The headquarters of the Confederació Mundial de Penyes hosted the presentation of the book ‘Ambaixades. Historia de las Penyes del FC Barcelona’ (Embassies. History of the Penyes of FC Barcelona), written by Salva Torres, vice-president of the Confederació. More than a hundred people attended the event, which was presented by the author of the book himself and the journalist Arcadi Alibés, who wrote the prologue to this reference publication on the over a hundred years of history of the FC Barcelona penyes movement. The welcome was given by Antoni Guil, president of the Confederació Mundial de Penyes.
Among those attending the presentation were a large number of former Barça players such as Carles Reixach, Ramon Alfonseda, Rafael Zuviría, Samuel Okunowo and Tente Sánchez; former Club directors such as Antoni Rovira, Pau Vilanova, Jordi Calsamiglia, Xavier Vilajoana and Josep Maria Barnils; the syndic of penyes, Ramon Térmens; journalists such as Toni Closa, Francesc Aguilar and Josep Pons; former candidate Víctor Font; and other names linked to Barça such as Marc Ciria, Ricard Font, Josep Maldonado, Ricard Faura or Ernest Pérez-Mas, among others. Representing Editorial Base were Jaume Sobrequés and Santi Sobrequés.
The presentation was also attended by some of the book’s contributors, such as Frederic Porta, Xavier Gamper, Joan Giménez, Joan Casals, Manel Tomàs and Rogeli Serra, as well as several members of the Penyes Council and the Advisory Council. Some members of penyes were also present. FC Barcelona was invited to the event but declined its attendance.
A journey through the history and essence of the penyes
Published by Editorial Base, ‘Ambaixades. Historia de las Penyes del FC Barcelona’ offers an exhaustive documented review of the history of the penyes movement over more than a century (1909-2013). A journey in which Salva Torres vindicates the crucial role that the penyes have played in the 125 years of FC Barcelona’s history, whether as disseminators of blaugrana sentiment around the world, or as examples of struggle, resilience and reaffirmation of the Barça passion during the most difficult times for the Club.
“The reader will dive into the true reason for the existence of the penyes and will learn that there is an enormous historical background behind them, which contrasts sharply with the superficial treatment that has almost always been given to them. Club members and supporters in general need to know that the penyes are a place where Barça sentiment is fostered and that, historically, they were recognised and even visited by the great legends of the Club, such as Samitier, Kubala, Ramallets and César” , says Salva Torres.
‘Ambaixades. Historia de las Penyes del FC Barcelona’ is the first of three volumes related to this historical journey of the movement. The second will cover its evolution between 2013 and 2021, with the establishment of the territorial federations and the creation of the Confederació Mundial de Penyes. Finally, the third will be a penyes guide with the individual history of each of the organisations that form part of this collective.
