Renewed Space for Democratic Representation
Pacs del Penedès inaugurated its newly renovated plenary chamber on 11 September 2026, Catalonia’s National Day, in an institutional act highlighting the municipality’s democratic history. The ceremony, held at the town hall, marked the completion of a year-long renovation project aimed at modernising the space where the municipal council meets. The updated chamber now features an open, level layout with the removal of the former podium, symbolising greater equality among council members. Other improvements include new furniture, upgraded audio systems, and modernised interior elements to meet current functional needs.
Honouring Democratic Leadership and Civic Memory
For the first time, the chamber formally recognises all mayors of Pacs del Penedès since the restoration of democratic local government in 1979. Displayed within the chamber are the names of Josep Soler, Joan Marrugat, Josep Sogas, Montserrat Mascaró, and current mayor Montserrat Amat Domènech, who has served since June 2023 under the Pacs Batega-AM platform. This recognition, as confirmed on the official municipal website pacsdelpenedes.cat, is intended to honour the contributions of those who have led the municipality across changing political and social contexts, ensuring institutional continuity. A special tribute was also expanded for Joan Esclasans i Esteve, a Republican-era teacher forced into exile after the Spanish Civil War for promoting democratic education. His legacy was preserved through a donation that funded the chamber’s first renovation in 1987. The current update includes a new interpretive space dedicated to his life and civic values, featuring original educational materials from the Freinet period.
Symbols of Identity and Community
The chamber now hosts two prominent artworks: a depiction of the Virgin of Montserrat and another of Saint George. These, alongside the democratic and historical tributes, transform the space into more than a venue for governance, making it a place of collective memory. The inauguration event featured performances by the local choir El Circell and the cobla Montgrins. A ceremonial flag-raising accompanied the singing of the Cant de la Senyera, followed by the Cant dels Segadors, Catalonia’s national anthem, closing the event. According to the municipal transparency portal seu-e.cat, the plenary chamber hosts regular council meetings on the fourth non-holiday Tuesday of every two months at 8pm.
Primary sources: patrimonifestiu.cultura.gencat.cat. Reported by ca.wikipedia.org, seu-e.cat, Ajuntament de Pacs del Penedès, El 3 de Vuit.
