More than 220,000 people participated in the Fires of Sant Narcís from 23 October to 1 November, engaging in over 200 activities that filled the festival programme. This year's edition marked a record attendance, with a particular highlight on musical performances and popular cultural events.
The mayor of Girona, Lluc Salellas i Vilar, and the deputy mayor and councillor for culture, Quim Ayats i Bartrina, provided an overview of the event. "My personal feeling, based on conversations I've had, is that this year's Fires were particularly participatory. The consolidation of elements from previous years, combined with new features like the drone show and the final Drakofarra with DJ and giant dances, has made the festival more vibrant and a gathering space for people eager to celebrate in the streets," said Salellas.
Ayats emphasised the collective celebration aspect, stating, "The Fires have once again demonstrated that they are a grand communal celebration, with massive participation and culture at the core. We want the Fires to extend beyond mere festivities, bringing culture to new audiences and supporting the cultural fabric of Girona, making it open and accessible to all. In Girona, we celebrate culture through our festivals, which is a genuine expression of our way of life in the city."
Key events included the inaugural speech dedicated to the city's choral movement, the drone show that attracted over 10,000 spectators, the Diada Castellera featuring local castellers (human tower builders), and various traditional celebrations such as the correfoc (fire run) and the giant parade. These activities reaffirm the festival's commitment to popular culture, which remains a central pillar of the celebration.
This year also saw the continuation of the "Battle" between the Agullana and Sarriera families during the Fiesta Mayor of the Four Rivers, culminating in competitions like the rice contest, which attracted over 600 participants.
Musically, attendance was strong at concerts featuring artists such as Els Amics de les Arts, Non Servium, and Miki Núñez, with each event drawing over 3,000 attendees. Local museums also contributed to the cultural offerings, with open days and special exhibitions attracting significant visitor numbers.
The festival's branding and merchandise saw success, with over 350 products sold, including scarves and tote bags. Additionally, the campaign "We bring the language to the Fires" aimed to promote the use of Catalan during the festivities, distributing thousands of copies of the Juego de Fires to schools and community centres.
Accessibility measures were expanded this year, including sign language interpretation and dedicated spaces for people with reduced mobility. Health and wellbeing initiatives were also introduced, such as the Punto de Salud Joven, providing information and resources on health and wellness.
International tourism played a significant role, with nearly 70% of inquiries at the Girona Tourist Office coming from international visitors, primarily from France and the United Kingdom. The festival continues to attract attention for its rich cultural heritage, with a focus on monuments and exhibitions drawing the most inquiries.
