Torredembarra has welcomed its new Lion, a figure joining the Seguici Popular, which made its first public appearance at the Pati del Castell. The beast, fresh from the workshop of artist Pau Reig in Solsona, impressed with its imposing mane and the rose and lily in its mouth and crown, symbolizing nobility and solemnity.
The event, which began at 11:20 AM, drew so many attendees that the venue became too small, forcing many to wait for the Lion to emerge into the square for its first multitudinous dance. This addition follows figures like the Ball de Cercolets (2011) and the Mulasseta (2004).
Pau Reig explained that the creation of the Lion was an intuitive process, influenced by a trip to Japan, resulting in a figure with a Japanese touch. He highlighted the sculptural work on the fur, modeled with his fingers, which gives it great visual strength.
The Agrupació de Balls Populars de Torredembarra, which spearheaded the project, emphasized the figure's symbolism and the collaborative effort of over 40 people, including musicians, choreographers, and craftspeople. They added that the Lion represents looking to the future without forgetting cultural roots.
Mayor Raül García expressed his satisfaction with the increase in the Seguici's quantity and quality, considering it a benchmark of Catalan popular culture. A group of Audiovisual Communication students from the UB presented a project on the beast's creation process as their final degree work.
