It was 1968. Five friends from the town would meet with a very clear idea: to form a new association, an FC Barcelona supporters’ club. After several meetings, they decided to move forward with the project. One of them, Pere Fauria, who would become its first president, drew on his personal and professional friendship with Nicolau Casaus, among others, to create the Penya Barcelonista Sant Hilari, the oldest supporters’ club in the Girona counties.
According to the association’s first Statutes, it was officially founded on 2 August 1968. Those attending the inauguration included the then vice-president of Barça, Pere Baret; the aforementioned Nicolau Casaus; players of the time such as Zaldúa and Pellicer; and former players such as Balmanya, Miró and Gonzalvo, among other notable figures.
An active and prominent penya
One of the first events organised by the Penya Barcelonista Sant Hilari was a stage finish of the Volta a Catalunya cycling race in September 1969. The event was a major success in terms of organisation and local participation. Later, several sections were created within the club, including athletics and pétanque.
Throughout these more than 50 years, the penya has almost always been very active. Under the leadership of the much-loved Amat Romaní, it celebrated its silver anniversary and began organising coaches to the Camp Nou and the Palau Blaugrana, as well as trips to football and basketball finals. On the 35th anniversary of its foundation, Sant Hilari hosted a Gathering of Penyes from the Girona counties, with strong involvement from all the clubs and the presence of some of the prospective candidates in the 2003 FC Barcelona elections.
Today, and since 2014, the board chaired by Antoni Bosch continues to organise all kinds of events for the town, coaches to the Camp Nou and trips to matches and finals. Its most recent event was the celebration of the supporters’ club’s 50th anniversary.
About Sant Hilari Sacalm
Sant Hilari Sacalm, known as “the town of a hundred springs”, is a natural gem nestled in the county of La Selva and surrounded by the impressive Les Guilleries Massif. Its attractions include the renowned Font Vella, the Museu Guilleries—an ideal place to discover the local flora and fauna—and the Romanesque church of Sant Hilari.
Its culture is closely linked to water and to the legends of the famous bandit Joan de Serrallonga, a central figure in the well-known Via Crucis Vivent celebration, which has been declared a Traditional Festival of National Interest. As for its gastronomy, the town offers traditional mountain cuisine featuring game dishes, seasonal mushrooms and artisan cured meats. Finally, no visit is complete without tasting the local sweets known as Jaumes and pa de pellofa, authentic delicacies that reflect the welcoming character and rich heritage of this Girona municipality.
