Rubí Town Council has implemented extensive accessibility measures for its annual Festa Major, which starts on Friday, 26th June. These initiatives aim to ensure all residents, including those with disabilities and high sensitivity, can fully participate in the celebrations. The council's efforts focus on creating an inclusive environment across various festival activities.
A key feature returning this year is the introduction of "silent hours" at the funfair and the inflatable and adventure games zone. During these periods, loud music and disruptive sounds are removed. This creates a calmer environment for individuals with high sensitivity, such as children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The opening speech of the Festa Major, scheduled for 26th June, will also include a Catalan sign language interpreter. This provision makes the event more accessible for people with hearing impairments, according to the Town Council.
Enhancing Sensory Accessibility
Plaça d'Estanislau Figueras will again host a programme specifically adapted for citizens sensitive to intense lights and sounds. This area will feature semi-acoustic music concerts by Sláinte, Hoguera, and Awen. The space is designed as a tranquil setting, away from the main festival crowds. Additionally, wooden games without bright lights or loud music, known as Arrels, will be available in Plaça d'Estanislau Figueras. These games cater to children and adults with hypersensitivity or certain conditions. They also serve anyone seeking a quieter experience during the festival.
The "silent hours" at the inflatable and adventure games area on Rambla de Ferrocarril will run from 10:00 to 11:00 on 27th, 28th, and 29th June. The funfair at Rubí Forma will also have "silent hours" from 17:30 to 19:00 on the same dates. These specific timings allow families to plan their visits around these quieter periods. The Town Council stated these measures benefit the entire community, not just those with specific needs.
Inclusive Workshops and Accessible Venues
A workshop titled "Lift your flight for inclusion" will take place on Monday, 29th June, from 10:00 to 13:00 at Plaça de la Nova Estació. LaFACT Factoria Social de Terrassa, an organisation supporting people with intellectual disabilities, older adults, and culture, will lead this activity. Children will create and decorate paper butterflies to form a giant mobile. This workshop encourages creative expression and social interaction in an inclusive setting.
Several key festival venues offer accessible routes for people with disabilities. These include the Amfiteatre del parc del Castell, Teatre Municipal La Sala, El Casino, El Celler, and the Museu Municipal Castell (MMUC). The Amfiteatre, Teatre Municipal La Sala, and El Casino also provide reserved seating for people with reduced mobility. Visitors can request these seats by contacting the Teatre Municipal La Sala box office by phone on 93 588 73 72 during opening hours, before purchasing tickets.
Parking and Visibility Improvements
For events at the Amfiteatre, including concerts by Marlena and Els Pets and the Esbart Dansaire de Rubí dance, access for people with reduced mobility will be via Carrer de Santa Teresa from 21:00. The Town Council advises attendees to consider this access point to avoid long waits and crowds. Reserved parking spaces for vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit will be available on Carrer de Santa Teresa.
At L'Escardívol, an elevated platform with a ramp will be installed to improve visibility for people with reduced mobility. This ensures everyone can enjoy performances and events from a good vantage point. Additional reserved parking spaces for disabled permit holders are located on Passeig de la Riera, between Carrer de Joaquim Blume and Pont del Carrer de Cadmo. Further reserved parking is available on Rambleta de Joan Miró, serving visitors to the funfair and the Rambla del Joc i l'Aventura.
Digital Information and Future Commitment
The Festa Major programme, published on the municipal website, now includes visual illustrations. These icons inform visitors about activities involving pyrotechnics, which may affect highly sensitive individuals. They also highlight proposals with special accessibility measures. These measures include reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility, "silent hours," the presence of a sign language interpreter, and platforms with ramps for better visibility.
The Town Council's commitment to inclusive events ensures Rubí's Festa Major remains a celebration for everyone. These measures set a strong standard for future public events in the Barcelona metropolitan area. They demonstrate a clear effort to make cultural experiences accessible to all residents.
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Originally published by Rubí. Read original article.
