In Salou, the Salou Giants Cultural Association received the Diploma of Merit for Distinguished Services in the Tarragonès region on Friday, 13 June 2026. This is one of the highest honours awarded by the Tarragonès Regional Council, recognising individuals, entities, and groups that help with the social, cultural, and associative development of the area.
The recognition, proposed by Salou Town Council, highlights the association's history in preserving, promoting, and spreading popular Catalan culture. It also acknowledges their contribution to social cohesion and the cultural life of the municipality.
The awards ceremony took place in Argilaga, bringing together institutional representatives, entities, and associations from across the region. Salou's mayor, Pere Granados, and Culture Councillor, Júlia Gómez, attended to support the 'colla gegantera' (giants group) on this important day.
Promoting Catalan Identity
The Regional Council stated that the Salou Giants have become a key reference point for popular culture in the municipality. They encourage public participation and keep traditions alive, which are part of the city's collective identity. The association's involvement in the Catalan Culture Capital events was also noted, where the group actively participated in many cultural, institutional, and festive activities, helping to strengthen a sense of belonging and project Catalan culture.
Among the recognised merits is the association's growth over recent years. The group started with about fifteen members and now has over forty, showing an example of public participation, integration, and commitment to local traditions.
After Teresa Villagran, president of the Colla Gegantera, accepted the diploma, Oriol Margalef, a member of the group, thanked Salou Town Council and the mayor. He said, “This support gives us strength to continue working, as we have done until now, for the culture, our traditions, and the identity of our town.”
Mayor Praises Community Contribution
Salou's mayor, Pere Granados, congratulated the association on the distinction. He emphasised that “the Salou Giants are one of the best examples of how popular culture helps to build a city, strengthen collective identity, and pass on values and traditions to new generations.”
Granados added that this recognition also honours all the volunteers who generously dedicate their time to keeping alive a cultural heritage that is part of Salou's soul. The association plans to continue its work in promoting local traditions and engaging the community in cultural activities.
