One of the reasons why Plaça de la Font is so well known in Tarragona and nearby villages is because it has been the scenario of so many celebrations both in the past and also in the present.

From the XIX century this square has welcomed all kind of celebrations related with festivals, traditions, culture and social events.

At the end of the 19th century, to be more exact in 1851, we find one example of popular culture when the “Gegants” (“Giants”) of Tarragona, done by the local sculpturer Bernat Verderol are presented to the city. Eight years later, in 1859 , the group of “Gegants” is increased with 13 “Nans” (Dwarfs) and in 1865 “Els Negritos” (the Negroes”) complete the whole group. Their parades usually start and finish in the Town Hall where they are kept and they are the admiration of children and no children during their parade.

The couple of Giants

At the beginning of the 19^th century during the celebrations of the local patron saint, St. Tecla, the religious processions enlarged their route and arrived as far as Plaça de la Font.

In 1932 the first “Castells” (“Human Towers”) competition took place in the square. Pau Casals was the president. In spite of the great expectation the competition had risen , only two groups took part in it, a group or “colla” from Valls, the winner, and another one from Tarragona.

Saint Tecla celebrations in 1901. Xiquets de Valls

“Ball de Bastons” is another tradition that has been kept along the years. It is a dance where a group of dancers holding two battons hit them against those of their companions , changing their position with beautiful and striking choreographies It was introduced in Tarragona in 1841 and it has been danced there without interruption on the contrary of what happened with the “sardana” that in Franco’s time was forbidden for a certain time.

Ball de Bastons in the thirties

Human Tower in Fountain Square in the 20’s .

Saint Tecla’s Day in 1943. Human Tower group “Xiquets de Tarragona”

Human Tower by “Xiquets de Tarragona”

“Nanos de la Ciutat” (Dwarves of the city)

Cultural Events

This square has been the place where several cultural events have taken place.

- In 1911 there was an esperanto conference.

Members of the Esperanto Conference in front of the Town Hall in 1911.

-“Sardanes”: The “sardana” was introduced in Tarragona during the last third of the 19th century . It is danced in “rotllanes” of people holding their hands It is the typical Catalan dance and it was and it is still danced in Plaça de la Font during the festivals, in celebrations and summer evenings or nights.

People dancing “sardanes” in Constitution Square in 1912

Saint Tecla’s celebrations in 1930

-In 1919 A Teacher's Assembly or conference was held in Tarragona.

Attendants to the Teachers’ Assembly

Social Events

- Homage to Santiago Rusinyol, after his death in Aranjuez by Orfeó Tarragoní, Coral l’Àncora and Club Gimnàstic

Homage to Santiago Rusinyol in 1931

- In 1928 took place the Flower Fiesta which aim was to get money to fight against tuberculosis.

Fiesta of the Flower.

-Saint Tecla’s celebration in 2002: tasting of the monumental cake called “ Braç de Sta. Tecla” (Saint Tecla’s arm)

150 m. long Saint Tecla’s arm

Nowadays the Plaça de la Font is still the place where many festivals and celebrations are hold: “Giants and Nanos” parade, “human towers”, rallies against the war, Barcelona Football Club victories,...

Saint Tecla’s celebration in 1996

Gypsies’ Dance

Saint Tecla’s celebration in 2002

Giant's Ball

- On 31^st December “L’ Home dels Nassos” (“Noses’ Man”), who has so many noses as days are left to finish the year, greets the children and public from the Town Hall balcony before starting his route through the city.

“L’Home dels Nassos” (“Noses Man”). 2000

“L’Home dels Nassos” (“Noses Man”). 2000