Cervera’s Diables Carranquers used their Ball Parlat on 6 June 2026 to criticise the local council, the Paeria, over bureaucracy and what they described as a lack of support for community organisations.
The satirical verses, known as versots, targeted Mayor Jan Pomés directly. The performance, which combines theatre, music and pyrotechnics, is a regular part of the Diables Carranquers’ annual festival in the Segarra capital.
One character said, “One day you will find that organisations will go to Tàrrega or Guissona and the only cultural activity left will be Europe Day.” The group also looked ahead to the 2027 municipal elections, saying that “neither Pomés nor Aliança should be able to lead the command.”
The only figure spared from criticism was Lo Carranco Bilandó, the Carranquers’ dragon, which received congratulations on its 25th anniversary. As tradition dictates, the Archangel Saint Michael then appeared on stage to defeat the forces of evil and banish the diables until next year.
The Festa dels Diables also included the Toc de Vermut, a fire parade known as the cercaviles de foc, and a gathering of Diables groups from the historical Segarra region. The celebrations ended with an evening party featuring music and DJs.
The performance reflects wider concerns among local groups about administrative hurdles and funding. For more local coverage, see our news page.
