The main festival of Santa Margarida i els Monjos officially began this Wednesday, July 15th, following preliminary events that started a week prior. The upcoming weekend is packed with offerings for everyone, blending tradition and fun.
The celebrations officially commenced on Wednesday with bell ringing at 8:30 PM in the parish church, followed by the festival's opening firecracker display in front of the town hall and the opening speech in Pau Casals square, delivered by Eva Valera and Josep Gatell. The day concluded with an outdoor cinema screening of Les irresponsables.
Thursday began with the XXII Popular Botifarrada (sausage barbecue) in the gardens of the Mas Catarro cultural center. In the afternoon, a children's parade featuring various folk dance groups and 'grallers' (traditional musicians) wound through the town's streets, followed by a snack for participants. The cultural center also hosted a 'cantada d'havaneres' (sea shanty singing) by the group Xató, which concluded with 'rom cremat' (spiced rum). The Church square hosted the Correballs event, with a gathering, sandwich distribution, and participation from folk dance groups and the band Bufacanyes. The evening continued with concerts by Miquel del Roig and Mashup Party Band, and earlier, a theater performance of La importància de ser Frank by the group Teatre del Talión from Lleida.
On Friday, Pau Casals square will host a foam party with children's entertainment, while in the evening, there will be a children's fire parade, 'tabalada' (drumming), and Correfoc (fire run). The night will culminate with concerts by Sexenni and 'ball de gralles' with Canya d’Or and Els Quatre Vents, in addition to the main festival dance with the Petita Gran Orquestra Liberty.
Saturday, Pau Casals square will be the venue for a children's performance dance and a sacramental act by the Ball de Diables Spantus Infantil. The parade will start at 7 PM from Europa square. The night will feature a concert and gala dance with the Orquestra Mediterrània, followed by concerts with Waikiki and DJ Jordi Ribé. The early morning will conclude with the Ateneu charanga band.
Sunday will begin with the 'matinades' (early morning music) and a popular breakfast. The day will continue with the performance dance of the folk groups, a sacramental act, and devilish satires. In the afternoon, a magic show by Mag Lari will take place at Mas Catarro. The night will include a fireworks display in the Library park and concerts by Ruc’n’Roll and DJ Xabo.
Monday will also start with the 'matinades', a popular breakfast, bell ringing, and a solemn mass in honor of Saint Margaret. After the mass, children's folk dances will be performed in the Church square. The afternoon will feature an escape game, a children's show, the XLIV Popular Family Race, and concerts by the Orquestra Maravella. The celebration will culminate with a grand night of fire, the closing firecracker display, and a night dance with the same orchestra.
