Context of the celebration
Together with various cultural entities in the region, we have written these lines with the aim of addressing the events that took place within the framework of the ‘Algaravia de la fiesta’ performance, which was held on Sunday, July 21, during the emblematic Renaixement Festival in Tortosa.
Disagreements regarding the performance
We wish to express our deep discontent at the attitudes and lack of consideration on the part of the group known as Abanderats de la Colla Jove de Tortosa. This group monopolized a performance in which multiple groups had expressed their desire to participate. The duration of their presentation greatly exceeded the previously established limits, which made it impossible for other groups and associations, who work enthusiastically in the celebration, to have their turn to perform.
It is important to note that all participating groups had a time allotment of six minutes to make their presentations, except for the local flag bearers and a group of Italians, who had fifteen minutes. However, the representatives from Tortosa, who were the first to perform, had already been going for more than forty minutes when we decided, of our own free will, to enter the Absis square, as we considered that this was an obvious boycott of the work of the cultural and festival authorities, as well as of our associations.
A call to reflection
This statement seeks to distance itself from political disputes or envy and aims to provide a clear vision, dispelling the confusion that has been generated around this episode. We do not believe that there are better or worse groups; We are all committed to the culture and enrichment of the heritage of our community and territory, always acting in good faith and with the means at our disposal.
For this reason, we do not accept the lack of respect towards us from some members of the Abanderats of Tortosa. Likewise, it is incomprehensible how people outside the organization could prevent our right to act, and how some followers of this group whistled at us, insulted us and blocked access to the square, even leading to acts of physical aggression.
An alarming incident
We consider it a very serious fact that among the crowd that showed intimidating attitudes there were public servants encouraging this inappropriate behavior of this cultural group. Despite everything, after the incidents, the spokesperson for the Abanderats requested applause in recognition of our work, arguing that our presence was unnecessary.
Therefore, from here we express that we do not accept either your recognition or your applause; We are not an unnecessary group and our performances are equally valuable. What we really want is for those who represented this entity during the events to offer a public apology for the contempt they showed towards our groups, towards the people who make them up and towards the effort we make.
Thanks and solidarity
Finally, we want to thank all those people who have shown us their support, since we all, from the smallest to the largest, make up the cultural wealth, the Renaixement Festival, Tortosa and the Terres de l’Ebre.
This message is signed by the local groups affected, including: Ball de Cavallets al So dels Gaiters de l’Aguilot (Cultural Association 4+1), Va de Vent, L’Orde de l’Atxa (Pastiset Theater Group), Camí a la Cort (Tuna Folk and A Mig Camí).