Encamp Hosts 37th Aplec de la Sardana with Catalan Dance Groups

Encamp will host the 37th Aplec de la Sardana and 31st Concurs de Colles Sardanistes this weekend, drawing dancers and enthusiasts from Catalonia to Plaça dels Arínsols on August 29 and 30.

The Comú d’Encamp organizes the event in collaboration with Catalan sardanista federations and groups, reinforcing cultural bonds through the shared tradition. Ten colles from Lleida, Ponts, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Terrassa, Valls, Vilanova de Bellpuig, and Bellvís will take part. Veterans competing include Enèrgica, Encara hi som, Geltrunenca, Fonts de Valldans, Grup Sardanista Balàfia, Continuïtat, and Flors d’Estiu. Xalem and Amunt i Crits represent large groups, while La Guineu Saltirona enters the youth category.

The programme opens Saturday at 5pm with a performance by the Castellers d’Andorra, marking the Diada de les Set Parròquies and linking castells with sardana. The main contest follows at 6pm, featuring a showpiece sardana, short version, free-points sardana, and brotherhood dance, all played by Cobla La Flama de Farners. At 10pm, the cobla leads a seven-round sardanes session.

Sunday begins at 11am with seven-round sardanes by La Flama de Farners and Jovenívola de Sabadell. A paella lunch follows at 2pm for €2 per ticket. Dancing resumes at 4.30pm with both cobles to close the event.

If rain falls, activities move indoors to the Sala de Festes at Encamp’s Complex Esportiu i Sociocultural. The gathering preserves a longstanding tradition, uniting dancers of all ages in a festive atmosphere.