We continue with the supporters’ clubs of the Federació Maresme and come across another historic penya, with plenty of activity and history to tell: the Penya Barcelonista d’Arenys de Munt.
On 14 October 1968, the statutes of the penya, drafted by the provisional Board, were approved and submitted to the Civil Governor of Barcelona. The PB Arenys de Munt was presented to society on 12 November, during the Sant Martí local festival of that year, 1968, with a football match between CF Calella and FC Barcelona’s first team, featuring players such as Reina, Olivella, Martí Filosia and Juan Carlos. The inauguration events were attended by Barça vice-president Agustí Montal Costa and other legendary figures such as Samitier and Casaus. At that time, the president was Narcís de Carreras.
On 8 December 1968, the Board and a large group of members and supporters went to the Monastery of Montserrat to present the Penya to La Moreneta and to the Abbot, adding symbolic meaning to the penya’s link with the Club and its Catalan identity. During that first period, and until 1976, the Board was chaired by Josep Artigas Salvà.
First years of intense activity
Those early years were marked by intense activity, with outings to watch Formula 1 races in Barcelona and also unusual sporting events, such as the women’s football match between Barça and Espanyol in November 1971. Photography competitions and trips to watch Barça matches at home and some away games were also organised. Since then, without interruption, PB Arenys de Munt has also provided members with a coach service to travel to the Stadium on every match day.
The penya also had a federated youth football team and enabled young people from the town to enjoy their passion, creating that bond between the penya and the town that has always been a constant part of its aims: promoting Barcelonism throughout the territory.
From 1977 onwards, the president was Antoni Alsina, who continued the penya’s work until, sadly, illness took him at a very young age in 1983. That same year, after a period of certain inactivity due to Antoni Alsina’s illness, new elections were held and Jordi Garrell i Planas was elected president, a position he held until 1990. This was another dynamic period in which priority was given to the bond between the penya and the town, organising activities such as children’s parties and social and sporting events, including indoor football matches with former Barça players, as well as various trips accompanying Barça on away matches.
Evolution of the penya
As usually happens in all organisations, there are difficult moments, and PB Arenys de Munt has been no exception. Between 1990 and 1993 there was a period of uncertainty during which the penya was run by a Management Committee, although the usual activities continued to be maintained. From 1993 onwards, the president was Pere Campí Escalé, and this coincided with the 25th anniversary of the penya. The event celebrated with the presence of vice-president Nicolau Casaus. At that time, the Club president was Josep Lluís Núñez.
It was a fruitful period for building ties with the other penyes of the Maresme, with the creation of the county’s Federation of Penyas. During this time, an agreement was reached with the town’s Esplai dels Avis so that football could be watched on television at its premises, located in Plaça de l’Església. Later, a new premises was opened, provided by the Town Council, at Rial Bellsolell, 5, above the Municipal Library. The venue was inaugurated to mark the penya’s 40th anniversary and, although it was small, it represented a step forward.
During this stage, an active relationship with the Town Council also began, collaborating in the celebration of the Nit de l’Esport, where the most outstanding athletes of the year in Arenys de Munt are recognised, contributing prominent figures linked to FC Barcelona and offering awards.
In 2009, Josep Artigas Alsina, son of the first president, became president. At that time, the bond with the town was once again strengthened by organising activities such as the Blaugrana Festival, held annually with events for adults and children and bringing together a large number of people in Plaça de l’Església. During this period, the penya’s statutes were drafted and modernised. For several years, the radio programme “Amunt Barça” was also broadcast from Ràdio Arenys de Munt every Monday at 8 p.m., with different commentators debating current blaugrana affairs.
50th anniversary
Coinciding with the penya’s 45th anniversary and later with its 50th, two gatherings of the Penyas of the Maresme were organised. The celebration of the 50th anniversary took place in 2018 and consisted of various events throughout the year, such as the attendance of 50 children from Arenys de Munt at a Barça-Espanyol Copa match at the Stadium, a PlayStation 4 tournament, a children’s party and a community dinner. Naturally, there was also a guided visit to the Barça Museum.
The most institutional celebration was held on the morning of 10 June 2018, with an emotional event paying tribute to all the people who had been part of the different boards of the penya since its foundation. Afterwards, to close the gala celebration, a fellowship lunch was organised. Both events were attended by the president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu.
On 30 December 2018, as established in the statutes, there was a change in the presidency and Jaume Rossell Colomer was elected. During his term, digital tools have been strengthened as a means of communication with members, and the premises have been moved to a new, much more central, spacious and accessible location on the Rambla of Arenys de Munt, on the town’s main commercial axis and right next to Plaça de l’Església, in the former Municipal Market building. There, members can watch the matches on television more comfortably and on a large screen. During this period, emphasis has also been placed on the penya’s relationship with the town, reaching agreements with the Shopkeepers’ Association and holding cinema forum and opera sessions.
About the town of Arenys de Munt
Arenys de Munt is a municipality in inland Maresme located in a mountainous area between Montnegre and El Corredor, with rugged terrain shaped by the Riera de Subirans, which is the backbone of the town and gives it its identity. Its name comes from the accumulation of sand in the stream, and the municipality has a long documented history dating back to the year 878, although remains from the Iberian and Roman periods also exist. Historically, it has been more closely linked to the lands of Girona than to Barcelona, forming part of the Viscounty of Cabrera and the County of Girona until the 19th century, and culturally it is associated with the natural region of Marina de la Selva.
The town preserves important heritage, with fortified farmhouses such as Can Bellsolell, Can Maiol and Ca n’Amar, as well as Can Jalpí Castle, surrounded by gardens and a lake, where notable trees can be found, including an oak related to the one in Guernica and the largest eucalyptus tree in Catalonia. Among its most distinctive traditions is the Nit de Naps i Cols, celebrated around Epiphany, with a festive and critical spirit, as well as a strong sardana tradition, which has made the town a reference point with the final of the Catalan championship and its designation as Capital of the Sardana in 2013. It is also known for its Roca cherry, a local late-ripening variety. Finally, Arenys de Munt has played an important role in Catalonia’s recent history for having hosted the first popular consultation on independence.
