The controversy behind the success
Despite the remarkable success of this year’s Renaissance Festival, I cannot help but express my indignation at the incidents that took place in the apse of the Cathedral during the parade of the banners at the close of the event. These altercations were mainly caused by an opposition councillor, Mr Domingo Tomás, who had previously played a key role in the organisation of this celebration in previous years.
Dream of a better future
Just as Aristotle, the Master and Noah did, as well as the influential Martin Luther King, I find myself dreaming right now too. The essence of the dream lies in becoming aware of the ideals that we long to achieve:
Vision for Tortosa
I dream of a Tortosa where the associative fabric is strong. A place where the desire to win followers for various factions does not wear down the social fabric, separating citizens. It is essential that these divisions do not lead to the loss of the strength needed to demand improvements and re-emerge in the socio-economic aspect.
A collective rebirth
My hope is that the joint effort will foster the rebirth of the region, thanks to the unity and harmony between all the inhabitants, thus eradicating the current tendency to let oneself be carried away by a harmful oligarchy that fuels hatred and eliminates any love for our land.
Need for political change
I dream of political representatives who, both from the government and the opposition, work tirelessly for the rebirth of Tortosa. It is essential to avoid confrontation between the ruling classes that oppose each other for power, becoming irreconcilable groups in our own land. As we have recently observed, defamation and attacks have diminished the prestige of a celebration that had achieved great participation and complied with historical rigor.
A constructive opposition
I want an opposition that does not turn the City Council plenary sessions into a grotesque spectacle. It is imperative that they focus on the well-being of the city of Tortosa, moving away from personal interests and lust for power. I do not look for the lamp of Diogenes to find a worthy man, but a society that is worthy and that supports men of good will. For this to be possible, political representatives must act together, regardless of their position in the government or the opposition.
A cultural heritage that we must preserve
I imagine a Renaissance Festival that is not only governed by historical accuracy, but also highlights the greatness of the Tortosa region, which in its time encompassed the entire ancient Diocese of Tortosa, being the object of envy throughout Catalonia. I also see the need to recover the Cinta festivities, which have suffered considerable deterioration in recent years.
Unity in the defense of our roots
I dream of the unification of everyone to defend the Terres de l’Ebre, just as we did in the defense of our river, thanks to the Platform of l’Ebre. In this context, it was demonstrated that strength lies in what unites us, not in what separates us.
Inspired conclusion
As this dream ended and the images faded, I seemed to hear from the lips of Aristotle: ‘Hope is the dream of all waking men.’
*Núria Menasanch i Martí is a biography of Francesc Mestre i Noé, psychologist and author.