The House of the Festa of Tarragona threatened by leaks: the organizations seek urgent solutions

The festive entities of Tarragona raise the alarm after recent rains caused water leaks and damage to the Casa de la Festa. This space, key to preserving the heritage of the Seguici Popular, is closed and awaiting repairs.

The unrest and feeling of helplessness among the groups have skyrocketed, and this Friday they will meet to propose joint actions and demand answers from the City Council.

The constant deterioration of the Casa de la Festa

Why is the current situation so worrying?

The Casa de la Festa is the epicenter of Tarragona’s festive heritage, where unique figures such as the bestiary or the giants are kept. Its condition directly affects the conservation of these elements, which accumulate visible and dangerous damage with the floods.

Leaks, dampness, and even the presence of cockroaches and fungi are problems that have been dragging on for years, putting at risk not only the objects but the very local cultural identity.

How did this situation come about?

Despite occasional interventions, such as the 50,000-euro allocation in 2022 to repair dampness, maintenance has been insufficient. Budget cuts and temporary closures have left the building in a state of semi-abandonment.

The museification project planned for 2026, with an assigned municipal budget, has not yet been finalized, generating frustration among the entities.

Reactions and demands of the Seguici entities

What was the immediate response to the floods?

The Drac de Sant Roc had to be protected with plastic bags, while other figures were quickly relocated to prevent further damage. All this was done almost in a rush, without prior notice.

The carriers and group leaders have denounced the lack of communication with the City Council and the little concern shown by the municipal government, especially by the Councilor of Culture and Festivities.

What demands do the groups make in the short term?

The scheduled meeting seeks to create a united front to demand a definitive solution that includes proper maintenance and guarantees the suitability of the space.

Some members propose the possibility of moving the Casa de la Festa to a safer and more accessible location, although they acknowledge the difficulty of finding a central and suitable place.

The role of the administration and political involvement

How is the City Council acting in this conflict?

So far, the municipal response has been timid and mainly technical, with little direct communication with the entities. The lack of transparency and explanations has generated complaints and demands for information.

Political parties such as Junts per Catalunya and En Comú Podem have requested explanations and urge an urgent convening of the Advisory Commission to address the relocation and conservation measures.

What does the museification project imply for the future of the Casa de la Festa?

The project, with a budget of 70,000 euros planned for 2025, aims to dignify the space and improve conditions to preserve the heritage.

But the delay in its execution and the current crisis put its success at risk, leaving the festive community and the whole city waiting.

The Casa de la Festa is not just a storage place for festive elements but a meeting and rehearsal space for many groups, especially those without their own premises, making its situation affect cultural life beyond the floods.

The entities insist that the solution cannot be only to find a new place but to guarantee constant maintenance and care, so history and the festival are not lost amid leakage and dampness.

The Casa de la Festa has been at a crossroads for too long: between heritage that demands respect and an administration that seems to be lagging behind. The entities have decided to take a stand and demand real change. And you, what do you think?

Source of the article: Gio Gonzales / Catalan News Agency