Societat La Lliga Capellades

History

The Capellades Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural League, known simply as La Lliga, is one of the oldest social organizations in Capellades. It was founded in 1901 with the aim of creating a cultural space, a meeting place, and a forum for mutual support for the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. From its inception, it promoted educational, cultural, and leisure activities, as well as the creation of a theater, library, and gardens.

With over 120 years of history, La Liga has been a prominent social hub in Capellades. Despite periods of decline, when membership dwindled to just 200, a change in leadership a decade ago revitalized the organization, restoring its original objectives and adapting them to the present. Today, it boasts 1,440 members from 27 towns and offers scholarships for people facing financial hardship.

Currently, La Liga is experiencing a very active period, with a four-month program that includes dozens of events: talks, films, concerts, theater, courses, children's activities, and much more. It has gone from a deficit budget to a solid one, establishing collaborations with local entities, the City Council, and cultural organizations.

New spaces have been opened (an expanded terrace, an activity area, a renovated wine cellar, and an accessibility ramp), and there is a restaurant with benefits for members. The League supports social and health causes, organizes awareness activities, and participates in initiatives such as La Marató.

Finally, it has requested to be recognized as an Entity of Public Utility, thus reinforcing its central socio-cultural function within the life of Capella.

The Shepherds of Capellades "The Star of Nazareth"

In 2024, Sociedad La Liga received many suggestions from Capellades residents, including actors and actresses, regarding the possibility of reviving the Pastorets de Capellades, which had not been staged for some years, although history tells us that they were already being performed in Capellades in 1900 and have been.

Given that one of the purposes of the entity is to promote Culture and maintain the customs and traditions that are our own, and considering the general interest, it was agreed to promote Els Pastorets, La Estrella de Nazaret by Ramon Pàmies, and our own texts, with music by Miquel Ferrer, with musical arrangements by the capella.

As is customary for the organization, which will celebrate its 125th anniversary starting in January 2026 and which brings together 1645 members from 33 towns in Catalonia, the organizing committee was created.

Initially, 164 volunteers applied, twenty-five of whom will form the stagecraft team. Pep Vallès is in charge of artistic and general direction, Josep M. Masoni of technical direction, and Jaume Sabater and Mireia Vallès of musical direction.

Rehearsals begin in mid-September, and the 92 roles are assigned. The committee continues working to organize all the technical, financial, and acting aspects, as well as publicity and joining the Coordinadora de Pastorets de Catalunya (Catalan Shepherds' Play Coordinator) and, together with La Liga, the Federación de Ateneos de Catalunya (Federation of Catalan Athenaeums ).

Featuring 25 different and visually stunning scenes, incorporating technical innovations, projections, and three-dimensional sets, Els Pastorets de Capellades blends tradition and modernity in a two-hour performance. The actors and actresses sing live, and the stage machinery demonstrates how the scenery is changed in full view of the audience.

As with last year's "La Estrella de Nazaret," the "Pastorets de Capellades" will be performed between Christmas and Epiphany. Our invitation has reached many places, and we are delighted to see that the local audience and visitors fill all three performances.

As a new feature, one of the rehearsals is held in an open house with free admission for all those who want to experience the creation of the production.

This year, the Sociedad La Liga theater will raise its curtain with joy, boasting a large and expanded cast. The Star of Nazareth will be performed on December 25th at 7 pm and on December 28th and January 4th at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at entrapolis.com

Capellades contributes and joins the seventy or so Catalan towns that, when these festivities arrive, represent Els Pastorets.