Vallfogona de Balaguer Seeks 'Vermouth Chime' for its Bells

The Associació Cultural El Xop's initiative aims to restore sound heritage and foster social cohesion with a new Sunday melody.

Old church bell with warm light
IA

Old church bell with warm light

Vallfogona de Balaguer, through the Associació Cultural El Xop, has launched a contest to find the 'Vermouth Chime', a new bell melody that will ring every Sunday at 12:30 PM to encourage social gatherings.

This initiative is part of a broader project to restore the municipality's sound heritage. A year ago, the bell tower clock was restored, and the sound of its three bells, which had been silent for decades, was recovered. Now, the aim is to imbue this acoustic space with a more contemporary and social meaning.
The contest is open to all citizens and offers a prize of 500 euros to the winning proposal. Those interested can submit their creations until July 31, taking into account the individual sound of each of the three restored bells. The rules can be consulted on the entity's website.
A member of Vallfogona de Balaguer's cultural entity noted that the goal is for a jury to select the definitive chime in August, so it can debut during the Festa Major de Sant Miquel in September. This symbolic act will mark the beginning of a new tradition that will set the rhythm of Sundays in the town.

"It will be a moment of reunion and enjoying company."

a member of the cultural entity
Beyond the call for entries, the proposal seeks to strengthen community ties through a simple yet meaningful gesture. It is expected that, starting in September, the three bells will automatically chime at vermouth time, a sound that, although automated, will be very significant for the inhabitants.