The participation of the Lloret group, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, was the result of a year of contacts and preparations. The link with Braga began in May last year, following the debut of Lloret's new Indian giants, after the original figures were damaged in a traffic accident in Timisoara, Romania, in 2023. The Portuguese group expressed interest in inviting the Lloret giants to the gathering.
The delegation from Lloret de Mar traveled accompanied by the Giant Group of l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, the godparent entity of the new Indian giants and with whom they maintain a close relationship. Both Catalan groups worked together for their participation in Braga.
The events began on Friday with an official reception and a fellowship lunch. In the afternoon, participants toured the city, and in the evening, the Lloret group took part in the Cultural Sarau, showcasing popular culture imagery with traditional music.
On Saturday, an institutional reception was held at the Braga City Hall, attended by Portuguese authorities and the delegate of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal, Rui Reis. During the event, gifts were exchanged, serving to promote Catalan giant culture and strengthen ties with Portuguese entities.
The highlight was the grand parade on Saturday evening through the streets of central Braga, which brought together around 1,800 people. The streets, filled with crowds for the São João festivities, enthusiastically welcomed the giants from Lloret.
The parade concluded at Praça da República, where the groups performed their dances. The Lloret Giant Group performed its protocol dances and participated in a joint dance with other groups from Portugal, Spain, and France. The event closed with a fireworks display.
To perform the specific dances of the Catalan giants, the Lloret group was accompanied musically by a group from Salamanca, as Catalan music groups were busy that weekend.
On Sunday, the giants from Lloret finished exploring the city and attended the traditional 'despertada' (awakening) of gegantons and capgrossos, an activity that livens up the mornings with giants and drum groups, very present in the northern region of Portugal.
The group considers the experience highly enriching, strengthening internal bonds and the relationship with the Hospitalet de l'Infant Group. The participation comes in a special year, as the Lloret group celebrates its 15th anniversary.
The gathering will continue in Lloret de Mar, as the Portuguese group Ida e Volta is scheduled to participate next year in the November festivities, returning the visit and introducing the local festival, people, and giants of Lloret.
