The tradition of Els Pastorets in Sabadell surpasses any other location in Catalonia in terms of spectator numbers, establishing itself as a significant social and cultural phenomenon. The production by Joventut de la Faràndula reached a record of 6,900 spectators, while the Teatre Sant Vicenç production attracted around 2,400 attendees.
These figures mean that one in eight Catalan spectators (out of 73,000 total) watches the play by Folch i Torres in the Vallès capital. This fascination is rooted in family transmission, as explained by Ferran Vidal, who plays Satanàs at Joventut since 2018, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Ramon Vidal, an iconic Satanàs.
The passion for the play extends beyond the stage. Òscar Rodríguez, who plays Jeremies at Teatre Sant Vicenç, highlights the emotional component: “They symbolize a family tradition. I have been able to share scenes with my children, who played Rovelló, and with my wife, playing Llúcia. The atmosphere in the stalls... Simply put, it feels like Christmas.”
“"For me, they are warmth and they are family; they give meaning to Christmas. That is the only way to explain why on December 26th we get up from the table with cannelloni still in our throats to go and perform them!"
Tradition also embraces renewal. Carlota Gorgori, who participates in the Creu Alta performances, is the first woman to play the role of Satanàs since 1942, a fact that inspires new generations. Furthermore, the play serves as a theater school, as experienced by Enric Costa (Llucifer at Joventut), who overcame his shyness thanks to the play and is now graduating from the Institut del Teatre.
Despite the “healthy, sporting, and even fun rivalry” between the two major entities, both involve a colossal effort: 162 people on stage at Sant Vicenç and 150 at Joventut. Toni Ferrer, who will debut as Jeremies, summarizes the feeling: “A case like this, where no one gets paid and everyone is involved out of passion, is fascinating.”
