The city of Igualada has announced its Christmas campaign for this year, presenting a comprehensive programme filled with family activities, traditions, and initiatives to boost local commerce. Mayor Marc Castells emphasised the community spirit during this festive period, stating, "Igualada will shine brightly thanks to the traditional Bosc Màgic, which will illuminate the city, along with numerous activities for children, youth, and families. Most importantly, it is the involvement of so many citizens that makes this a Christmas for everyone: schools, care homes, organisations, choirs, neighbours, and our traditions like the Pastorets and the Festa de Reis, which are a source of pride for any resident of Igualada."
Main highlights
During the presentation, the mayor outlined three main innovations for this year's campaign:
- The Bosc Màgic will continue to expand, with this year's lighting extending to the Estación Vieja Park, Plaza de la Cruz, and Sant Magí street, following previous additions of over 300 trees along Paseo Verdaguer and Plaza de Sant Miquel.
- The central light-switching event will return to the heart of the old town, taking place in the town hall square. An interactive show titled "Batecs de Nadal" will invite audience participation with a small light element at the end, directed by Pep Farrés and featuring original music by Biel Serena.
- For the first time, the façade of the Casa Consistorial will be adorned with special Christmas decorations, alongside a revamped tree decoration in the square. Additionally, the Cal Maco shelter will also showcase new festive decorations.
Another key addition is the launch of “Game On, Igualada,” a free initiative aimed at young people aged 12 to 30, featuring video game tournaments, escape rooms, and laser tag at the local museum.
Community spirit and traditional activities
Government spokesperson Miquel Vives provided further details on the cultural and community programming. The light-switching ceremony is scheduled for 27 November, with the public invited to collect a light element from 19:30 in Plaza de la Cruz, Pío XII, and Pilar for use during the event. Vives also noted the introduction of new lighting in the streets of Argent, Sant Magí, and Sant Josep, as well as the expansion of the Bosc de la Saviesa in Plaza de Sant Miquel, which will feature 14 trees created by local care homes and day centres.
The Fira de Santa Llúcia, organised by residents of Font Vella in Plaza Pío XII, will also expand in both the number of stalls and opening days, running over three weekends from 4 to 20 December. This will be complemented by the Caga Tió tournament, the Salón de la Infancia, the Pastorets, the Nunci and Heraldos, as well as shows and an Advent calendar at Niu Màgic and the traditional Festa dels Reis.
Vives highlighted that Christmas in Igualada represents "light, commerce, entities, culture, and tradition. A Christmas of local significance, from home to home," adding that the entire programme will be available on the Agenda Igualada app.
Support for local commerce
Commerce councillor Jordi Marcè outlined various initiatives aimed at promoting local shopping and supporting Igualada's businesses during the Christmas season. One new proposal includes grants for shop window decorations, allowing street-level shops to apply for up to €300 in funding (with a 25% co-financing requirement) for decorations inspired by the Bosc Màgic until 7 December. A shop window competition will also take place, with businesses able to register until 26 November at comercigualada.cat. The competition will reward the most original designs inspired by the forest and winter nature, with prizes of €600 for first place, €400 for second, and €200 plus a window display session for third.
Marcè also announced the continuation of the Ibons campaign for young people aged 16 to 25, starting 16 November, where each €10 voucher will be subsidised 70% by the council, allowing young people to pay just €3. A maximum of five vouchers can be purchased per person. Further details on purchasing Ibons or registering businesses for the campaign can be found at www.ibonsigualada.cat.
The Mercado de la Masuca will also host a special campaign this year, featuring background music, festive decorations, ticket giveaways, and activities on the Saturdays of 12 and 19 December. Additionally, in collaboration with Igualada Comercio, free 30-minute parking tickets will be distributed for the Plaza de la Cruz, Plaza Cal Font, and Sebastià Artés car parks to facilitate shopping for those visiting the city or needing to access the centre by car.
