Kit Design

Over time, Barcelona’s kit has gone through several changes while still retaining its iconic Blaugrana colors. In recent years, Nike has been responsible for designing Barcelona’s kits. They have experimented with different shades of blue and garnet as well as incorporating unique patterns into the shirt design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barcelona is called Blaugrana because of the blue and garnet colors on their kit. The adoption of these colors was not only a practical decision but also had political significance as a symbol of Catalan identity. As the club continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further changes to the design of their iconic kit.