"Qué Bonito Es Badalona" is a song by Joan Manuel Serrat, a Spanish singer-songwriter. The song is an ode to the city of Badalona, a municipality in Catalonia, Spain. The lyrics describe different elements and places in Badalona, such as the street, the square, the municipal building, the corner, the fountain, and the national school. It also mentions the statue, the bridge, and the general road. The song paints a picture of everyday life in the city, including a dead dog on the side of the road and construction workers in their work shirts. The chorus expresses the beauty of Badalona in both winter and summer. It mentions the traditional clothing including the "mantilla" (a traditional Spanish lace veil worn by women) and the "barretina" (a traditional Catalan hat). The song celebrates the city's old and young inhabitants, both men and women, with their surnames, names, and addresses. The lyrics further mention the identity card of the city and the different aspects of Badalona's culture and traditions. It mentions the beach, the sand, the station, the Renfe (the national railway company in Spain), and the tree-lined Rambla. The song alludes to festive events such as Corpus (a Catholic holiday) with streamers and firecrackers, as well as Christmas with fireworks. In the summer, the beach and the picnic area are filled with foreigners wearing revealing clothing. Overall, "Qué Bonito Es Badalona" is a homage to the beauty and charm of Badalona, portraying it as a vibrant and culturally-rich city with its own unique identity. The song highlights both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of everyday life in the city.
