The city of Manlleu is launching its much-anticipated Festa Major, which will take place from today, August 11th, to Sunday, August 16th. This year's program features a wide array of cultural, musical, and recreational activities designed for all audiences.
This afternoon's festivities begin with the traditional parade of giants and capgrossos (big-headed figures), accompanied by the Xaranga Tocabemolls street band. The route will start in front of the Hospital Sant Jaume and conclude at Plaça Fra Bernadí, where an encounter with the giant Romà is expected.
On Thursday, August 13th, children can enjoy the play "El monstre del jardí!" by Infestum Espectacles, an itinerant theatrical performance. The show starts at 10:30 AM in the Embarcador del Passeig del Ter area. In the afternoon, from 6:30 PM, Plaça Fra Bernadí will host the Festa Major concert with the Orquestra Venus, followed by the Festa Major dance at 8:30 PM.
Friday, August 14th, marks the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Festa del Serpent de Manlleu. The day kicks off at 10:30 AM with the Serpent's walk and a theatrical reading of "La Llegenda del Serpent de Manlleu" at the Embarcador del Passeig del Ter. In the afternoon, at 4:30 PM, workshops and games for "El Serpent dels Menuts" will begin, and at 5:00 PM, the Food Trucks will open. At 6:30 PM, the children of Manlleu will perform "La Llegenda del Serpent", and the festivities will conclude at 10:00 PM with the Serpent show, MON DJ, and the Salt del Diamant.
Saturday, August 15th, will see the 49th Popular Athletic Race of Festa Major held at 10:00 AM in Plaça Fra Bernadí, featuring senior and children's races. At 12:00 PM, the official Festa Major mass will be celebrated at the Església de Santa Maria, presided over by Mn. Joan Prat Jorbà.
At 1:00 PM, a concert-vermouth by the cover band Sawa Sawa will take place in the Embarcador del Passeig del Ter area. At 5:00 PM, Clara Bonfill will perform a concert of Havaneres in the same location. At 7:30 PM, the Cobla La Flama de Farners will play sardanes in Plaça Fra Bernadí, and at 10:00 PM, the Orquestra YOSUSPENDIEGB will perform.
Sunday, August 16th, the final day of the festival, begins at 11:00 AM with the bicibarris, a bicycle tour through Manlleu's neighborhoods, starting at Plaça Fra Bernadí and ending at the social center of the Colla Gegantera i Grallera de Manlleu. Foam, giant vermouth, and a visit to the social center will round off the morning's events.
The afternoon promises excitement with a concert by Sexenni at 6:00 PM in Plaça Fra Bernadí, followed by a concert by Guillem Romà at 8:00 PM on the same stage. The festivities will conclude at 9:30 PM with fire performances by the Colla de Diables i Tabaleres Els Serpents de Manlleu and the Ball de Bèsties de Foc in Plaça de Crist Rei. Half an hour later, the fire group will perform a correfoc through the streets of the Dalt Vila neighborhood.
Additional activities include guided tours "L'Esperit del Ter" at the Museu del Ter on August 15th and 16th at 12:00 PM (5 euros). The commemorative space for the 20th anniversary of El Serpent is open until August 30th.
The Teatre Municipal will host the play "Claustre. L'educació mata" by Martina Cabanas on August 15th at 8:30 PM and August 16th at 6:00 PM (tickets 15/18 euros). The amusement park rides will be operational from August 7th to 16th next to the La Salle track.
