Net, Montgai Soap Fair

Net, the Montgai Soap and Natural Cosmetics Fair, is a dedicated soap craft fair, accompanied by activities such as exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, concerts, games, raffles, and bubble shows. This fair began in 2008.

It is organized by the Montgai City Council, the Association of Soap Artisans of Catalonia, and the Association of Soap Artisans Workshops of Catalonia.

In the mid-19th century, there was a soap industry in Montgai. The peddlers were those who, when October arrived, would go through the villages buying the morcas left over from the previous harvest, the soil (called "la solada") from the jugs and jars that had to be removed to make room for the new harvest.

There were also women who made ashes from "barrelles." These women were called "barrellaires" and sold the ashes, which were very good for making lye and morcas soap. It's worth remembering that clothes were previously washed with boiling water and ashes, and this was called doing laundry.

The Fair begins with the traditional ringing of bells by Mr. Vicent Ribalta, followed by soap making. Throughout the day, there are family workshops, concerts, and the Baix Sió Popular March.

Montgai has a Catalan Soap Artisan Workshop, a production laboratory that brings together more than 28 soap makers from across the country. They come together to create their own branded products in an environment that meets all hygiene and sanitary requirements for subsequent sale.

However, this year comes with a great novelty that is expected to be spectacular: the Ensabonada de Montgai, a collective event with a major challenge: to achieve the Guinness record for the largest number of soap bubbles floating in the air at the same time.

We look forward to seeing you!