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Sign in with GoogleFiesta de Miquelets | Musketmen Festival in Olesa de Montserrat
Experience 1714 at the Fiesta de Miquelets in Olesa — musket fire, artisan markets, war horses, and reenactments of Catalonia’s role in the War of Succession
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About the Olesa de Montserrat Fiesta De Miquelets
The Fiesta de Miquelets in Olesa de Montserrat is a vivid historical reenactment of the War of the Spanish Succession (1705–1714), focusing on the pivotal role this strategic town played during the conflict. Known locally as the Festa dels Miquelets, the event transforms the town into a living museum of 18th-century Catalonia.
Olesa’s location — nestled between Barcelona, Manresa, Igualada, and Terrassa — made it a key military and logistical hub. During the war, it housed a castle, a hospital, and served as a base for allied and later Catalan troops. The festival recreates this history with two full-scale military encampments, complete with musket drills, cannon fire, and period costumes.
One of the highlights is the reenactment of the Council of War held on August 20–21, 1714, led by Antonio Desvalls i de Vergós, Marquès del Poal. This dramatic moment marked the final attempt to save Barcelona from the Bourbon siege — a turning point in Catalonia’s resistance.
Beyond the battlefield, the festival offers a glimpse into daily life during the war, with artisan markets, baroque music, traditional food, and educational workshops. It’s a family-friendly event that blends history, culture, and community pride.
Since 2014, the festival has been the official celebration of the Associació Miquelets de Catalunya, and in 2015, it was declared a Local Interest Holiday.
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Visiting Olesa de Montserrat Fiesta De Miquelets
The Fiesta de Miquelets unfolds across several key locations in Olesa de Montserrat, each offering a unique window into 18th-century Catalan military life. The 2026 edition will take place from Saturday 4th October to Sunday 5th October, with reenactments, workshops, and performances scheduled throughout the weekend.
1. Parc Municipal d’Olesa
This is the heart of the military encampment and the most immersive zone of the festival. Here, reenactors set up period-accurate canvas tents and demonstrate the daily life of 18th-century soldiers. You’ll find racks of muskets and sabres, leatherwork stations where bandoliers and cartridge pouches are hand-stitched, and metalworking tables where musket balls are cast from molten lead.
Adding to the atmosphere is a whole pig roasting over an open fire, surrounded by soldiers in uniform sharing stories and tending the flames. Nearby, giant iron pots bubble with pumpkin soup, ladled out to visitors and reenactors alike — a nod to the rustic field meals of the time. The smell of wood smoke, roasted meat, and spiced broth fills the air, anchoring the scene in sensory authenticity.
This area is ideal for photography, conversation, and hands-on learning. Volunteers and historians are on hand to explain the tools, techniques, and traditions behind each display.
2. Ajuntament d’Olesa de Montserrat
The town hall square becomes a staging ground for cavalry and parade formations. War horses are stabled nearby, and visitors can observe their grooming and tack preparation. Throughout the day, soldiers in full regalia march and drill in the plaza, offering dramatic photo opportunities and a sense of military discipline from the era.
3. Carrer de Salvador Casas i Baltasar & Plaça de les Fonts
This stretch hosts the artisan food and craft market, where local vendors sell traditional Catalan delicacies, handmade goods, and historical replicas. Expect to find everything from cured meats and cheeses to hand-stitched garments and wooden toys. It’s a lively, family-friendly area with music, street performers, and plenty of snacks.
Next to the town’s historic church, musketmen in full period costume line up for coordinated barrages. These dramatic firing sequences are timed and choreographed to echo the battlefield tactics of the War of the Spanish Succession. As the muskets discharge, the acoustics of the square amplify the thunderous cracks — and within seconds, the plaza is engulfed in blinding clouds of gunpowder smoke. The haze lingers, swirling around the church façade and drifting through the crowd, adding a visceral layer of realism to the spectacle.
It’s one of the most immersive and memorable moments of the festival — a sensory overload of sound, smoke, and history.
Each zone is within walking distance of the train station and connected by pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors are encouraged to follow the festival map to explore all areas and catch scheduled performances and reenactments.
Accessibility & What to take with you for the Fiesta De Miquelets
The event takes place in the town park and historic center, which sits on a gentle incline from the train station. While some pedestrian streets include steps, alternative step-free routes are available for visitors with mobility needs.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on your feet exploring camps, markets, and reenactments across uneven surfaces.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: October can be unpredictable — pack a light jacket or rain layer just in case.
- Small backpack: Handy for carrying water, snacks, and any artisan goods or souvenirs you pick up.
- Camera or phone: The musket drills, costumes, and encampments make for great photo opportunities.
Most activities are outdoors, so check the forecast before heading out. The event is free to attend, and food stalls and rest areas are available throughout the festival zone.
Olesa de Montserrat Fiesta De Miquelets 2025 Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 9.00
FREE
Child
€ 9.00
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
No.
Notes
Festival is free, return train ticket costs 9 Euros.
Getting to Olesa de Montserrat Fiesta De Miquelets 2025
Address: Parc municipal d'Olesa, Olesa De Montserrat, 8640
Olesa is easily accessible from Barcelona via the FGC Llobregat–Anoia lines. Take the R50, R5, or S4 lines from Plaça Espanya directly to Olesa de Montserrat. The journey takes about 45 minutes and drops you within walking distance of the festival area.
