There are hardly any other clubs in the world that have equal weight, passion, and global recognition as the FC Barcelona football club. The club has a long history and a good reputation, which is represented by its fast style of playing, legendary players, and a nickname, the Blaugrana. But what is this word, and why is Barcelona called by it? To answer this, one would have to look into the history of the club, the culture of the club, and the symbolism of the well-known colors of the Catalan giants.
The Meaning of Blaugrana
The name of the language is Blaugrana, which is based on the Catalan language, which is spoken in Barcelona and in Catalonia in general. It means a mixture of two terms:
- “Blau” meaning blue
- Garnet or deep red.
At the same time, “Blaugrana” simply means blue and red. These are the two colors that the FC Barcelona is based on and they have been proudly emblazoned on the jersey, scarf, and symbol of the team for more than one hundred years.
Barcelona fans, journalists, and even other clubs call us Blaugrana as a short name to refer to Barcelona. Like Real Madrid, which is commonly referred to as Los Blancos (The Whites), Barcelona possesses its colors by the symbolic name.
Origins of the Famous Colors
Why blue and red is one of the largest questions of FC Barcelona. Although various stories and theories exist, no universal explanation is acceptable. Nevertheless, the most used ones are:
1. Hans Gamper’s Influence
FC Basel in Switzerland was also linked with the Swiss football fan Joan (Hans) Gamper, the founder of FC Barcelona in 1899. The colors of Basel were red and blue and many would think that Gamper took these colors to his new club.
2. Symbolism of Catalonia
The colors are said to have been used by some historians to indicate power, lust and pride, which were associated with the Catalan identity. Although it does not have any direct relation to the Catalan flag (La Senyera), the Blaugrana palette is now a source of regional pride.
3. A Practical Choice
According to another theory, the initial kits were selected due to the simple reason that the colors were present at that moment, so it was rather a practical than a symbolical choice. With time, however, these colors increasingly acquired a deeper sense.
No matter what the cause is, the blue and red pairing have become inseparable to the brand FC Barcelona.
Blaugrana as a Symbol of Identity
Blaugrana colors are not mere aesthetics to Barcelona supporters. They depict a high sense of unity and belonging. This image has been associated with the well-known motto of the club:
“Més que un ”club”—More than a club.
Blaugrana colors represent the spirit of Catalonia, resistance in the political struggle, and the value of creativity, freedom of choice, and community. The flags, red and blue, flown in the Camp Nou by fans make the sea of color that strengthens Barcelona not only locally but also internationally.
Blaugrana in Popular Culture
Outside the pitch, the name of the team, Blaugrana, is sung, chanted, and even painted. The FC Barcelona song sung before all the home matches mentions about the pride of the red and blue shirt. Blaugrana is included in merchandise, fan clubs all over the world, and even media outlets that belong to the team.
The cultural extension implies that even those who are not much into football would think immediately of Barcelona when they hear about the Blaugrana.
Legendary Blaugrana Players
The Blaugrana shirt has been worn by some of the greatest footballers in the world. Since the seventies, with Johan Cruyff, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and the legendary Lionel Messi, these players added a new meaning to the colors. Their playing in the red and blue stripes was a world spectacle, and this only bolstered the term “Blaugrana” in world football history.
Conclusion
Why not have Barcelona called Blaugrana, then? This is the solution because its iconic colors, blue and red, represent so much more than a football kit. They are a symbol of the club, the Catalan pride, their worldwide image, and the memorable moments that they have had in the stadium.
To the world fans, Blaugrana is not a nickname but a symbol of honor, unity and a reminder that FC Barcelona is indeed More than a club.