Forty years of tradition and identity
The Carrasclet, Reus’s independent festival giant, is celebrating 40 years since its debut in the city’s Misericòrdia festivities. First unveiled on 24 September 1986 in the Mercadal square, the figure has become a symbol of local heritage and cultural continuity. This year’s commemoration includes a series of events stretching into 2027, beginning with a symbolic recreation of its original baptism ceremony. On 24 September 2026, exactly four decades after its first appearance, the Carrasclet was ceremonially welcomed back to the Mercadal by its godparents, the giant Indi, the Vitxeta, the Reus Sardana Group and the Xiquets de Reus, who erected a human pillar in celebration. The event marked the start of a broader programme honouring the figure’s legacy.
Trabuc Fest headlines anniversary celebrations
The main public event, Trabuc Fest, takes place on Saturday 26 September from 6pm in Plaça de la Llibertat. Organised as part of the official Misericòrdia 2026 programme, the festival will feature live music from Los del Camp Improvisat, Sergi Miquel, Caram Band, PD Intenses, El Pony Pisador and DJ Ceba. The celebration begins with a procession from the Ajuntament (town hall) to the square, led by the Carrasclet. The event aims to blend popular culture with an open, festive atmosphere for all residents, according to Marta Gomis Garcia, a 25-year-old carrier and recent member of the group. "We wanted to bring together festive and cultural elements in a way that everyone can join," she said.
First female carrier breaks tradition
Marta Gomis has also made history as the first woman to carry the Carrasclet, making her debut during the previous year’s Sant Pere festivities. Her role represents a shift in the traditionally male-dominated practice. She emphasized that visibility matters: "Now, young girls can see it’s possible to take on these roles. If you want it, and work for it, you can achieve it." Gomis joined the group after expressing interest and facing no barriers based on gender, reflecting a broader generational renewal within the colla (group). Currently, around 17 carriers share the physical and symbolic weight of the giant, allowing for rotation during processions.
"It’s a mix of nerves, responsibility and emotion. Your heart races. You’re representing something you love for a city you love,"
, Marta Gomis Garcia, Carrasclet carrier
Origins and cultural significance
The Carrasclet is named after Pere Joan Barceló, a historical figure from the Priorat region who served as a guerrilla fighter and later as a colonel under Emperor Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire. His rebellious spirit and deep ties to the territory have infused the giant with a sense of identity and resistance. Despite not being part of the official Reus Giants group, the Carrasclet holds a unique place in the city’s festivities, appearing selectively during the Misericòrdia and Sant Pere processions. Its distinct personality, marked by a defiant posture, a trabuc (blunderbuss) and a mischievous expression, sets it apart.
Future events and legacy projects
The anniversary programme extends beyond September 2026. In 2027, the group plans to host its first-ever gathering of giants, an exhibition tracing the Carrasclet’s history and the publication of a book compiling testimonies from four decades of carriers. These initiatives aim to preserve and pass on the tradition to future generations. The colla credits its longevity to a balance between veteran members and a steady influx of young participants. As Gomis noted, "As long as we keep the excitement to bring him out, that’s already a success."
The Carrasclet’s journey from a grassroots project to a cherished symbol of Reus continues, rooted in history, reshaped by youth and carried forward by those who see in it a link between past, present and future.
Primary sources: REUS.CAT. Reported by laciutat.cat, Diari de Tarragona, diarimes.com, pontdenseula.blogspot.com, festafesta.cat, tarragonadigital.com, canalreus.cat, reusdigital.cat.
