The ratafía competition in Santa Coloma de Farners has achieved a historic milestone, with 341 homemade ratafías submitted for its 45th edition. This figure surpasses last year's record of 314 entries, highlighting the enduring popularity of this traditional herbal liqueur in the region.
Since its inception, the competition has attracted ratafías from across Catalonia and beyond, including regions such as the Valencian Community, Cantabria, the Balearic Islands, and the Basque Country. This year, the event has expanded its reach, receiving entries from Japan and France.
Upcoming festival celebrations
The 45th Ratafia Festival is scheduled to take place from 5 to 8 November, transforming Santa Coloma de Farners into the epicentre of this herbal liqueur. The festival's programme was unveiled at an event attended by Miquel Noguer, president of the Diputació de Girona; Pep Prat, mayor of Santa Coloma de Farners; and Jordi Casassayas, president of the Confraria de la Ratafia.
A highlight of this year's festival will be the introduction of the Maimoris ratafía, crafted from a recipe dating back to 1842 by local resident Francesc Rosquellas. This initiative aims to revive a nearly two-century-old formula, preserving and sharing the heritage of ratafía.
The Maimoris ratafía will be showcased at various points during the festival, with a dedicated presentation and tasting scheduled for Saturday, 7 November, at the Casa de la Palabra.
Honouring tradition and innovation
This year's festival will also pay tribute to its origins by naming the Jovent del Poble as Confrare de Honor 2026. This recognition commemorates the group of young people who initiated the first Ratafia Competition in 1982, laying the foundation for a celebration that has become a hallmark of Santa Coloma de Farners over four decades later.
Additionally, Francisca Pastells will be introduced into the festival's popular imagery with a new cabezudo, a large papier-mâché figure. Pastells, a forest worker and ratafia expert, embodies the traditional knowledge associated with herbs and the making of ratafía, serving as a tribute to the women who have preserved and passed down these skills through generations.
Gastronomy and activities
The festival will once again emphasise gastronomy with the second edition of Fogons de Ratafia, a successful initiative launched last year. This programme combines cooking with ratafía, featuring amateur competitions and culinary demonstrations, showcasing the versatility of ratafía beyond just a drink.
In total, the 45th Ratafia Festival will host around sixty activities, with the main events spread throughout the centre of Santa Coloma de Farners. The Farners Square will feature thirty-six ratafía stalls, the highest number to date, while the Firal Square will transform into the Ratafiàrium, dedicated to gastronomy related to ratafía.
The programme also includes guided tastings, visits, talks, exhibitions, family activities, parades, cultural events, concerts, and the traditional Baile de la Ratafia. Pre-festival activities began on 31 October, with the main events occurring from Thursday, 5 November, to Sunday, 8 November.
Once again, thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Santa Coloma de Farners over the four days, celebrating a tradition that has thrived through generations, each adding their own touch to this cherished heritage. The Ratafia Festival is jointly organised by the Santa Coloma de Farners Town Hall and the Confraria de la Ratafia, with support from the Diputació de Girona and participation from numerous local organisations.
