Finalists to Be Proclaimed After Cultural Weekend
The next Pubilla and Hereu of Catalonia will be announced during the National Pubillatge Competition taking place in Campdevànol on 23, 24 and 25 October 2026. The event brings together young representatives from across Catalonia who have served as local or neighbourhood pubilles and hereus, figures in Catalan youth cultural tradition, over the past year. Candidates must have previously held a pubilla or hereu role in their municipality, district, or association. For one year, these representatives act as ambassadors of Catalan popular culture, participating in festivals and institutional events. They also deliver speeches at the Parliament of Catalonia and are received by the president of the Generalitat on Sant Jordi day.
Three-Stage Evaluation Process
To qualify for the national title, candidates undergo three assessment stages on the morning of Saturday 24 October. First, they take a 20-question written test on Catalan geography, history, and culture, ranging from scientific institutions like the Alba Synchrotron to literary works such as El Virolai. Next, they complete an essay on a given theme to assess critical thinking and expression. Finally, an oral examination evaluates their public speaking skills and reviews their submitted curriculum. Arnau Akhtar, president of the Foment del Pubillatge Català, explained that the competition aims to identify articulate, knowledgeable young people who can represent Catalan traditions with pride and depth.
They represent all their peers in the pubillatge across the country and are the voice of the tradition.
The new national Pubilla and Hereu of Catalonia, along with the four provincial titleholders (one per Catalan province), will be officially proclaimed on Sunday 25 October at midday in Plaça de l’Església.
Cultural Programme Open to All
Beyond the competition, the weekend includes sardanes, traditional dances, garrotins, nativity scene exhibitions, and guided visits to local museums and points of interest. Organisers stress that activities are designed not only for candidates but also for accompanying family members, officials, and non-competing participants such as younger pubillatge members and adult supporters. Campdevànol’s local government and Radio Campdevànol are supporting the event with dedicated programming and logistical arrangements, including a public tender for catering services at the gala dinner.
Registration Deadline Approaching
Applications for participation remain open until 7 October 2026 via the official portal pubillatge.cat/nacional-2026. While candidate numbers are promising, organisers encourage any eligible young person interested in promoting Catalan heritage to apply before the deadline.
Primary sources: patrimonifestiu.cultura.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by pubillatge.cat, racocatala.cat, Parlament de Catalunya, Autoria: Ajuntament de Cubelles, campdevanol.cat, diaricatalunya.cat, Racó Català.
