A Journey to the Past in Les Borges Blanques
On April 14, 2026, Les Borges Blanques became the stage for a moving historical recreation marking the 95th anniversary of the proclamation of the Catalan Republic. This event not only celebrated a crucial moment in Catalan history but also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Espai Macià, a cultural centre dedicated to the legacy of President Francesc Macià.
The ceremony took place in front of the old town hall, where the minutes of the municipal plenary session documenting the events of April 14, 1931, were read. Marc Macià, a documentary filmmaker at the Espai Macià and tasked with voicing this important historical document, described the plenary as “very tense,” recalling how Pere Mias burst into the Town Hall to proclaim the Catalan Republic. Mias refused to accept the resignation of the previous council, arguing that it was a “moment of rupture” that deserved to be celebrated.
This event is part of the fifth Memory and Republic Days organised by the Espai Macià and the Espai Companys del Tarròs (Urgell), which will run until April 19. Last year, the Espai Macià welcomed over a thousand visitors, demonstrating its growing popularity as a focal point for those interested in Catalan history and culture.
Over the past year, the Espai Macià has hosted five notable temporary exhibitions. These include “Bunkertype,” a showcase by typographic artist Jesús Morentín; “Light in the Soul. Palmira Jaquetti (1895-1963)”; and “Invisible but Decisive. Women in the Civil War and the Battle of the Ebro.” These exhibitions have further enriched the cultural offerings of the space.
The opening of the Espai Macià fifteen years ago has allowed for the preservation of historical memory and fostered dialogue about past events that have shaped Catalonia. With each visit and each event like this, Les Borges Blanques reaffirms its commitment to remembering its history while looking towards a future full of possibilities.
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