Tàrrega, in the Urgell region, will host its May Festival from 9 to 17 May 2026, featuring over 60 activities across nine days. The programme, largely free, aims to be a meeting point for popular culture, gastronomy, live music, and the arts, according to the Culture Department.
Councillor for Culture, Miquel Nadal, and Mayor Rosa Maria Perelló highlighted the co-organisation between the council and local associations. Perelló stated that the festival's opening speech would recognise the international work of painter Magí Puig. Nadal added that the festival embraces all aspects of the city, promoting Catalan culture and offering diverse voices.
The festival will start on Saturday, 9 May, at 11am with the opening speech by painter Magí Puig. Puig, born in Palou and a long-time Tàrrega resident, will discuss his connection to the city, its people, and culture. He has exhibited internationally in cities such as Paris, London, and New York. Following the speech, there will be a bell ringing and a 'sirollada' (noise-making event) with Diables de BAT.
Diables de BAT Celebrate 40 Years
Diables de BAT will be central to the festival, inaugurating a commemorative exhibition marking their 40 years of dedication to fire, pyrotechnics, and popular culture. The exhibition, featuring photographs, costumes, and memorabilia, opens on Saturday, 9 May, at 12.30pm in Sala Marsà. Also on Saturday, the second Castellera Day will take place in Plaça Major at 5.30pm, with performances from groups including Nova Muixeranga d’Algemesí, Castellers de Mollet, Castellers del Maresme, and Margeners de Guissona.
Sunday, 10 May, will see the 42nd Sardana Gathering in Plaça del Carme, where a commemorative piece and the city's new sardana group will be presented. On Monday, 11 May, at 7.30pm, local folklorist Albert Fitó will present his book on the history of Tàrrega's giants at the Ateneu. A significant event, the Eixida, featuring popular dance displays, is scheduled for Wednesday, 13 May, at 8.45pm in Plaça Major. The children's version, l'Eixideta, will be staged the day before, on Tuesday, 12 May, at 5.30pm.
For the second year, 'El Bategar de Targa', a popular culture show created by young Tàrrega residents for teenagers, will be presented. A new addition this year is the 'Pedraforc' dragon, inspired by the Corpus dragon documented since 1610, which will debut on Friday, 15 May, at 9.30pm in Plaça Major. Another new event is the 'Targabongo', an original proposal from the Agrat Association that combines traditional bingo with music, humour, and audience interaction. This will be held on Friday, 15 May, at midnight in Plaça Major.
Street Spectacles and Music Programme
Saturday, 16 May, will bring 'La Nit del Tararot de Guixanet' to Plaça Major at 10pm. This large-scale street show gathers groups and bestiary figures from across Catalonia. It will be followed by a 'correfoc' (fire run) by Diables de BAT, joined by Diables del Jordiet de Garcia. Earlier in the afternoon, the 'Correbars' event, CorreTossino, will take place through the city centre. Sunday, 17 May, will feature the 37th Gathering of Giants and Big-Heads, organised by Fal·lera Gegantera, starting at 11.30am.
The performing arts will also be present, with actor Roger Coma performing his first monologue, 'No ho hauria de fer' (I Shouldn't Do It), a black comedy reflecting on death. This will be at Teatre Ateneu on Tuesday, 12 May, at 8pm, with tickets priced at €10. For families, Alea Teatre will present 'Mos-Kids', a multidisciplinary show incorporating clowning, puppets, dance, and music, on Thursday, 14 May, at 6pm in Plaça Major.
The music programme starts on Saturday, 9 May, at midnight in Plaça de les Nacions sense Estat, with Lurretik, who revive Pyrenean musical heritage, and cover band Band The Cool. On Wednesday, 13 May, at 10.30pm in Plaça Major, Tàrrega bands Faves Tendres (pop, electronic, and alternative rock) and The Targarians (Jamaican ska-rock) will perform. Ouineta, a singer and choreographer from La Roca del Vallès, will perform reggaeton and bachata on Friday, 15 May, at 11pm in Plaça de les Nacions sense Estat. Sexenni and Fades will offer a double concert on Saturday, 16 May, at midnight in Plaça de les Nacions sense Estat. Lleida band Sexenni mixes festive rhythms and witty lyrics, while Mallorcan group Fades blends pop, house, and urban music.
Orchestras will also perform, with Tàrrega's Banda Sonora on Thursday, 14 May (a local holiday), at 6pm in Plaça de les Nacions sense Estat. Orquestra Maravella will present its repertoire on Sunday, 17 May, at 6pm in the same location.
Sports, Gastronomy, and Final Events
The sports agenda includes the 25th Tàrrega City Half Marathon and 10 KM on Sunday, 10 May, organised by 100 x 100 Fondistes. There will also be a bowling competition by Club de Bitlles de Tàrrega on Saturday, 16 May, and a gathering of Motards de Tàrrega at the Municipal Campsite. Gastronomic activities include the FiraCóc on Saturday, 16 May, and Sunday, 17 May, with around 20 bakery exhibitors at Espai MerCAT. Agrat will host a vermouth event on Saturday, 16 May, by the Ondara river, and the Picampanar by Agrupament Escolta will also take place.
The festival will conclude with a firework display by Pirotècnica Estalella at 10pm. The Tàrrega Urgell Museum will integrate Museum Night into the festival programme, offering two guided visits to the 'Viure la mort' (Living Death) exhibition and a concert by singer-songwriter Paul Fuster on Saturday, 9 May. The festival poster, designed by illustrator Susana Calvo, combines traditional Tàrrega culture with modern and minimalist elements.
