Paco Cruz retires after 35 years at the City Council, focuses on popular culture

The historical cultural activist from Granollers reflects on his career path, retirement, and the future of the Blancs i Blaus Festival.

Silhouette of a cultural activist near traditional festive elements, such as giants or big-heads, symbolizing his career.
IA

Silhouette of a cultural activist near traditional festive elements, such as giants or big-heads, symbolizing his career.

Cultural activist and municipal technician Paco Cruz has retired after 35 years at the Granollers City Council, and will now dedicate himself to research and presiding over the social insertion company Dimas.

Paco Cruz, born in Granollers in 1960, started working at the council in 1990, initially in tasks related to metallurgy, his lifelong trade. Over time, he moved into the social and cultural sphere, promoting events like the Passada de l'Ascensió and, finally, serving as a Citizens Relations technician.
A passionate scholar of popular culture, Cruz has authored four books and was one of the pioneers of the Blaus group in 1983, besides being involved in entities such as the Drac, the Diables, and the Olla dels Pobres. He states that retirement will allow him to continue his research into popular festivals and the workers' movement.

"There are many people who still do not participate in the major festival, and both the groups and the administration must work to change this. The more people who join, the better."

Paco Cruz · Cultural activist and former president of the Blaus
Regarding the origins of the Blancs i Blaus Major Festival, Cruz recalls that the initial goal was to create a model that involved many people, positioned halfway between tradition and modernity. Although there were only about 50 active members then, today the festival mobilizes over a thousand people in its organization, a success they had not anticipated.
His new professional chapter began last October with his appointment as president of the social insertion company Dimas. From this position, he aims to continue boosting the company's social branch and highlight the precariousness suffered by many people.