This weekend, Tarragona will celebrate the fifth edition of the TGN Juga Festival, a vibrant gathering dedicated to modern board games. Scheduled for Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November at the Palau Firal and de Congressos, the event is open to the public and free of charge.
The festival promises two days filled with demonstrations, tournaments, role-playing games, and family-friendly activities, as well as opportunities to discover new games. Doors will open on Saturday from 10:00 to 20:30 and on Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00, featuring participation from 21 publishers and 26 local associations and municipal departments.
Visitors will be guided by game explainers who will help them learn the rules and engage in various games. The festival will also host board game authors and specialised shops.
Educational and cultural significance
Organised by the Tarragona City Council through the Municipal Institute of Education of Tarragona (IMET) and the TGN Juga Association, the festival has established itself over five editions as an educational and cultural initiative that promotes gaming as a tool for learning, social interaction, and community building.
Highlights of this year's festival
This year's edition will feature notable tournaments, including the Pelusas tournament, where the winner will secure a spot in the final tournament at the InterOcio Fair 2027 in Madrid. The second edition of the Catalan Cup of Twilight Struggle will also take place, alongside tournaments for games such as La cuenta, Cursa de tortugues, Ariska’t, Strategeti, Tumblin’ Dice, and Sapio-castells.
Additionally, there will be an expanded offering of role-playing games, with a dedicated tent outside the venue, and various raffles linked to the 'Pasaporte jugón' (Gamer's Passport).
Family-friendly activities
The TGN Juga Festival will also provide a wide array of children's and family activities. An inclusive play area will be set up outside the Palau Firal, along with a rest and dining area. The programme will include scientific and educational activities, such as mathematical challenges from the Catalonia Mathematics Museum (MMACA) and a project on intelligent plastics of the future by the Catalan Institute of Chemical Research (ICIQ).
A special gaming area linked to the Edunauta Passport will allow children to earn educational competencies through various activities. The festival will once again involve the Ludoforta project, with 25 students from the Torreforta Institute, supported by nearly ten teachers, acting as game explainers. This educational initiative uses board games to promote social cohesion, competency learning, and the use of Catalan.
Celebrating five years of TGN Juga
To mark the fifth anniversary of the TGN Juga Festival, several surprises are planned for attendees. A raffle will be held via the TGN JUGA Association's Instagram account for five chocolate meeples, with participation open until 6 November at 23:59. The draw will take place on the morning of 7 November at the venue, with results shared on social media.
Moreover, the first 500 attendees will receive a commemorative sweet treat. Throughout the festival, there will be additional raffles for board games; participants who engage in at least two gaming activities will be eligible to enter the draw, which will occur the week following the festival at the IMET headquarters.
The role of board games in education
The TGN Juga Festival advocates for the value of board games as tools for learning and socialisation, presenting a healthy leisure alternative that fosters creativity, reasoning, cooperation, respect, and intergenerational relationships. The increase in visitor numbers reflects the festival's growing popularity. After two years at the IMET, the move to the Palau Firal and de Congressos in 2024 allowed for greater capacity, attracting 2,230 visitors. In 2025, attendance rose to 2,472, underscoring the festival's success.
The TGN Juga Festival is made possible through the participation of over 78 entities, publishers, authors, shops, and municipal organisations. It receives support from various municipal departments, including Tarragona Jove, the Network of Civic Centres, Europe Direct, the Department of Equality, the Palau Firal and de Congressos, and EMATSA, as well as from entities such as Ludoforta, Diògenes, AJRET, AJJRR, Tirant lo Dau, Vilajuga, and Món Aualé, among others. All activities are free, though some require prior registration. The complete programme, including schedules and details of activities, is available on the municipal website.
