Photo: David Poblador i Garcia from Barcelona · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Cultural event
Gala de les Preses en Las Presas
Las Presas, Girona · Cataluña
2026 edition
9–13 October 2026
✔ Official dates confirmed
2026 programme
- Gala opening speech (pregón) by l’Esbart Marboleny
- Popular soup with more than 200 diners
- La Gran Empastifada gymkhana with more than 100 participants
- Catalan skittles championship with 115 participants
- Sing-along vermouth with Porró, Mam and Pipa
- Pétanque championship
- Botifarra (card game) championship with winners Ramon Bosch and Albert Güell
- Parades (cercaviles) of the giants (gegants), the Granota and the Calabotins
- Concert by the Orquesta Internacional Maravella
Sources: Web oficial del Ayuntamiento de Las Presas (lespreses.cat)
Introduction and local significance
The Gala de les Preses in Les Preses is the landmark cultural and festive event in this Girona municipality, held this year from 9-13 October 2026. This edition has been marked by the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Esbart Marboleny and by high citizen participation in the various celebration venues. The event combines popular, sporting and musical offerings that bring together residents of all ages around local heritage.
Historical origins and tradition
The celebration maintains deeply-rooted traditions linked to popular culture and the municipality's danses (traditional dances). Among the most representative elements are the cercaviles (parades) featuring the gegants (giants), the Granota (Frog) and the Calabotins, accompanied by the grallers i timbalers (pipe and drum players) of Les Preses. The festive heritage is also expressed through the sardanes (traditional Catalan circle dances), the ball de las cintas (ribbon dance) and the traditional dances performed alongside Filomena. Likewise, during the festivities, the pubilla and l'hereu (traditional youth representatives) are chosen, which this year went to Aina Viñas and Gerard Planellas.
Programme and main events
Given that the official programme is detailed in the header above, it is worth highlighting the milestones that define the identity of this celebration in Les Preses. The starting signal is marked by the inaugural opening speech (pregón), given on this occasion by the Esbart Marboleny on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary. Choral and dance music is provided by regular groups such as the Orquestra Internacional Maravella, while traditional competitions and recreational activities structure the festival days.
Traditional festival food
Popular and recreational events are complemented by gastronomic offerings deeply rooted in the municipality. The sopar popular (popular community dinner) stands out, which in this edition brought together more than 200 diners. Another event with a high turnout is the Oktoberfest, a gathering that drew nearly 500 people. The programme also includes moments of relaxed gathering around drinks and the vermut cantado (sing-along vermouth) with Porró, Mam i Pipa.
Visitor guide and where to stay
To follow the evening events and make the most of the scheduled activities, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, both in the municipality itself and in nearby towns. On days with higher attendance, it is preferable to opt for public transport or leave your vehicle in parking areas located outside the town centre. It is advisable to consult the official channels of the Les Preses City Council beforehand to check for any possible changes to activity schedules.