Giants Parade Through City Centre

On Saturday, 12 September 2026, Reus hosted the XXV Trobada de Gegants, a celebration of Catalan popular culture that brought together giant figure troupes from across Catalonia. The event took place in the heart of the city, centring on Plaça del Mercadal and the surrounding streets. The day began at 10:30 with children handing xumets to the Mulassa at Plaça de Sant Pere, a traditional ritual marking the start of festivities. Later that afternoon, at 17:00, the official gathering of giants, known as the 'plantada', took place at Plaça del Mercadal. Participating groups included the giants of Santa Maria del Mar, Vells de Terrassa, Mercè de Tàrrega, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Celoni, Castellvell del Camp, and the Carnival of Solsona. Reus’s own Mulassa and Gegants also took part.

New Costumes Unveiled for Japanese Giants

The 25th Trobada also marked the 70th anniversary of Reus’s Gegants Japonesos, who debuted newly designed costumes inspired by Japanese culture during the afternoon’s events. The unveiling took place at Plaça del Mercadal as part of the plantada, celebrating seven decades since their first public appearance on 28 June 1956. At 18:00, a grand procession, or cercavila, began at Plaça del Mercadal. The parade route included Carrer Major, Plaça de Sant Pere, Peixateries Velles, Carrer de l’Hospital, Carrer de la Presó, Plaça de la Farinera, Carrer de Santa Anna, Raval de Santa Anna, Plaça de Prim, and Carrer de Monterols, before returning to Plaça del Mercadal. Following the parade, invited troupes performed display dances, bringing the day’s festivities to a close with vibrant performances that drew crowds from across the region.

The 25th Trobada de Gegants has once again highlighted the strength of local tradition and intercommunity ties across Catalonia.

Festivities Continue This Weekend

The event was part of the broader Misericòrdia Festival 2026, which runs from 10 September to 4 October. The full programme includes castell demonstrations, correfocs, concerts, and heritage walks. Further highlights include the Diada Castellera de Misericòrdia on 19 September and the central religious procession on 25 September. Residents and visitors can consult the full schedule of events at Canal Reus.

Primary sources: REUS.CAT. Reported by Canal Reus, laciutat.cat, diarimes.com, elpuntavui.cat, diaridetarragona.com, reusdigital.cat.