Few incidents mar Festa Major celebrations
The 2026 Festa Major in Igualada concluded with a positive security assessment from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police. Officials reported that the festivities proceeded largely without disruption, marked by responsible public behaviour and minimal serious incidents. While large crowds gathered for concerts and events across the city, including at Parc Central, Plaça de l’Ajuntament and Rambla, authorities confirmed only one major disturbance. On the night of Sunday into Monday, a fight broke out near the supermarket opposite Parc Central around 5am. Several youths were involved, and during police intervention, bottles and a metal fence were thrown at officers.
One man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an authority figure.
Thefts and safety advice highlighted
In addition to the arrest, three mobile phone thefts were reported during the festival, all occurring in the concert zones. Police reiterated standard precautions for crowded events, advising against keeping phones in back pockets and urging vigilance over bags and backpacks. These recommendations align with guidance published by the Department of Interior and Security (govern.cat), which emphasises personal vigilance in high-density areas in its public safety materials.
Enhanced policing measures in place
The security operation included joint patrols by Mossos d'Esquadra and local police, operating under an intensified control circuit linking key festival sites. This corridor also connected the city centre to public transport hubs, active between 5am and 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, as previously detailed by the Ajuntament d'Igualada in their official plans. Additional measures included the deployment of drones and a free night bus service, aimed at improving mobility and surveillance during peak times. The Punt Lila service was also available to support victims of gender-based or LGBTphobic violence. Despite isolated incidents, police maintain that the overall environment remained safe and civic, allowing all scheduled activities to proceed normally.
Primary sources: govern.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat, mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by Redacció, La Veu de l'Anoia, Per Redacció, Enric Badia, Eduard Font Badia, Marta Gutiérrez, europapress.es, David López Frías, AnoiaDiari.
