Lleida's Festa Major officially began on 8 May 2026, with an opening address from Olympic canoeist Saúl Craviotto, who spoke about the profound civic pride of being from Lleida. Craviotto, a native of the city, told attendees, "No medal weighs as much as the pride of saying where I am from. Because I have always been, am, and always will be from Lleida." He added that even after more than 25 years away, Lleida remains his starting and returning point.
Craviotto's speech, delivered at the Saló de Sessions, focused on the values of effort, ambition, and remembering one's origins. He encouraged young people "not to be afraid to dream big, to go out, to try, to make mistakes," but also to "never forget where they come from, because roots do not tie you down, they sustain you." He concluded by urging residents to enjoy the festival with respect and joy, stating there is "nothing more beautiful than a united city celebrating itself."
Mayor Highlights Collective Strength
Fèlix Larrosa, the Mayor of Lleida, thanked Craviotto for his words, presenting him as an example of the best of Lleida's values: coexistence, respect, a culture of effort, well-done work, discretion, tenacity, and the ability to overcome challenges without losing direction. "Saúl, we tell you from the heart: we love you. Lleida loves you," Larrosa said, expressing pride in being able to convey this message during such a significant event.
Larrosa called for the "collective strength of all Lleida residents to make a great city" and encouraged participation in the festival, which he described as "memory, identity, community, and city." He also announced the upcoming creation of a civic commission to prepare a programme of events for the 750th anniversary of the Seu Vella, which will be commemorated next year in 2027. This year will also mark the 400th anniversary of Saint Anastasi as the city's patron.
Festival Kicks Off with Drone Show and New Music
Xavier Blanco, the Councillor for Festivities, praised Craviotto, noting how his "effort, humility, and excellence have transcended personal success to become a collective symbol." Blanco added that Craviotto has "carried the name of our city around the world with an extraordinary combination of talent and commitment."
The opening ceremony also featured the premiere of the 2026 Festa Major song, "Si marxo és per tornar" (If I leave, it's to return), composed and produced by Lleida's Pep Saula and performed by Abril Pinyol Morera. The 2025 festival song, performed by Joana Barco Alins, was also heard at the start of the event, with the Lleida duo Ondina providing further entertainment. Bands and insignia were presented to the Hereu and Pubilles Joves Referents of the festivities: Xavier Sabaté Roldan, Maria Blanch Rodríguez, Xènia Bosch Buisán, and Ivayla Stoyanova Ivanova.
Following the official opening, residents experienced a new feature for this year's festival: the drone show titled "Lleida, un somni de ciutat" (Lleida, a city's dream). Three hundred drones illuminated the city sky, creating an ethereal journey that depicted symbols and landmarks of Lleida around the Seu Vella. Simultaneously, the first evening celebration, known as a 'revetlla', began in the Camps Elisis, marking the start of four days of popular festivities.
