The celebration, included in the Catalog of Festive Heritage of Catalonia, brought together 261 dancing couples in one of the most splendid events, despite adverse weather conditions. The activities began on Saturday with the ringing of bells and traditional games on Sant Antoni street.
The popular dances took place in the afternoon, with two shifts by age group, accompanied by the Banda Municipal de Música d'Alcanar and the Agrupació Musical Canareva, to the rhythm of the Jota Vella and the Jota Nova. The 261 couples paraded through Plaça Major and other key locations, wearing sashes and Manila shawls.
“"The balance of this Sant Antoni is very positive. It continues to be one of the festivals that brings the most people out onto the streets and, this year, two events have grown especially: the traditional games and the Despertada, a very relevant fact due to its historical importance."
One of the most emotional moments of the weekend was the tribute to Isidre Balada, who completed 50 years leading the Sant Antoni Commission. The mayor, Marc Chavalera, presented him with a commemorative plaque on Sunday, thus culminating a recognition that had already begun the previous week.
