Antigua i Barbuda’s Machine Theatre
A ballerina, a horse or a gorilla… These are just some of the creations by Antigua i Barbuda that have taken over the Cruïlla Festival in recent years. These structures, born from the imagination and inventiveness of Jordà Ferré, are built from objects once considered trash, ingeniously repurposed to bring the object—and the machine it becomes—to life. To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re bringing back two of the most iconic and beloved pieces from Antigua i Barbuda:
EL CAVALL DE FERRO (THE IRON HORSE)
“The streets are full of people. Children’s shouts blend with adult voices and the thick traffic moving forward. The wind blows through the parks. We are surrounded by matter. The iron of buildings and the cement of cobblestones seem to breathe.”
In this setting, Antigua i Barbuda reinvents everything and brings it to life, presenting a dreamlike parade featuring the magical image of a chained, giant iron horse that sears itself into the viewer’s memory.
EL GRAN GORIL·LA (THE GREAT GORILLA)
Their giant puppet: King Kong (the universal gorilla) or, closer to home, Snowflake (the world’s only known albino gorilla)—these are the icons that spark the imagination. The contrast between the puppet’s humble materials and the sheer monumentality of the beast is resolved in this character: a colossal figure that is feared, admired, and deeply loved.
Castellers
After some time without human towers at the Parc del Fòrum, we’re bringing back one of Cruïlla’s most beloved traditions: casteller groups return to the festival! Throughout the four days, you’ll experience the excitement and collective strength of the castells (human towers), a living symbol of our culture and a perfect reflection of the Cruïlla spirit: community, balance, and shared emotion.
On Wednesday at 8:30 PM we welcome Els Esquerdats, the Casteller group from the Esquerra de l’Eixample. On Thursday at 9:00 PM, Els Descargolats, will join us. Finally, on Friday and Saturday at 9:00 PM, La Colla Jove de Barcelona will perform — and they’re also celebrating their 15th anniversary this year!
