Hundreds of people in the Bages region of Central Catalonia marched on Thursday morning, 14 May 2026, blocking major roads to demand increased resources for public education. The mobilisations, organised by the Bages Schools Assembly, coincided with a regional education strike.
The protests, under the slogan "Walk for the dignity of public education and sausage feast against the contempt of the Department of Education", started simultaneously from Manresa, Sallent, and Artés. Participants aimed to highlight the ongoing degradation of public schooling and what organisers called the "contempt" shown by the Department of Education towards professionals in the sector.
Road Closures and Diversions
Marches began from the Congost car park in Manresa, the Llobregat Institute in Sallent, and the Miquel Bosch Institute in Artés. The Manresa group advanced along the C-25 towards Girona, while the Artés group moved along the same road towards Lleida. The Sallent contingent travelled south on the C-16. These groups were expected to converge at the intersection of the C-25 and C-16, with both roads remaining closed until the afternoon, according to local police and Mossos d'Esquadra, who diverted traffic to alternative routes.
This day of action also saw slow marches and mobilisations in Vic and Girona, as the strike was called across the Girona and Central Catalonia regions. The Bages Schools Assembly combined the protest with community activities to strengthen ties within the educational community.
Community Activities and Demands
After the marches converged, the day continued with a popular sausage feast, a collective paella, and various afternoon activities. The programme included a swing workshop, a concert by the group Punkxada, a volleyball tournament, and a football match between permanent and interim staff.
The Bages Schools Assembly called for participation from teachers, families, students, and the wider public. They aim to defend quality public education and demand improvements in resources, working conditions, and educational support.
