A total of 62 older residents of es Cubells gathered at restaurant s'Espartar on Thursday, 5 November 2026, for the traditional lunch organised by Sant Josep Town Hall as part of the village's Santa Teresa festivities.
The annual gathering celebrates the people who have helped shape the community over the years, offering an opportunity for residents to meet, share a meal and reconnect with friends and neighbours.
The lunch had originally been scheduled for the previous Friday but was postponed due to the period of mourning following the railway accident reported the previous week.
Many attendees travelled to the restaurant on a bus arranged by the Town Hall to make the journey easier. As part of the tradition, each participant also received an ensaïmada from the municipality.
A gathering dedicated to the people who built the village
Sant Josep mayor Vicent Roig attended the event and highlighted its importance within the Santa Teresa festivities.
He explained that the lunch had been one of the activities postponed because of the mourning period and that it was also the final event in this year's village celebrations.
Roig described the gathering as particularly meaningful because it recognises the people who have helped build es Cubells and Sant Josep into the communities they are today.
He congratulated those attending and expressed his hope that they would be able to meet again the following year, ideally with even more residents joining them.
Marilina Serra, the councillor responsible for Social Action, Equality and Family, also emphasised the importance of recognising older generations.
She described them as examples and guides who help preserve the municipality's history and traditions, highlighting the role they continue to play in bringing the community together.
Residents share memories of a long-standing tradition
For some attendees, the annual lunch has become a regular part of their lives.
Pep Ferrer, who will celebrate his 90th birthday next month, estimated that he has been attending the gatherings for approximately 29 years. He was accompanied by his wife, Catalina Clapés, who began joining him when she was 52 and, now approaching 82, continues to enjoy the occasion.
Clapés explained that the lunches have always been special because they provide an opportunity to meet familiar faces from the village, spend time together and enjoy one another's company.
Antònia d’en Vicent de Ca na Rosa, who celebrated her 90th birthday on 19 September, was also pleased to attend. She recalled a personal connection with restaurant s'Espartar, where her godfather had celebrated his golden wedding anniversary.
She was particularly looking forward to the paella that had been mentioned ahead of the gathering.
A tradition that welcomes residents of different generations
Not everyone attending had been part of the tradition for decades.
Vicent ‘Palermet’, aged 75, explained that he had heard about the lunch and decided to join independently. Although he has not always been able to attend, he said he enjoys the occasion and hopes to continue making the journey himself for as long as possible.
Catalina d’en Llumbí and Paco Manyà had both attended for three years. They highlighted the friendly atmosphere and the pleasure of meeting other residents, sharing food and enjoying a relaxed day together.
Maria de Can Portmany also looked forward to discovering the menu and was particularly hopeful of receiving one of the ensaïmadas distributed by the Town Hall.
Joan de Ca na Vergera was pleased that the postponement had allowed him to participate. Having received invitations for five years, he had originally been unable to attend on the planned Friday, but the change of date meant he could finally join the gathering.
Celebrating the people who keep es Cubells connected
The 62 residents shared a day of conversation, memories, food and laughter, bringing the Santa Teresa festivities to a close.
For Sant Josep Town Hall, the annual lunch is an opportunity to recognise the older generations whose experiences, traditions and contributions have helped shape village life.
Beyond the meal itself, the gathering provides a chance for neighbours and friends to maintain connections, share memories and continue a tradition that has become an important part of the community calendar in es Cubells.