Festa Major Sant Mateu de Bages en San Mateo de Bages

Introduction and local significance

The Festa Major Sant Mateu de Bages in San Mateo de Bages takes place this year from 2 to 4 October 2026. This festive event allows attendees to step back into the history, memories and unique atmosphere of the former colonies of Valls and Palà de Torroella. During these days, the municipality in the province of Barcelona hosts a wide variety of cultural proposals organised as part of the well-known Festa de les Fabricantes. Visitors have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the industrial and social heritage through various activities scheduled specifically for these official dates.

Historical origins and tradition

The festivity focuses entirely on the memory of the textile colonies, successfully rescuing from oblivion the heritage and customs of those working-class residential hubs. One of the most prominent elements of the tradition is the use of vestits d'època (period costumes), which help to recreate with great fidelity the atmosphere of the old factories in the area. The days are enriched with informative exhibitions, traditional games and displays of popular culture that help people understand what the daily lives of workers were like in the past.

Programme and main events

The detailed official programme can be consulted in the top section, which lists all the events planned for this edition confirmed by the town council. The main events are concentrated between 2 and 4 October 2026 in various local venues, ranging from leisure activities to culinary and festive gatherings. Without going through the days one by one, it is worth highlighting deeply rooted events such as the campionat de botifarra (traditional card game tournament), children's entertainment shows, community dinners and open-air gastronomic events in such emblematic locations as the garden or the Plaza de la Industria.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomy of the celebration stands out for recovering traditional flavours linked to popular meals and local produce. Among the most anticipated culinary moments is the dinar de cassola i brasa (casserole and grilled meat lunch), an event that brings together a large number of residents and visitors around homemade dishes cooked over hot embers. These traditional dishes reinforce the community spirit of the festival and allow people to taste recipes passed down since the days of the old industrial colonies.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To comfortably follow the evening events and make the most of the schedule, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns that make travel easy. On days with the highest visitor numbers, official guidelines recommend prioritising public transport or parking vehicles outside the town centre. Likewise, before setting off, it is highly recommended to check the official town council website to verify any last-minute changes to schedules or event locations.