The historical reenactment festival Orígens reaches its tenth edition this year in Sant Carles de la Ràpita, taking place from October 9th to 11th in the Xicago neighborhood. The event commemorates a decade of vindicating the town's past, recovering traditions, trades, and the way of life of ancestors, with the active participation of the residents themselves.
For three days, the Xicago neighborhood will transform into a recreation of La Ràpita in the early 20th century, offering activities related to the sea and agriculture, gastronomy, music, theater, traditional games, and craft demonstrations. The program also includes highlights from previous editions to celebrate the journey undertaken.
Mayor Xavi Reverté highlighted that Orígens has become one of the most important weekends of the year, serving as a way to remember origins, vindicate the maritime and peasant past, and keep the town's identity alive. He emphasized that the festival reminds us that history is found in people, traditions, and the way the town is understood.
One of the key moments will be on Sunday, October 11th at 11 AM, with an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most couples simultaneously dancing the Jota Vella, aiming to gather 500 couples. The mayor encouraged citizens to join this challenge, seeing it as a special way to celebrate the anniversary and demonstrate the strength of unity and appreciation for traditions.
The Councilor for Identity, Francina Molina, presented a program that also traces the history of Orígens, bringing back significant activities from the ten editions.
The celebration will begin on Friday with the traditional arrival of carts and the official inauguration by the Minister of Culture, Sònia Hernández Almodóvar. The day will include dance performances, an open mic, musical acts, the Fanalet dance, and the maritime procession, which this year changes location starting from the rowing dock.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, the Xicago neighborhood will host cultural and gastronomic activities, with local restaurants offering traditional dishes, games, music, and insights into daily life in the early 20th century.
Among the notable activities is the revival of traditional seine fishing on Pipi beach, with fish sales and cleaning demonstrations at the Museu de la Mar de l’Ebre, followed by the suquet (fish stew) competition. Saturday night will feature dancing and swing, while Sunday, in addition to the Jota Vella challenge, will include a concert by Quico el Célio, el Noi i el Mut de Ferreries.
The event's solidarity aspect is reflected in the solidarity tapa, with proceeds going to The Ricky Rubio Foundation, dedicated to awareness, prevention, and research on lung cancer.
Orígens director, Àngel Pascual, highlighted the festival's ability to socialize heritage and bring it closer to society through gastronomy, music, and activities. Accessibility and inclusion measures have been incorporated, such as hearing protection headsets and reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility.
The collectible cup for this edition, produced by Oryzite, features designs by local artists from the painting workshop at the Casa del Mar, and will be available for purchase during the festival.
The City Council thanked the residents of Xicago, entities, and collaborators, emphasizing that dedication and love for La Ràpita make the festival great. Citizens are invited to participate and join the Jota Vella Guinness World Record attempt for a memorable edition.
