BARCELONA: In the first edition of the Maresmar earlier this month, twenty-two historic boats took part, eight of them centenaria. The festival aims to become a landmark tourist event of a family character.
The maritime festival Maresmar-Trobada de Centenaris 2018, from 8th to the 10th June in Arenys de Mar will have the participation of twenty-two historic vessels, eight of them centenarians, as announced by the event organizing company, Varador 2000, during the presentation of it aboard the centenarian brigantine Sirius. The eight centenarian boats which still sail that are going to take part in the Maresmar are the Santa Eulàlia small schooner –flagship of the Maritime Musuem of Barcelona-, the Sirius brigantine, the Far Barcelona, the Sant Ramon, the Notre Dame de Consolation, the Rafael, the Lola and the Far Barceloneta.
The presentation of the Maresmar was attended by the mayor of Arenys de Mar, Annabel Moreno, accompanied by Miguel Ángel Martínez, president of the Consell Comarcal del Maresme; Joaquim Arnó, president of the Consorci de Promoció Turística Costa del Maresme; Xiqui Mas, CEO of Varador 2000, and Josep Bernabeu, coordinator of the event. All the present authorities at the Maresmar presentation agreed to point out that this maritime festival should serve to revalue the maritime and seafaring tradition of Maresme, to reclaim the sea trades and, above all, “to create a top-notch tourist promotion event similar to those that take place in Sète, Duarnenez or Brest”.
Family maritime party
During the presentation of the Maresmar, which “intends to be a first-rate tourist attraction, as well as enhancing the maritime heritage” of the area, it has also been explained that the audience attending the event will be able to enjoy a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities. According to the organization, the idea is that “those who attend Maresmar enjoy a full homely maritime party”.
On the one hand, daytime and nighttime performances have been scheduled; theatre shows close to the dock, sailor performances, a naval battle drill, aquatic shows, craft workshops, activities with rowing boats and a poster competition for the next edition. And for children, a great pirate ship ready to climb on their candles, take a boarding, enjoy his 25-meter zip wire and live pirate adventures in their storytelling workshops.
One the other hand, several talks, conferences and round tables have also been programmed. Among the cultural activities, stands out the conference given by the dean of the Faculty of Nautical of Barcelona, Agustí Martín Mallofré, on the “Golden age of the marina of Maresme”. There will also be an event commemorating the centenarian Santa Eulàlia small schooner that will be attended by the president of the Diputació de Barcelona, Mercè Conesa.
Arenys de Mar, May 14, 2018
