Embarrats Fair in Sant Joan de Vilatorrada

Sant Joan de Vilatorrada pays tribute to the world of textiles and farmers with the Embarrats Fair, which takes over from the traditional Autumn Festival Fair on the last weekend of October.

The festival transports residents and visitors to the atmosphere of the factories and everyday life of the early 20th century. This year, the theme is the 1920 Fiesta Mayor, inspired by old festival programs from 1908 and 1915.

Throughout the week, the Burés Factory and the town's streets will be the scene of cultural, culinary, and recreational activities. The program kicks off on Monday with the recognition ceremony for "Les arrels d'Embarrats" (The Villages of Embarrats), and continues with heritage, music, and gastronomy pairings, as well as the traditional Feast Day dinner.

The main event arrives this weekend: a market featuring artisans and crafts from the 1920s, storytelling, street theater, traveling shows, giant parades, flock dances, sardanas, and plenty of folk music. There will be no shortage of unique venues such as the Cassino del Progreso Vilatorrense, the Fiesta Mayor Factories with dramatized tours, and culinary offerings such as the popular "La Cabrada de San Sebastián" meal, tastings of local wines, chocolates, cheeses, and vermouths, in addition to the eagerly awaited farmers' market.

On Sunday, visitors can enjoy a communal breakfast, exhibitions, parades, lacemaking gatherings, and family shows. The event concludes in the Plaza Mayor with a performance by the Tarannà Company and a fireworks display that will close the festivities with a burst of light and color.

Embarrats is more than just a festival: it's a journey into the heart of history, an opportunity to relive the industrial and cultural heritage of Bages and discover how social relationships were lived in the days of looms and factories.

Don't miss it!