The town of Portbou is preparing to celebrate its summer festival, which will be held from July 23rd to 26th. This year, the program has been designed under the motto "Until Sunrise", with the aim of offering an intense celebration full of activities for all attendees.
The City Council has organized a wide range of events including concerts, dances, exhibitions, sports races, and fireworks displays, weather permitting. The festival aims to be a meeting point for both permanent residents and those who return to the town during their summer holidays.
Mayor Gael Rodríguez highlights in the program booklet that the festival represents a time "of reunions, music, and shared joy". He emphasizes the importance of celebrating the town's identity and strengthening community bonds, considering the celebration as "tradition and future". Special thanks are extended to the individuals, entities, associations, municipal workers, and volunteers who make the event possible.
Among the highlighted activities is the exhibition by the Col·lectiu de Pintors (Painters' Collective), which will open on Thursday at the Walter Benjamin hall. The opening night will feature music at the fishermen's Barraques with the James Band.
On Friday, the day will begin with bell ringing and a parade with the Band de Marxa, starting from the station steps. The official opening speech and toast will take place at the Barraques, followed by a performance by the Gran Band Orquestra. The night will conclude with the Sant Jaume vigil featuring the same orchestra and a set by DJ Víctor Mata.
Saturday will offer morning activities such as inflatables for children on the Rambla de Catalunya and a solemn mass in honor of the patron saint at the church, with a concert by the local choir Veus de Portbou. In the afternoon, Platja Gran will host a foam party, organized with the collaboration of volunteer firefighters. The festival race, promoted by the Club Excursionista de Portbou, will start from the Rambla. The night will continue at the Barraques with Les Gamberres and DJ Rubén Rider.
Sunday, the final day, will begin with sports, featuring the third Open Internacional d’Escacs (International Chess Open) on the Rambla. At midday, the cobla Rossinyolets will perform a sardana dance. In the afternoon, the botifarra championship will be held in Plaça Pompeu Fabra. The night will culminate with the correfoc (fire run) by the Diables de l’Albera and a fireworks display.
