The Santa Eulàlia festivities 2026 officially launched in Barcelona on Tuesday. The event featured the traditional reading of the Pregó dels Infants (Children’s Proclamation). Held at the Plaça de Sant Jaume, it placed the city’s youngest residents at the centre of celebrations for Barcelona’s co-patron saint.
This year’s proclamation focused on a fundamental theme. It championed every child’s right to grow up in a family environment that provides affection, care, and quality time. Under the banner “Barcelona, city of families”, 713 primary school students from 24 schools drafted a collective message. They advocated for the protection and love that families provide.
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Santa Eulàlia festivities 2026: Defending diversity and connection
The participating students, drawn from years 3 to 6, emphasised that the concept of family must be understood in all its diversity. In their address to city officials, they argued that living in a family is a universal right. They described it as a vital space for growth and dreaming.
“We have the right to a family with whom we can play, with love and protection, and that makes us grow and dream,” the children stated. They stressed that every family structure deserves recognition and defence within the city.
The event was attended by Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, Deputy Mayor Maria Eugènia Gay, and Commissioner for Childhood Javier Rodríguez. Before the public reading, a representative group of students was received at City Hall. There, they presented the Mayor with a framed copy of their text. This symbolic gesture marked childhood as the protagonist of the festival’s opening.
Screens versus eye contact
Upon hearing the children’s reflections, Mayor Collboni responded with a message. He directed it at both the youth and the adults present regarding technology’s impact on family life. He encouraged the children to prioritise personal connection over digital distractions.
“Look more into the eyes of fathers, mothers, grandparents, and friends,” Collboni advised. He added that “it is much more important to look into people’s eyes than at mobile phone screens.”
A tradition of civic engagement
The Pregó dels Infants is more than just a ceremonial opening. It is the culmination of an educational programme that runs throughout the school year. Since its inception in 2004, the initiative has involved over 12,000 students. It aims to foster active participation in public life.
Through this programme, children analyse the reality of their neighbourhoods. They also visit municipal facilities to understand city management. Furthermore, they develop proposals which are shared with district councillors. The initiative recognises children as full citizens, consistent with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Therefore, it ensures their voices are heard in the construction of their city.
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