The city of Sabadell can be described in many ways, and an alphabet is a tool to spark curiosity about what defines us. This lexical review proposes one word for each letter, inviting a deeper understanding of the local identity.
Fans and players of Centre d’Esports Sabadell Futbol Club are known as 'arlequinats', a name derived from the blue and white checkered design of their jersey, reminiscent of a harlequin's costume. The club, with its first team in the Second Division, engages thousands of young footballers.
'Belgues', a sweet made with flour, cream, butter, and sugar, are among Sabadell's most typical specialties. Genescà, on the Rambla, is considered their origin, and these pastries are enjoyed to sweeten a meal or as a gift.
Sabadell is considered the capital of Vallès Occidental and, according to the collective Pura Ceba, 'of the world in general!'. The city holds a unique status as a co-capital of the region, sharing this distinction with Terrassa.
Territorially, Sabadell is organized into seven districts comprising 40 neighborhoods. The city boasts 937 streets, 224 squares, 24 promenades, 23 avenues, one forest (Can Deu), six islands, and a main boulevard.
The Sabadell term 'estrep' defines 'sticky-sweet', like the hard licorice one can request at sweet shops such as Gummins. This word reflects the richness of the local gastronomic vocabulary.
In the last 47 years of democracy, over half of Sabadell's mayors have borne the surname Farrés. Antoni Farrés served as mayor between 1979 and 1999, and Marta Farrés has held the position since 2019.
Sabadell's ice cream parlors, such as l’Olivier, la Viuda Asensi, or la Venezia, are popular gathering spots during the warmer months, offering a variety of flavors that celebrate tradition.
The Parc Taulí Hospital serves as a reference center for half a million citizens in Vallès Occidental. Established in 1986, it celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year and employs over 4,700 professionals.
The wool industry has historically shaped Sabadell's identity. Despite changes, companies still operate in this sector, keeping alive a significant part of the city's industrial legacy.
The 'Jardinets', located in front of the Mercat Central and owned by the Fundació 1859 Caixa Sabadell, are the gardens of the Espai Cultura, offering a green space to enjoy in the city center.
Sabadell's skatepark, situated in Parc de Catalunya, along with the bike trial circuit, serves as a venue for skaters showcasing tricks and learning new skills.
The wool industry was a fundamental pillar for Sabadell in the last century. Its fabrics are still recognized internationally, leaving an indelible mark on textile history.
The Mercat Central, designed by architect Josep Renom, is a meeting point for purchasing local products of quality, noted for its excellent human service.
The Estadi Municipal Nova Creu Alta, inaugurated in 1967, is the home ground for the 'arlequinats'. With a capacity of nearly 12,000 spectators, it has witnessed intense moments, particularly during promotion play-offs.
The Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès is a private ensemble, owned by its musicians, performing around a hundred concerts annually. Its resident conductor is Andrés Salado.
The term 'petador' is another Sabadell gastronomic term, used to refer to fuet, possibly derived from 'espetec' or 'fuetear'. Although endangered, some families still use it.
The game of 'quinto' is a Christmas tradition in Sabadell, with legendary venues like Hotel Urpí, Ciervo, and Capablanca, where young people continue to participate.
The river Ripoll's fluvial park offers seven kilometers of green lung in Sabadell. Access to its riverside environment is currently restricted due to African swine fever.
Mare de Déu de la Salut and Sant Feliu are the principal patron saint and patron of Sabadell, respectively. The Gremi de Fabricants also celebrates Sant Sebastià on January 20th.
Sabadell boasts a vibrant theater scene with venues like La Joventut de la Faràndula, Teatre Sant Vicenç, Ciervo, Sala, L’Alternativa, and the former Teatre del Sol, nurturing notable actors and actresses.
The city hosts the Campus Sabadell of the UAB, the Unitat Docent del Parc Taulí (a university hospital linked to UAB), the ESDI design school, and the Airport, forming a local university hub.
Several industrial 'vapors' (old factories) in Sabadell have been repurposed into facilities. Vapor Codina houses Vimusa, while the Vapor Badia library and Vapor Llonch are dedicated to economic promotion. Private spaces include the Sempere bookstore.
The Club Natació Sabadell is a global benchmark in women's water polo, holding seven European Cups (Champions), and also excels in swimming.
Sabadell preserves 45 cataloged heritage chimneys, with Cal Grau being the tallest at 51 meters, a testament to its industrial past.
Maty Mont (Matilde Moncusí i Peyrí), a leading vedette in the 1940s and 50s, is a Barcelona theater icon with a dedicated square in Sabadell.
The 'Zona Hermètica' in Sabadell was a popular spot for nightlife, dancing, and drinks, where many experienced significant moments.
