Habaneras singing events are one of the most iconic summer traditions in Catalan coastal towns, and one of the most popular is the event promoted by the Penya Blaugrana de L’Escala in its hometown. Since its beginnings, this organisation, which is part of the Federació de Penyes de l’Empordà i Catalunya Nord, has played a key role in organising the event together with L’Escala Town Council, helping it reach its 48th edition. The singing event once again filled Riba Petita beach in L’Escala to capacity, in a festive and distinctly seaside atmosphere.
Strong representation from FC Barcelona penyes
David Falgàs, president of PB L’Escala and also of the Federació Empordà i Catalunya Nord, acted as host for the event for the other members of the Consell de Penyes who attended. Also present were Joan Giménez, secretary of the Confederació Mundial de Penyes; Antoni Valverde, president of the Federació Bages, Berguedà i Cerdanya; Quim Vall-Llosera, president of the Federació Gironès, Selva, Garrotxa i Pla de l’Estany; and Josep Antoni Martín, economic vice-president of the FCB World Federation. Members of penyes from across the region also made sure not to miss the event, including PB Santpedor, PB Arbúcies, PB Puigverd de Lleida, PB Ripollet, PB Virtual Blaugrana, PB Torelló, PB Cotlliure and PB Cubelles, among others.
The three groups featured at the 48th Habanera Singing Event of L’Escala were L’Espingari, Son de l’Havana and Peix Fregit, in a wonderful evening once again hosted by Espartac Peran, with the added surprise of an opening presentation by Xavi Coral, a journalist from 3Cat. As tradition dictates, “cremat” was also served to all attendees. As every year, the most eagerly awaited moment of the night came when the three featured groups gathered on stage to perform “El meu avi”, “La bella Lola” and “Els Segadors” together. It was the perfect finale to a habanera singing event that has become a true summer landmark in L’Escala.
