Valls, Tarragona: The Valls Juga Festival, a gaming event for the Camp de Tarragona region, successfully attracted 1,750 people to Sala Kursaal on 8 March 2025. This second edition saw a substantial increase in attendance, according to organisers.
The festival's organising team, which includes Món Aualé, Moviment Educatiu de l’Alt Camp (MEAC), Rol en família, Llibreria Tram, La Pera Juganera, and the Civic Centre and VallsJove from the Department of Civic Action and Youth, expressed satisfaction with the public's response. The event surpassed the 1,200 visitors recorded during its first edition, showing its growing popularity and confirming its place in Valls' event schedule.
Organisers said the increase in attendance proves a rising interest in games as a tool for learning, socialisation, and entertainment. This was one of the festival's main goals. The team worked for a year on this event and is pleased to see Valls established as a key location for gaming festivals in Catalonia.
Expanding Activities and Public Engagement
The second edition of Valls Juga introduced new features and a broader programme, offering over 60 activities across four main gaming zones. These zones covered more than 3,000 square metres, providing entertainment for all ages and interests. Visitors enjoyed a constant flow of activities throughout the day, with high participation in various areas.
Public feedback highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, strong organisation, and the chance to discover and share games as a community. New additions, such as the 'purple tables', the theatrical game “Els crims de Valls” (The Crimes of Valls), and the night session, were also well-received.
This year, the festival collaborated with the Department of Language Policy, which published “Vocabularis dels Jocs de Taula i de Rol” (Board Game and Role-Playing Game Vocabularies). This initiative aims to promote the use of Catalan within the gaming community. The Department of Commerce and Valls Commerce also participated with a new game called “Pista en pista” (Clue by Clue), which connected the festival with local shops.
Community Support and Future Outlook
The festival organisers extended their gratitude to the more than 50 companies, entities, services, and administrations that collaborated and participated. They also thanked the Valls Juga volunteer team, La Pinya, La Pera Juganera, and Ludoforta for demonstrating games. Publishers and game authors who presented their creations at the festival also received thanks.
The continued growth and positive reception of Valls Juga suggest a strong future for the festival. Its success in attracting a larger audience and integrating local initiatives positions Valls as an important centre for gaming culture in Catalonia.
