Thousands of residents of Mataró gathered in front of the Town Hall for the Crida of Les Santes 2026. A heavy downpour forced a halt to the event for half an hour, but the celebration continued.
The Festa Major of Mataró, Les Santes, kicked off this Saturday, July 25, with the traditional Crida, but the weather sought to test the patience of the attendees. Thousands of people gathered in the Town Hall square to witness the first dances and the 'dormides' of the festive figures. However, an intense downpour fell over the city just as the performances were about to begin, forcing a pause in the event for approximately half an hour.
The threatening sky did not discourage the residents of Mataró, who waited under the rain and umbrellas until the weather improved and the celebration could resume. After about thirty minutes, the groups returned to the square and the dances continued as normal.
The day had started with the launch of the flying rocket, shortly before 19:20, which signalled for the institutional groups to begin their procession from various points in the historic centre towards the Town Hall square. There, they were awaited by the authorities, the Eagle, and a crowd filled with excitement.
The Mayor of Mataró, David Bote, presided over the Crida from the balcony of the Town Hall. In his speech, he referred to the 30th anniversary of the Capgrossos de Mataró casteller group and the 425 years of the Eagle. Bote wished for “the fire to burn away selfishness and injustices” and called for “peace, hope, and joy.” He also urged everyone to celebrate Les Santes with sensibility and respect, reminding that children are the protagonists of the festival. As is tradition, he concluded his speech with a resounding “Glory to Les Santes!”.
After the speech, a firecracker marked the formal start of the festival. The Agrupación Musical del Maresme played the first notes, and immediately after, the first 'dormida' of the Festa Major began. The Nans, the Diablesses, and other figures started to dance, but the rain made its presence felt and forced a halt to the show. After about thirty minutes, the weather relented and the dances resumed with the Momeroteta, the Momerota, the Dragon, the Dragalió, the Eagle, and the Giants.
The event could be followed live via tvmataró, tvmataro.cat, and also on the giant screen installed this year in the Les Tereses square, which featured simultaneous translation services in Catalan sign language. An accessible space for people with reduced mobility was also set up in the same square.
The rain did not dampen the festive atmosphere. Attendees, who had waited for hours, demonstrated their commitment to tradition and stoically endured the downpour. “It’s all about the desire to celebrate,” some locals commented while taking refuge under the porticos.
Les Santes continues this Sunday with a wide programme that includes events for all audiences. All information about the Festa Major can be found on the official website www.lessantes.cat.
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