The Summer Festival of La Selva del Camp now has its program. The celebrations will span two weeks, with the main events concentrated on the second weekend, but including traditional gatherings that will commence earlier. Highlights include the festive announcement from the bell tower, the 22nd Gegants Gathering, and the 9th Guest Parade, which this year will feature a surprise element from the Catalan Countries.
One of this year's novelties is the date change for the Homage to Old Age Festival, now scheduled for Sunday, May 31. According to the Councilor for Festivals, Arantxa Salvat, this adjustment aims to give the celebration more prominence. The event will include a mass at Sant Andreu Church, a concert by the La Selva Music Band, and a lunch at the Pavilion, followed by a performance by Màgic Andreu.
The central days of the festival will kick off on Friday, June 5, with the children's parade and the musical opening speech, delivered by musician and comedian Quim Vila. On Friday night, the parking area of the educational zone will host the main festival concert featuring Els Catarres, alongside DJ Trapella and Aleix Ballesté.
On Saturday, June 6, the gardens of Hort d'Iglésies will be the focal point of the day. Midday will feature a popular rice dish ('arrossada popular'), followed by musical and percussion performances. In the evening, the same venue will host concerts with the groups Sodi, Les Reines del Mambo, and DJ Biosca.
Sunday's festivities will begin with the traditional early morning wake-up calls, a firecracker display ('tronada'), and bell ringing. During the morning, the Festival Mass and the festive procession will take place. In the afternoon, the main square will host a 'castellers' (human tower) performance with the participation of Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona and Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls. The evening will conclude with live music, food trucks, and a fireworks display.
The festival will close on Monday, June 8, a local holiday, with family activities in the gardens of Hort d'Iglésies, including water inflatables and a foam party. A 'sardanes' dance with the Cobla La Principal de Tarragona is also scheduled at Portal d'Avall.
The involvement of local associations will be key to this Summer Festival. The Ball de Gitanes will organize the 10th 'correbars' (bar crawl) on Friday, June 5. The Amics de l'Orgue will present a 'gralla' (traditional instrument) and organ pairing on Saturday, June 6. The local Colla de diables (devil dancers) will perform in a 'correfoc' (fire run), and the Casal d'avis (senior center) will celebrate with a dance and concerts.
The program also includes the staging of the play 'Paret-Delgada. Deu estampes històriques escenificades' by Moixera, on May 30 and 31 at the Castle, and the award ceremony for the 53rd Literary Contest of La Selva on Sunday, May 31.
