Solsona will host the proclamation of the 2026 Central Catalonia pubilla and hereu on 9 May, selecting new youth representatives for the region. The main event, scheduled for 6pm in Plaça del Consell Comarcal del Solsonès, will be the highlight of a day filled with tests, activities, and tradition.
Ten pubilla candidates and ten hereu aspirants from twelve municipalities will take part. Among them are Solsona locals Júlia Pallarès Masdenpinós and Enric Pensí Oliva, who will compete for the titles. The event is particularly significant for Solsona as it will see local representatives Miquel Pérez Chimeno and Maria Garriga Viladrich step down from their roles.
Pérez, who will continue as hereu for the Lleida counties, will pass on the inter-county sash he won last year in Balsareny. Garriga will do the same with her first lady band. Solsona, a city with over 55 years of pubillatge tradition, is hosting this inter-county event for the first time, despite its strong local tradition.
Solsona's Historic Hosting Role
Albert Colell, Solsona City Council's Culture Councillor, described the celebration as a source of personal and collective pride. Colell, who was Solsona's first hereu in 2017, believes the event strengthens a tradition that connects young people through respect for Catalan culture.
"We are excited that the two Solsona residents who have been representatives in this field for the past year can end this stage in their city," Colell said. He also highlighted the young people's involvement in culture and tradition, and the strong friendships they share. Colell added, "We will see young people rooted and committed to the cultural heritage of our territory."
Public Activities and Selection Process
The day's activities will start at 9am with candidate registration at the Casal de Cultura i Joventut. Morning events include a written exam and personal interviews to determine the new regional representatives. In the afternoon, a parade will move through Solsona's streets, a tradition many residents look forward to.
The official proclamation will take place at 6pm in Plaça del Consell Comarcal, where the new 2026 Central Catalonia hereu and pubilla will be announced. The day will end with a dinner at 9pm, allowing attendees to share in the cultural and traditional festivities.
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
The 2026 pubilla and hereu proclamation also marks the handover for the 20th generation of Central Catalonia's pubillatge representatives. Solsona's Miquel Pérez and Manresa's Eulàlia Casserras will leave their positions. They have been recognised for their work in promoting Catalan culture and tradition.
In their final address, the outgoing representatives stressed the importance of this experience in creating a network of young people committed to preserving their cultural roots. They stated, "The reason is that this goes far beyond being a tradition; it is a way to create a network of young people who love and live their traditions."
Candidates for pubilla and hereu must be between 18 and 23 years old, or up to 24 if they hold a current local title. Aspirants must also pass knowledge and expression tests, including a personal interview and demonstrating their understanding of local and cultural traditions. The aim is to choose representatives who are well-trained and involved in Central Catalonia's culture.
The 2026 Central Catalonia pubilla and hereu selection event is organised by Solsona City Council's Culture Department, with support from Foment del Pubillatge Català and the Associació del Pubillatge Solsoní. The Orquestra Patinfanjàs and the Jove Ballet Solsoní will also contribute artistic performances to the day.
