Cultural advances in Tortosa
In recent years, the city of Tortosa has experienced significant progress in its cultural policies, reflected in the revitalization of its old slaughterhouse. This space has been transformed into an emblematic museum, which has become a reference for modernism in the town, contributing to the new cultural image that the city projects. Since its reopening, this museum has occupied a prominent place as a center of creativity and interpretation, highlighting the artistic, ethnological and cultural heritage of Tortosa. An example of this evolution is the recent addition of a room dedicated to three renowned artists from a century ago: Antoni Casanova, Francesc Gimeno and Agustí Querol. However, a year after its completion, many of us wonder why it is still not in operation, despite the efforts made to clarify this situation. It is hoped that during this summer, said room will be able to open its doors to the public permanently.
Creation and cultural space
On the other hand, the Espai Joan Moreira has emerged, a crucial meeting point for popular culture entities in Tortosa. This facility, located in the Ferreries neighborhood, has been operational for more than a year and is expected to continue expanding and evolving. Despite its deep roots in local history and traditions, Tortosa has set its sights on the future, developing innovative cultural initiatives. The implementation of emerging technologies and projects aimed at the recovery of heritage, as well as the promotion of digital culture, are manifestations of how the city is adapting to modern times without abandoning its essence.
Festivals that enrich local culture
An outstanding example of this initiative is the A Cel Obert Festival, where you can see ephemeral artistic interventions in emblematic courtyards of Tortosa. This event also involves students from local educational centers not only as spectators, but also as creators of their own works. Equally relevant is the Toca’m Festival, an event that has managed to consolidate itself under the direction of Manel Miró and Maria Lombarte, as well as through the tireless work of volunteers, without whose efforts the festival would not be possible. This event has become one of the greatest references in the musical and artistic field focused on the piano within the region.
Cultural initiatives and their impact on the community
As we head into summer, festivities in the neighborhoods and larger events in the towns have begun, offering events such as the XXXI Mostra de Jazz. We have also been able to enjoy Protofest, a festival created by Cecília Aymí and David Matheu, which I have been fortunate to support since its inception, participating as a member of the choir in their participatory event along with other activities.
The role of entities in cultural programming
The work carried out by the Joventuts Musicals de Tortosa in cultural planning cannot be overlooked. Also notable are the excellent concerts of the Municipal Music Band and the high level achieved by the Escola Municipal de Teatre, located in the Felip Pedrell Auditorium. We celebrate that the expansion work on this auditorium has begun, although a year late. It is crucial that the current government, made up of Movem, PSC and ERC, uses the resources that have materialized, almost losing them, thanks to the efforts made by Junts per Tortosa in previous mandates. We are happy to see that there is now consensus on this city cultural project, although some time ago, the parties that now make up the government prevented the completion of this work on two separate occasions.
Celebrations and tributes to local culture
On this occasion, I want to take the opportunity to congratulate two cultural entities that are celebrating important anniversaries in 2024. On the one hand, at 10 years of Lo Planter, which continues to keep the folklore of our jota alive, and on the other, at 30 years of the Els 7 Cerebrals Youth and Cultural Association, located in Jesús, which has become a symbol in the Catalan territory and is recognized for being part of the festivities of the town of Jesús.
Tortosa: endless cultural activities
As I conclude these words, I realize that it is almost impossible to limit a single article to discuss the culture in Tortosa. I could talk about the attraction represented by the new Rastre wall and its viewpoint inaugurated more than a year ago, or about the circuit of walls that has been recently presented as a new project of the city government, forgetting to mention that all the work and resources They were managed by the previous administration. However, we welcome this initiative. We could also discuss the Vergés, the Quicos, the Renaissance, or the various popular cultural activities, as well as festivals such as Artèria and Totem, and the strength of the city’s art schools. However, I will not do justice to the variety of cultural levels we enjoyed in Tortosa. What is clear is that both the established projects and the new ones that have emerged in recent years, driven by the 2021 Capital of Catalan Culture, which I am proud to have supported, have transformed Tortosa into a vibrant center of cultural life. . This, without a doubt, encourages citizen participation and social transformation. We hope this momentum continues for years to come and provides positive benefits for the entire city.
LLUÍS BEL I ALEMANY is built by Junts for Tortosa.