Traginers Festival in Balsareny
The Fiesta de los Traginers in Balsareny is a celebration that takes place on the Sunday before carnival. It is an opportunity to recognise the hard work of the muleteers through fun activities, such as the eagerly awaited parade of horses, races and much more.
How is the Balsareny Traginers Festival celebrated?
The Festival of the Traginers in Balsareny is held on the Sunday before carnival, however, it has become a tradition that on the Friday and Saturday before the festival there are some activities for children, and for teenagers, an exciting youth concert.
Sunday is the big day, when a tribute is paid to the figure of the Traginer or Muleteer, who in ancient times was responsible for transporting goods of all kinds to different towns and cities, along the paths of valleys and mountains.
This well-deserved tribute consists of a fantastic parade of horses and carriages, with races, various exhibitions and the blessing of the animals in the church square. The town dresses up for the festivities, with delicious food, music and dancing. Visit Balsareny on this day and you will have a great experience.
Origin of the Traginers' Festival
The muleteer is a very important character in the history of Balsareny. Thanks to them, goods and news reached everywhere, even places that were difficult to access and always with the valuable help of their pack animals.
Due to the importance of their animals, when the 17th of January arrived, the muleteers would leave their work and go to the church to bless their animals after the mass in honour of Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of the animals. They also organised races and dances.
By the 1930s, transport was almost entirely motorised. However, after the war, it was necessary to return to transport with the help of muleteers, and it was then that the idea of this celebration was reborn.
Places to visit in Balsareny
Balsareny is located in the region of Bages, a very traditionalist place that has beautiful architectural structures and other places of interest that are worth visiting:
- Church of Santa Maria. It is located within the old boundaries of the castle of Balsareny and was documented as a parish church in the year 1032. The current church was built in the 13th century, but in Romanesque style, although it has been modified, both inside and out.
- Balsareny Castle. Considered one of the most emblematic monuments in Balsareny. Its impressive construction dates back to the year 951, in the Catalan civil Gothic style. At the foot of the castle is the Llobregat River.
Gastronomy: what you can eat in Balsareny
The gastronomy of Balsareny stands out for its simplicity, but the combination of flavours of many of its dishes will leave you with unforgettable memories of your visit to this town.
- Bread with tomato: this is the simplest of the traditional dishes. We recommend that you try it with coca bread, spread the tomato on it just before eating to prevent it from going soft, and add a touch of salt and olive oil.
- Mel i mató: another dish that combines flavours that will surprise even the most demanding palates. It consists of fresh cheese made with sheep's or goat's milk and accompanied with honey and nuts.
