The city of Salou is preparing to relive a key episode in its history with the 31st King James I Festival, taking place from September 3rd to 6th, 2026. This edition places special emphasis on the historical and educational aspects, combining street performances, a Medieval Market, and family activities.
The festival commemorates the departure of James I from the port of Salou in 1229 for the conquest of Mallorca. The celebration has become an emblematic event, with the King's departure and his entourage being one of the most anticipated moments.
The program includes conferences, an exhibition, recreations, guided tours, and children's activities to explore 13th-century Salou and the context of the expedition. The inaugural conference, “Veles i vents: el mar, les platges i les naus del segle XIII” (Sails and winds: the sea, the beaches, and the ships of the 13th century), will be given by Esther Lozano on Thursday, September 3rd, at the Torre Vella. This same tower will host, until September 26th, the exhibition “Memòria viva: imatges dels protagonistes del passat. Salou 1229” (Living memory: images of the protagonists of the past. Salou 1229).
The streets of the old town and Plaça Bonet will be transformed from September 3rd to 6th with the Medieval Market, featuring craft stalls and an atmosphere that will transport visitors eight centuries back in time.
On Friday, September 4th, the Torre Vella will host the theatrical and musical performance “La taverna del port de Salou” (The tavern of the port of Salou), with sessions at 8 PM and 10 PM, to recreate the port's atmosphere before the expedition.
Saturday, September 5th, will be the main day, featuring a children's workshop at Plaça del Carrilet (10 AM-1 PM), a maritime route “Jaume I, pirates and corsairs” starting from the Pilons (11 AM-12:30 PM), and the conference “Jaume I, entre tres cultures. Lo rei que té Lleida” (James I, between three cultures. The king who has Lleida) at the Sala Costa Daurada of the Civic Center.
At 8 PM, the procession of the Mare de Déu will begin at the church of Santa Maria del Mar, with a maritime route and along the Jaume I promenade. Also at 8 PM, the grand departure of King James I and his entourage will take place from the Torre Vella, parading through several streets to the Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes.
On Sunday, September 6th, the Sala Costa Daurada will host the awards ceremony for the 3rd Literary Contest “Relats Curts, Jaume I” 2026 (Short Stories, James I). The day will also include a solemn mass at the church of Santa Maria del Mar (7 PM) and will culminate with a fireworks display on the Jaume I promenade (10 PM).
The festival can also be experienced through the digital scavenger hunt “Conquesta la història!” (Conquer history!), a free experience along the Jaume I promenade that uses mobile phones to solve historical challenges.
The commemoration will extend beyond September 6th with the 40th Rei en Jaume Regatta, from September 10th to 12th, organized by the Club Nàutic Salou, which will evoke the 1229 crossing to Mallorca.
