The institutional event, titled “Jan Grau. La festa continua” (Jan Grau. The party continues), served to recall his career and recognize his contribution to Catalonia's festive heritage and, especially, to Badalona's popular culture. The tribute brought together family members, friends, institutional representatives, and people from the world of popular culture, combining speeches, live musical performances, a documentary piece, and theatrical proposals.
The event was attended by the first deputy mayor, Cristina Agüera, and the Councilor for Culture, Vanesa González, representing the Badalona City Council. Also present were the President of the Parliament of Catalonia, Josep Rull; the Director General of Popular Culture and Cultural Associationism of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Carol Duran; the mayor of Tiana, Isaac Salvatierra; the mayor of Calella, Marc Buch; the mayoress of Cardona, Lluïsa Aliste, and the deputy mayor for City Projection of Terrassa, Joan Salvador.
The day featured the participation of festive figures such as the Gegants de Badalona (Badalona Giants), the Gegants de Terrassa (Terrassa Giants), the Àliga de Cardona (Cardona Eagle), and the Mulassa de Badalona (Badalona Mule), as well as a performance by Miqui Giménez.
First Deputy Mayor Cristina Agüera highlighted Jan Grau's strong connection with Badalona, where he lived for over 30 years. "Today we are experiencing a very special day in Badalona remembering Jan Grau, who dedicated a significant part of his life to enriching Catalan and Badalonese popular culture and preserving our memory, identity, and community through his tireless work," she stated.
Agüera also emphasized the pride for the municipal government and the city regarding the career of the Badalona Giants group and Jan Grau's legacy, recognizing the efforts of local entities in preserving popular culture.
Jan Grau, born in Terrassa, settled in Badalona in 1993. He was a key figure in the research, dissemination, and improvement of the city's popular culture, promoting initiatives such as Badagegants, the Nit de Sant Anastasi (Saint Anastasius' Night), and the recovery of heritage elements. He is the author of the book "El cabàs dels Micacos" (The Basket of the Micacos), about the city's legends.
