The 2026 Festa Major of Móra d'Ebre has concluded with a very positive assessment, highlighting high participation from residents and visitors, favorable weather, and especially the celebration of the first Festa del Riu Ebre following its recognition as a Traditional Festival of National Interest.
Throughout the last days of August, the town's streets, squares, and riverfront hosted an extensive program combining popular culture, children's and family activities, music, sports, gastronomy, and local traditions, with a strong link to the river heritage. The involvement of local entities and the public's response were key to its success.
The Councilor for Festivals, Lorena Sastre, emphasized the massive public presence as "one of the main protagonists," achieving the goal of creating a festival that was "open, diverse, and where everyone could find their space." She thanked the work of the Festival Commission, entities, businesses, municipal services, security forces, and volunteers.
The 123rd Festa del Riu Ebre, held between August 22nd and 30th, was a differentiating element, experiencing its first edition as a Traditional Festival of National Interest. This recognition highlights Móra d'Ebre's historical connection with the river, featuring activities such as sailing, rowing, kayak and punt races, and traditional boat gatherings.
The Councilor for Popular Culture, Jordi Fornós, described this recognition as a "before and after," a responsibility to continue transmitting the river heritage. He highlighted the positive response to activities directly related to traditional navigation, which allowed participants to "experience" the festival from the river.
The event on Saturday, August 29th, was attended by institutional representatives including the President of the Parliament of Catalonia, Josep Rull, and the Director General of Popular Culture, Carol Duran, to formalize the national recognition. José Antonio Serres Mota was named Honorary Daliner, and emblematic events like the exhibition of the Sirgadors de l’Ebre took place.
The Mayor, Rubén Biarnés, stated that the recognition "goes far beyond a title," representing an acknowledgment of the municipality's identity and heritage. He highlighted the institutional presence as support for the festival's trajectory and the challenge of leveraging this distinction to promote the Ribera d'Ebre region.
As a novelty, the first specific social media campaign surpassed half a million views, expanding the Festa del Riu Ebre's reach. This digital projection, combined with visitor presence and institutional support, strengthens Móra d'Ebre's tourism and cultural potential.
Music played a significant role, with a free concert by Alfred Garcia marking the closing event. The pyrotechnic show "Els Colors de l’Ebre" utilized the riverfront's unique setting to conclude the Festa Major.
The City Council expressed gratitude for the participation of citizens, visitors, and the involvement of entities, local groups, municipal workers, security forces, and volunteers. Mayor Rubén Biarnés concluded that "Móra d'Ebre has once again taken to the streets, we have welcomed many people from outside, and together, we have built our community."
