Valls, in the Alt Camp region, will host the first Calçofest on 22 November, featuring a large concert, a popular calçotada, and various family activities to mark the start of the official calçotada season. The festival will also include special promotions from local restaurants and shops, according to Valls officials.
Twelve restaurants in the Alt Camp area are participating, offering a 10% discount on calçotadas served on 22 November. These include Cal Ganxo, Casa Fèlix, El Cervelló, Julià Mallol, Incògnit, La Licorera, and Masia Fontscaldes in Valls, along with L'Esportell del Bou in Picamoixons, El Coll in Nulles, La Sort in Pont d'Armentera, and La Montoliva in Vilallonga del Camp.
The Valls Chamber of Commerce coordinated this initiative, highlighting the importance of connecting Calçofest with businesses linked to the calçotada, such as restaurants and agri-food producers. These businesses are essential to the tradition and economy of the region. The Chamber has helped promote the festival, led by a local company, to address a long-standing request from the restaurant sector: to extend the calçotada season. A strong launch event helps promote the calçotada from November to April, boosting its tourist appeal.
Local Businesses Offer Concert Tickets
Valls shops are also supporting Calçofest by raffling eight concert tickets. Customers who make purchases at Union of Shopkeepers member establishments between 3 and 8 November can enter the draw. Participants must deposit their purchase tickets, with their name, surname, and contact number, into urns located at the Commerce and Tourism offices (Carrer de la Cort, 3) and the Chamber of Commerce (C/Jacint Verdaguer, 1).
Additionally, two more tickets will be given away via an Instagram draw. To enter, users must comment on and share the promotional video from the Union of Shopkeepers, tagging who they will attend the Calçofest concert with, as well as the profiles @calcofest, @comercdevalls, and @VisitaValls. Private profiles must share the post as an Instagram story and provide a screenshot. Both the physical and online ticket draws will take place on 11 November.
Museum and Safety Initiatives
The Catalan Casteller Museum is offering a special 2-for-1 entry promotion for all Calçofest concert attendees. This adds a cultural element to the festival's offerings.
The Valls City Council's Department of Equality and Feminisms is also collaborating with Calçofest by setting up a 'Punt Lila i Irisat' (Purple and Iridescent Point). This initiative aims to ensure the festival is a safe space for preventing and raising awareness about sexist and LGTBIfobic violence, as well as sexual harassment in nightlife settings. Expert staff will provide information, support, and accompaniment if needed, operating from a tent and patrolling the area. Attendees can also contact the point's staff via a WhatsApp channel accessible through an app.
Accessibility and Festival Programme
Calçofest will include specific adapted areas for people with functional diversity to ensure full participation. The Department of Community Action will provide identifying banners and flags for reserved spaces, information points, and other areas of interest. Identification wristbands will also be available, allowing efficient and secure access control for those using reserved services.
The Calçofest Festival on 22 November will combine culture, music, and gastronomy with activities for all ages. These include music, dance, and circus performances in Valls' historic centre, along with tastings and pairings of quality local products. The main concert will feature Figa Flawas, The Tyets, Buhos, La Fúmiga, Els Catarres, Ginestà, Les Que Faltaband, Maria Jacobs, and DJ Trapella.
The festival reinforces Valls' position as the capital and origin city of the calçotada, as well as a musical reference point in Catalonia. This project combines new ideas, tradition, and a commitment to the region. Calçofest is organised by Valls' Redstar venue and Boom Boom Produccions, with support from the Catalan Government's Department of Culture, the Tarragona Provincial Council, Valls City Council, the Valls Chamber of Commerce, and the Protected Geographical Indication Calçot de Valls.
