Montblanc has once again experienced being the medieval capital of Catalonia, with crowded streets and an atmosphere that captivates families and friends during the Medieval Week of Sant Jordi.
The 39th edition of this festival has attracted more than 8,000 people, according to official data from the Montblanc Tourist Office, which managed thousands of inquiries during the four days of activity.
A tourism boost that does not fully solve transport stress
The number of visitors and inquiries explodes
The Tourist Office has recorded 2,422 inquiries, slightly more than the previous year, with peaks of more than 500 daily inquiries on the busiest days. Thursday, April 23, Sant Jordi’s Day, even surpassed the usual number of inquiries during Easter, becoming the fifth busiest tourist day of the year in the town.
Persistent deficits: public transport
Recurring questions about how to get to the festival by public transport remain a reminder of the structural problem Montblanc faces. The service is deficient year-round, but on significant dates like this, thousands of people have no option to come without a car. A medieval festival with a very modern problem.
The medieval heartbeat in every corner
Streets and squares that reclaim old life
The streets and squares have once again buzzed with activities, shows, and the atmosphere that only a town with history can offer. The program combined tradition and novelty, with the debut of the Colloquia Draconis cycle, linked to a European cultural route certified by the Council of Europe.
Information points, the nerve center of tourism
The Tourist Office has coordinated the information points at the old modernist cellar and the tower of Sant Francesc, facilitating access to the wall and providing personalized attention. At the same time, the Medieval Association of the Legend of Sant Jordi had its information point at Sant Miquel Square, where thousands of visitors were assisted.
Visitors, occupancy, and the impact of the festival
The profile of visitors and loyalty to the festival
More than 90% of attendees are Catalan, mostly from Barcelona and the metropolitan area, with significant presence from Camp de Tarragona and the Lands of Lleida. Most are families and groups of friends who return year after year, although there are also new visitors discovering the festival for the first time.
Full accommodation occupancy does not prevent short getaways
The housing deficit in the region causes many visitors to opt for day trips. Nevertheless, hotels, Respira Montblanc accommodations, and the Montblanc Park campsite have nearly reached full occupancy, demonstrating the municipality’s attraction capacity during the Medieval Week.
The joint Instagram campaign has helped increase the festival’s and Tourist Office’s follower community, boosting their visibility and interaction with a younger, more digital audience.
Montblanc confirms itself, once again, as the essential seat of medieval culture in the Principality, although some details like public transport continue to be a headache for organizers and visitors.
Source of the article: Montblanc City Council
