Unity Dinner Goes Ahead After Rain Delay

More than 300 residents attended the traditional sopar de germanor (unity dinner) at the Casinet d'Hostafrancs on Sunday 4 October 2026, after torrential rain forced organisers to postpone the event from its original Saturday slot. The dinner, a central event of Hostafrancs’ annual street festival, had drawn over 450 pre-registrations before sign-ups closed days in advance. Despite concerns that holding the dinner on a Sunday evening before a working Monday might reduce turnout, the civic centre filled to capacity, according to the Federació d'Hostafrancs. The evening concluded with a performance by Catalan rumba band Rumberto and the traditional Festa Major dance.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved. The neighbourhood has heart, and that’s what makes this festival possible.

Josep Espín, president of the Federació d'Hostafrancs, thanked local associations for their swift reorganisation, noting that nearly 900 official festival T-shirts had been produced this year to boost community visibility. He described the event as a testament to the barri’s determination to celebrate together.

Honouring Community Pillars

During the dinner, the federation awarded its symbolic "La Magrana d'Honor" (The Honorary Pomegranate), the emblem of Hostafrancs, to two recipients. The collective award went to Orfeó Atlàntida, a choral group celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Anna Cuatrecasas, the group’s current president, accepted the award, saying: "The Orfeó has fed the neighbourhood, and the neighbourhood has fed the Orfeó." The individual honour was awarded to 93-year-old resident Núria Navarro, a long-standing community figure who has lived on Plaça del Sol since she was 10. Espín highlighted her enduring presence and enthusiasm for local events. Visibly moved, Navarro said: "Thank you all, I’m very happy, I didn’t know about this at all." Albert Deusedes, spokesperson councillor for the Sants-Montjuïc District, praised the area’s "incredibly strong associative network", noting how groups adapted within a single day to ensure the dinner’s success.

This festival isn’t just a schedule of events, it’s the will of Hostafrancs’ residents and associations to come together, to celebrate, to dance.

Jess González, district mayor of Sants-Montjuïc, echoed this sentiment, commending the community for their spirit and resilience.

Festival Continues with Full Weekend Programme

The second weekend of Festa Major d'Hostafrancs is now underway, with improved weather forecasts. On Friday 9 October 2026, activities begin at 17:15 with a chocolate drink event and the children’s proclamation (Pregó Infantil) by students from Centre Montserrat–Xavier at 17:45 on Carrer Vilardell. This is followed by a children’s show from group Bon Vent and a performance by percussion ensemble Descentrats at 20:00. Live music continues into the night with Joan Pelegrí Music Band at 21:45 and Miquel del Roig headlining from 23:00. Meanwhile, the FAB Casa del Mig hosts the Festival Visual Brasil, featuring live music and interactive installations from 20:00 to 02:00. The XIII Tapa Solidària, a charity tapas event supporting the Fundació Canpedró’s "Petits Dinars" social dining project for vulnerable children, runs from 20:00 to 00:00 on Friday at Carrer del Sant Crist, 13. It returns on Saturday 10 October from 12:00 to 24:00. The initiative, held annually during the festival, relies on 50 volunteers and supports around 100 children on non-school days. Saturday includes a historical walking tour from Plaça d'Herenni at 10:00, a basketball workshop by BAM, a chess tournament at the Casinet at 11:00, and a rumba-style vermouth session with Jordi Cabós at 12:00 on Carrer de l'Elisi. The day ends with hip-hop performances and graffiti workshops, culminating in concerts by Sants 3 Ràdio at 22:30 and Orquestra Di-Versiones at 00:15 on Carrer Vilardell. Full details of the festival programme are available at programafm.federaciohostafrancs.cat.

Primary sources: barcelona.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by programafm.federaciohostafrancs.cat, gastrosolidaria.org, el3.cat.