Protest forces political group to leave festival event
Around 500 people gathered at the Rambla in Igualada on Saturday, 22 August 2026, to protest the presence of Aliança Catalana at the traditional 'Fes-te el Dinar' community lunch during the town's Festa Major. The demonstration, organised by antifascist and anti-racist groups, lasted for about an hour and a half. Aliança Catalana had announced its participation in the event on social media, describing it as an opportunity to “enjoy the festival of our city” with friends, supporters, and members. The group set up a table on the Rambla and began preparing a paella, part of a popular tradition where dozens of groups cook meals communally. Their arrival quickly drew opposition. Protesters, many aligned with antiracist, feminist, and diversity-focused organisations in Igualada, gathered with banners demanding the group leave. The organisers of the event, La Coll@nada, issued a statement clarifying that the 'Fes-te el Dinar' is an "autonomous, anti-racist, feminist, popular and pro-diversity space" and that they had told Aliança Catalana they were not welcome.
Police escort deployed after tension rises
Tensions peaked when some protesters threw salt into the paella being prepared by Aliança Catalana members, preventing them from completing the meal. The situation required a significant police presence, with officers from the Igualada Local Police and the Mossos d'Esquadra forming a cordon between the two groups. After the protest continued without resolution, reinforcements arrived, including the ARRO unit of the Mossos from Manresa. The political group's members eventually left the area, escorted by police.
The Fes-te el Dinar is an autonomous, anti-racist, feminist, popular and pro-diversity space.
La Coll@nada, the organising body, stated that they had communicated respectfully to Aliança Catalana that their presence was not desired. However, the group responded by confronting them and chose to remain. Shortly afterwards, Aliança Catalana posted a message online claiming ownership of the event under the slogan #SalvemIgualada.
Reported by racocatala.cat, Anna Solé Sans, VilaWeb, Racó Català, Redacció, igualadanews.cat, anoiadiari.cat, Regió 7, El Nacional (CA), Miti Vendrell, ARA, Diari ARA.
