Valls is the destination: experience the Santa Úrsula Fair with BusPlana

Valls, the ‘Capital of the Casteller World’, is once again preparing for its Santa Úrsula Fair, which is much more than just a fair; it is one of the essential events on the Catalan cultural calendar, held in October. Valls turns this event into the grand finale of the castells season. The highlight is the Diada Castellera, where the city's two colles compete in the historic Plaça del Blat. In addition to the castellera tradition, this year's Fira is a ten-day immersion where the excitement of the castells merges with popular culture, fire, music and the commemoration of 300 years of the Giants of Valls.

BusPlana allows you to reach Valls with its regular routes from the municipality of Tarragona; don't forget that you can check the timetables on our website. Remember, too, that as we are the official airport transport provider, you can purchase official tickets online for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona.

The central theme: the Castells

Valls is the epicentre of the world of castellers, and the Santa Úrsula Fair is its highlight. The human towers, symbols of strength, balance, courage and unity, fill the squares with excitement and applause.

Sunday 26th is the big day: Santa Úrsula's Casteller Day. The Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls and the Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls will perform in the legendary Plaça del Blat, in one of the most eagerly awaited events on the entire casteller calendar.

Beyond the spectacle, the world of castellers is also about reflection, technique and innovation. The 13th Simposi Casteller de Catalunya brings together experts, cap de colles and enthusiasts in conferences, debates and workshops dedicated to the economic management and innovation of Castelleres technicians on Saturday 25th. In addition, the day includes the Mostra Gastronòmica ‘Les tres rondes dels Castells’, where culinary art and Casteller passion are combined in local tastings that celebrate the identity of Valls.

Throughout the week, the Fira Castells will bring together more than twenty stands and around forty workshops, demonstrations and games for all ages, while the Fira Canalla will offer creative and participatory activities for children. The two fairs are in the Plaça del Quarter and the Museu Casteller de Catalunya. Children, families and visitors can learn about the history and values of the world of castellers while participating in fun and educational activities.

In addition to the Firas, the Museu Casteller de Catalunya organises talks, book presentations and special live podcast programmes, consolidating this space as the great educational centre of the casteller universe and of the dance show ‘Aleta’.

Fire and Popular Tradition

The last weekend of the Fira is pure energy. Fire, drums, giants and music fill the streets of Valls in one of the most vibrant displays of Catalan popular culture.

The night of Saturday 25th lights up with the Correfoc, one of the most eagerly awaited shows of the year. Devils, dragons and fire-breathing beasts take to the streets of the old town in a parade full of sparks, rhythm and excitement. The day culminates with the Revetlla Diabólica in Plaça del Oli, a popular open-air dance with live music and an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Els Gegants de Valls are celebrating their 300th anniversary in style. The Gran Tomb dels 300 brings together the Negritos de Tarragona, the Indis de Reus, the giants of Vilafranca del Penedès and those of Montblanc — the Lladrefaves, the Gegantona, the Geganta and the Gegant de la Porra — in a grand commemorative parade through the historic centre. A parade full of history, colour and excitement that pays tribute to one of the city's most beloved symbols.

On Sunday afternoon, 26th, after the great Diada Castellera, the protagonists change: the Capgrossos del Calçot fill the streets with joy on their 25th anniversary. These friendly big heads, inspired by Valls' most emblematic product, close the Fira with humour, tradition and family spirit.

Music, Theatre and Culture

The Fira de Santa Úrsula is not only about tradition, but also about culture in all its forms: music, dance, theatre and art.

Pianist, composer and singer Manu Guix offers an intimate and intimate concert on Friday 24th, with special versions and his own songs that will fill the Teatro Principal with magic. A perfect event for lovers of live music.

The duo Abel Tomàs and Emma Stratton will delight the audience with works by Schubert on Thursday 23rd at the Teatro Principal, while some of the city's venues will be hosting exhibitions of art, photography and more...

Other activities

Beyond the major events, the Fira offers a wide range of activities to enjoy at your own pace.

The Trade and Craft Fair: the fairgrounds welcome local merchants, artisans and producers who showcase the best of Alt Camp. From typical products to handmade items, it is the perfect place to discover the talent and tradition of the area.

The Symposium's Gastronomic Fair is just one part of the culinary offering. Throughout the week, bars and restaurants in Valls offer special menus inspired by the fair and seasonal flavours: calçots, DO Tarragona wines, cured meats and traditional sweets.

Experience it with BusPlana

Getting to Valls from Tarragona is easy and convenient with BusPlana. You can check the timetables for our regular routes on our website. Also, don't forget that we are the official airport transport provider. You can purchase official tickets online for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona.

The Santa Úrsula Fair is much more than a celebration: it is the living essence of Catalan culture.