The traditional Blancs i Blaus Festival in Granollers is enriched this year with the incorporation of fifteen new groups. These emerging collectives are bringing a wide array of activities, from themed celebrations to cultural and sporting experiences, promising to invigorate the festivities.
Among the novelties is Kompartsa Zuria, a collective of young people who will bring the atmosphere of Basque taverns to plaça Folch i Torres with a musical vermouth inspired by the pintxo-pote tradition. "We are a group of friends who have participated in Blancs i Blaus for years and this year we decided to organize our own activity," explains Guillem Raimundi.
The group Orbital, comprising individuals of various ages, presents a surprise show called saló de te (tea room) at the Sala Tarafa, playing with audience expectations. "You might expect a tea room, or you might expect something completely different," hints Oriol Rubio, emphasizing the project's flexibility.
Humor in Catalan will have its own space with Blahahancs, driven by amateur comedians Núria Camp and Oriol. Their show, Acudits al Vol (Jokes on the Fly), will feature performances by Marma Corales, Godai Garcia, and Alba Segarra, aiming to establish a hub for Catalan humor in the region.
Sport is introduced by Blaus Híbrids, which will feature disciplines like hyrox and crossfit at the plaça de l'Església. The group, consisting of about ten organizers, aims to demystify these training methods and encourage general participation. "The goal isn't so much to compete as to show that anyone can try it and have fun," says Fabián Ferreira.
The Carta Blanca group will host a day of collectible card games, offering introductory sessions and a tournament, continuing an activity that was well-received last year. "We wanted to create a different space within the Festival for people to learn and play," explains Lluís Sala.
The family-friendly scavenger hunt Stick & Blanc, inspired by an activity from the Sitges Festival, turns the city into a treasure hunt to complete a sticker album, also promoting local businesses.
To enhance tradition, Front Blau will energize competitive events like l'Estirada and Correvents, aiming to replicate the festive spirit of the Blancs. "Last year, we noticed Blaus lacked animation," recalls Alex Quiñonero.
Brilliblaus, a group of 18 people, will focus on glitter, offering workshops for decorating t-shirts, scarves, hair, and nails at the parc Torras Villà. "We want everyone to experience the festival with sparkle," says Berta Fiblà.
On the Blancs' side, Tribuneres, a group of ten experienced members, will host a night of music and dinner at plaça Folch i Torres featuring the cover band Nini.
Cultural diversity is represented by Teranga, a group of about forty people, introducing Senegalese culture through sabar dance, traditional food, and music during parades and other events.
Escriblaus proposes an itinerant mailbox for attendees to share their festival experiences, creating a collective narrative. "Our idea is to create an alternative and participatory story of the Festival," explains Marina Santaeugènia.
In the gastronomic sphere, Michelin Blanc will provide culinary support for various activities, preparing vermouths and dinners for events like the Rock, Paper, Scissors contest or the Ninfes karaoke.
Finally, Blankarras, a group of young people, will organize a popular lunch and a musical parade to liven up the festival, with plans for growth in future editions.
