Controversy in Artés over local holiday shift from September to February

The local Shopkeepers Union criticizes the lack of consensus and warns of economic losses due to the Friday closure.

Generic image of a commercial street with closed shutters during a public holiday.
IA

Generic image of a commercial street with closed shutters during a public holiday.

The Artés City Council has sparked a backlash from local businesses after moving the traditional Festa Major Tuesday holiday to Friday, February 20th, following a decision made last September.

The Artés Shopkeepers Union (UBA) has publicly voiced its opposition to the change. The association claims the decision lacked consensus and argues that a Friday holiday harms the local economy, particularly for food and hospitality businesses that must remain open on Saturdays.

"We would never propose a holiday on a Friday, when shops are open on Saturday and these are key days for sectors like hospitality."

Artés Shopkeepers Union · Commercial entity
The ERC-led local government maintains that the shift adapts the town to modern social and school schedules. While admitting the date lacks historical roots, officials describe it as a transitional step to encourage public debate for the 2027 calendar.