How Grannies Are Saving Spain From a Heat Wave

These talented crochet grannies are cooling down the streets of Spain during the summer months. 🇪🇸
Their colorful creations are making Alhaurín de la Torre an amazing destination for tourists and locals.
#Crochet #Spain #Travel #GreatBigStory
00:00 A Reservoir Dogs intro
00:39 Its hot. Might be too hot.
1:14 Crochet is cool.
2:07 Wet Wool
2:20 Meet the crew
3:13 Antonio Banderas in the sheets
4:17 A woolly divorce
4:51 Town Reaction
Lead Producer - Chris Agathangelou
Executive Producer - Genevieve Ingham
Camera - Alberto Chelleri
Editor - Stuart Smillie
Special Thanks to - Canal Torrevisión Alhaurín De la Torre
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[@GreatBigStory]

What does your granny love to do? 🥹 Crochet, knit, make your fave food? Tell us 👇

[@marthacastro9162]

I crochet, knit, macrame, etc...and this video made me so happy!

[@kaceybongarzone4977]

Crochet and cook for family 💚🤍❤️

[@navchinna]

Damn, the grannies passed the vibe check ✅️

[@GreatBigStory]

Yesss 👏👌

[@fabienneroure9995]

They totally did!❤😘👍

[@carmengomez3748]

As crochet is a typical activity of people in Spain, this idea has spreaded to other little towns in Spain. Gracias, señoras ❤❤

[@GreatBigStory]

LOVE this 👏

[@andrew_ywr1312]

Helping others while enjoying yourself and giving in into your passions is really the best feeling out there.

[@GreatBigStory]

It's beautiful. Creativity has no age limits 🥹👏

[@Pingalu2]

This is a lovely tradition they are starting. If the local government helps to keep these up, they could be a tourist attraction in 20 years, and they probably don't even know it!

[@tomwobus1482]

It does look nice but it is ironic that most tourist will travel by plane or car which means more co2 emissions to get their pictures📸📸📸

[@ShintogaDeathAngel]

There's also the issue of maintenance - I love the idea but they will get worn at the points they're hanging from, and can harbour dirt etc that can fall onto people walking below, over time. As long as they're maintained/cleaned/replaced as needed it's a good solution, and has the added bonus of looking attractive, too.

[@ishikawagoemon4397]

Now that's actually impressive work there.

[@GreatBigStory]

Right! Cool grannies FTW 🥹👏❤

[@henrythebananaboy]

@@GreatBigStoryhi

[@osmia]

+

[@MelodiedeVivre]

now if those synthetic yarn is made out of recycled materials and is more towns use this. wow it would make a big difference

[@leapintothewild]

Yes! I’ve knitted a few projects with recycled polyester yarn, and a scarf with sari silk yarn that’s made of leftover scraps from making saris - it’s gorgeous but pricey. And people use strips of plastic grocery bags to make sleep mats for the homeless here in the US - dense, durable and kinda bouncy so they’re actually comfortable. Using scraps and recycling materials is traditional in sewing, but seems more recent with yarn.

[@InAHollowTree]

@@leapintothewild I think this commentor might have meant the actual tiny fibers of the acrylic yarn being made of recycled plastic. I had a rug recently that was made from fiber of transformed plastic bottles. It was indistinguishable from one made from new fibers. Recycling technology has really gotten amazing!

[@rubinkuppel1]

I would like all plastic fibres to leave , recycling means again there and leaving particles even more. I do hope another solution will come. But how nice it looks!!! So merry!

[@Soldrakenn]

Unfortunately they will wither and become microplastics, it's to bad the natural yarns won't work.

[@christinemoccia477]

Respect, cherish and protect the elders. They are the heart and glue of a community!!!! God bless them!!!!!

[@raycenteno7698]

I've actually heard that some of the Spanish royals actually visited these grannies. It was in one of Spain's newspapers. I forgot which one it was called though.

[@renimon100]

My mother always believed that the mothers “unidas” are going to save the world. Well done!

[@Baselle]

Love the different types of crochet: freeform, filet, mosaic, and the granny square!

[@louise2209]

The crochet parasol in the background of Eva is so beautiful. Their awnings are art.

[@wendybutler1681]

I was eying that parasol, too. So unique!

[@penelopesheehan5927]

Wow! Talk about thinking globally and acting locally! These ladies are heroes for our time!

[@user-sc9lr6kz8t]

What a sweet group of women making beautiful-and functional- art for their town!

[@dragonluvver975]

Imagine how cool pictures of the town are gonna look with all the crochet canopies!

[@bvillebikelady3651]

Brilliant! The spaces in the crocheted pieces allow for air exchange, keeping the air moving. Great work,ladies!

[@citizenoftheearth6]

yes. I can't believe someone first thought of plastic.

[@cymtastique]

It's a beautiful way to have people contribute to their city! Amazing!

[@Kittykat5kits]

Women saving the world!

[@dittedatte8046]

One Stitch at the Time...🧶🪡🪢

[@janelawrence98]

Yes with kindness ❤

[@rwdswght4057]

And that's exactly what all of humanity should be 💜

[@FreePigeon]

When someone said they cover the town in acrylic crochet, I thought they meant it was like crochet-bombing, which is just fancy littering. But these awnings are cool, I'd love to make a panel to add.

[@gprincess428]

lol crochet bomb is not fancy littering 😂😂😂

[@iamnothale]

@@gprincess428 We used to shame people with ban-hammer for saying things like that.

[@teresaoconnell4790]

If you shade the side of your home , your home will be cooler. We are able to cool our home with 1 window unit, if we shade the hottest side of our home. Wow, they prefer synthetic because it does not absorb Moisture and become too heavy! Good tip!

[@Gr95dc]

Buenisimo, que hayan logrado disminuir 5 grados la temperatura con los toldos es magnífico. Las ciudades cada vez necesitan más sombra, idealmente yo diría que de árboles, pero cuando no se puede con árboles esto está genial.

[@knittylane3016]

I’m part of a knitting circle at my church. It’s so nice to be working on projects with other folks to talk with. We do prayer shawls for the sick and scarves and hats for the needy for winter. Love it!

[@johncarter4411]

Imagine if every place in every city has crochet awnings, that would be fantastic! I love to crochet.

[@evasco1979]

This is so nice to see! At first I thought "why not trees", but crochet has its own special place there.

[@functionoflightone]

This is just amazing! Just a win all round. Bless these ladies, their gifts, and a local government with vision.

[@debbiej.2168]

Fantastic! I hope the town chips in for the yarn.

[@EnderDragonGamerz02]

Thank you big story for comming back

[@GreatBigStory]

Thank you for rocking with us 🥹🫶

[@martina5296]

What a fantastic community of support and making their town look pretty fashionable and stylish. Such talented ladies. I really loved the crochet patterns that have silhouettes in the design. Seems that the "grannies" are getting more out of crocheting than they probably realize. Sounds like an opportunity to get other involved in hobbies that can support their community while helping those keep busy and enjoying life as much as they can who are house bound, hospitalized, lonely, and even suffering from types of dementia. More plants would help keep the hardscape cooler as well.

[@tracyroake2815]

That's the most beautiful thing I've seen!

[@emarie6686]

The crew is ICONIC ❤❤❤

[@extraincomesuz]

I'm a knitter but know how to crochet. I need an awning for my house and you gave me a great idea!!🎉😂❤❤

[@ericherman5413]

They're lovely. Thank you, ladies. You are doing good things!

[@elisemiller13]

Fantastic! Granny power! Honor the elders! They know a thing or two! And they can enrich your life, tell stories and invaluable advice.

[@robinh.524]

Wow!!!! When women around the world set their minds on a goal,there will be no stopping them!!! These ladies are amazing!!!!

[@glacousxx]

Hey GBS i just wanna say the editing is too notch i love the story and its adequate amounts of knowledge about the wholesome granmas in a small amount of time. I love this ❤. Thank you .

[@ROLCY2024]

Beautiful idea and great way to filter the sun. There are some very talented ladies doing this work.

[@LifeIsThePrayer]

Cro-shade grannies! 🥰

[@m1ssa.m]

aaaa if only i live there, i will join them and i'm not even close to the 30-70 age bracket, they're all so amazing!!!

[@AA-mm6wu]

Yeah, I would be very down to join these ladies as well. It would be a great way to learn Spanish!

[@spiritcreek9813]

Spain is a fantastic country to explore.

[@shirophoenix01]

Que lindo se ven los toldos!! Me encanta la energia de las doñas ❤

[@clonn]

*tordos😂

[@Xiroi87]

Así eh er andalú

[@molls19]

this is amazing! i'm a knitter and crocheter so this is so cool to see

[@AC-ih7jc]

Elderly heroines with tiny hooks! Gotta love it! ❤❤❤

[@lfrost6718]

Bravo! Well done---lower the temp---have some fun and make Malaga even more beautiful! Thank you.

[@kellydalstok8900]

What they REALLY need is more green plants in towns, because more green makes the streets cooler by several degrees.

[@TaLeng2023]

LOL yeah, they need shade trees

[@cricketlovely8541]

It's beautiful ladies ❤ hello from Oklahoma, USA 😊

[@HelenCamile63]

My grandmother crocheted slippers for us every Christmas. ❤

[@ELEKTRARE]

Me encantan estas abuelas que cocen juntas olé 😊❤

[@sarav2209]

I think this is great. People enjoy doing meaningful work and feeling useful. Many problems are being addressed with the simple solution of a crochet group.

[@grietjenieuwkoop8234]

Awesome ladies ❤ so beautiful to see , not only for the shade, but all these colours and for the strenght of the community wow, girlpower😊

[@nikiTricoteuse]

I love this. The awnings look wonderful. I especially love the faces!

[@GreatBigStory]

Right?! Having Mary Poppins and Antonio Banderas on there...so fricking cool! 😎

[@marieross]

What a lovely project pulling all those ladies together. Amazing work bravo❤️🇬🇧

[@richellegill8442]

A gorgeous solution! So colorful and pretty!!!! Thank you ladies!!!

[@elinordrake9716]

I think this is a great idea but it would be even better (and more eco friendly) if they were able to use only acrylic that's been recycled. The last thing the world needs is more virgin acrylic yarn in it. Also, I'm curious, when the webbing gets faded & moved, do they toss them in the wash before re-hanging them? It sounds as though they are holding up well!

[@ChiefRxcka]

I am SO glad that Great Big Story came back!!

[@lamusica1592]

Power to the grannies 🙏❤️👏

[@DulceN]

This is a colourful take on something that’s been traditionally done in Summer in So. Spain. In my birth town, Sevilla, white cotton tarps (never plastic as someone mentions in the video) are stretched across façades in the narrow streets of the city’s historical/commercial center. They provide very welcome shade and coolness in the oppressive dry heat. The crochet panels these laborious women make don’t provide a total shade, but I’d imagine it helps somehow, and best of all it keeps them busy and feeling useful. As a crocheter for 50 years, I much appreciate the work and ‘women-hours’ employed in the effort.

[@potatocatstar]

GreatBigStory is making a GreatBigComeback and I'm all here for it!

[@GreatBigStory]

That's right ❤🚀

[@neli.rio1395]

They look like a cool group of gals! Loved this idea sm❤

[@GreatBigStory]

We really want to join their crochet gang! 🥲

[@h.a3567]

What a great idea!!! So beautiful to look at for visitors & residents & very practical!! Love it!! Well done ladies!! 🌈💜🌈

[@ACP1609]

Fun fact: The largest crochet canopy measures 2,832.98 m² (30,493.9 ft²) and was achieved by Maria Concepcion Siordia Godinez (Mexico) in Municipio Etzatlan, Jalisco, Mexico, on 4 October 2019. Over 200 people took 8 months to crochet 8,248 hexagons and used 824.80 kg (1,818.37 lb) of synthetic fibre to create this canopy.

[@elizabethmusso5946]

Beautiful. That is a LOT of yarn!!

[@AnoJanJan]

As if Spain was lacking in a fiesta vibe, these ladies have taken it to a whole new level. 💃

[@Sam.Willis657]

Great idea and well done for all the hard work by the ladies. Looks great and cool underneath. The ladies seem to be enjoying being a part of this project. 😊

[@mayafey7595]

Maravillosa iniciativa. Hay que adoptarla en más ciudades. Muy grandes estas señoras.

[@kwangsoo8570]

Go Super Grannies ❤ we love you all

[@donnadees1971]

Such a great thing for knitters and crochet era. Kudos.

[@donnageoghan4328]

What a fantastic idea! The result is beautiful, artistic covers to create shade and decrease the temperature for the town, respect for the wonderful women who made the covers, and likely, newly made friends/community for the volunteers! Fantastic!!!

[@bikbut7904]

Absolutely beautiful

[@Alowa816]

Genius Idea and it looks so beautifully like an art installation,

[@purpleheart3431]

I love this ❤ how smart!

[@maggiemacha5552]

Such a wonderful story! Good for their minds, bodies and spirits! And it beautifies the town ❤️ I could not love this more‼️

[@KitsukiiPlays]

That’s so cool! I’m so happy they found a better alternative and the grannies are happy as well

[@Platizza]

They didnt lose hope, keep trying. I love that👍🏼 Every little bit helps. 🙂

[@cynthiaruffino5384]

Amazing! And so beautiful !!

[@Beregorn88]

Basically, they just added holes to the plastic awnings, but with a lot of extra steps...

[@Ivehadenuff]

So beautiful and functional! Those women are doing a great service.

[@stephanielegarda5443]

Amazing citizens project that makes a big difference! Great job grannies!

[@missmishpot]

Bravo to these lovely, talented ladies!

[@Jellyfish146]

What a brilliant idea!

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@andrewreynolds912]

One of the ways to reduce heat in cities and what's called the urban island heating affect is more trees, more shade, reflective paints or paint streets a pure white or the whitest white paint, or more.

[@Xiroi87]

That's Andalusia, the traditional houses are white, you can't plant trees on those narrow streets, though.

[@andrewreynolds912]

@Xiroi87 you could still do it but it just be hard I still think they should try the other methodes

[@GeraldineKoh]

But what sets this apart is that it’s made with love

[@Xiroi87]

​@@andrewreynolds912 ever been to Andalusia? Thought so. Shade and water have been used since forever there to lower the temperature. Just see the Alhambra, where they managed to lower the temperature some 5 degrees (Celsius). And that was 600 years ago.

[@5dfairyland469]

Wonderful. May solutions like this that are win, win, win, and even better!, open up all over the place!🎉

[@jasperhorace7147]

Fascinating. I loved the comment about it being addictive. I can remember cross stitch being like that.

[@julidu1]

This makes me so happy.

[@InAHollowTree]

Looking at these delights my heart!❤

[@lauraporter6516]

I love this! I love crocheting and what a wonderful way to display their work and art. The shade is an added benefit.

[@zillafanz]

Beautiful literally and figuratively!

[@maegpye]

This is fantastic!

[@mmps18]

Bless these grannies, thank you GBS!

[@GreatBigStory]

🥹🥹

[@ninalehman9054]

Soy americana y también hago croché 🧶 Tus toldos son hermosas.

[@Momcat6]

I love this, they are so inspiring! Go Grannies ♥♥♥

[@pageuk]

My local market in Málaga had a crocheted Christmas tree outside it last year and I thought it looked great. The same market now has a crochet awning outside and I love it.

[@lollettealipe9363]

Maravilloso!

[@paolabueso]

Que proyecto tan bello y bien pensado! Las felicito!! 🤩🙌✨

[@sheenphoto]

Such a beautiful solution, in so many ways. Fabulous! ❤

[@JuliaFrancisEmilyLouise]

How fantastic!

[@3arcovich]

Very Fabulous! 🤩

[@stephanieyee9784]

This is a fantastic idea and a credit to the town Council who first thought of asking the Crochet lady to make something. Of course it is also a credit to all the ladies who take part in the actual crocheting projects. By creating the huge covers the ladies are helping the whole town and themselves.

[@d.w.1986]

Love!

[@FGH9G]

Love the Reservoir Dogs parody LOL

[@chaunceyfeatherstone6209]

Why do I gotta be Mrs. Pink?