The dates displayed for an article provide information on when various publication milestones were reached at the journal that has published the article activities on preceding journals at which the article was previously under consideration are not shown (for instance submission All content on this site: Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. MICFootball will be played on 56 fields in 40 towns on the Costa Brava. These are record numbers for an edition, that of 2024, which will break all records, exceeding 400 teams for the first time. Figueres will once again host the opening and some of the finals on Saturday while the outcome of the rest of the categories will take place in Palamós during the weekend Banyoles will be the municipality in charge of hosting the Pre-MICFootball matches for another year an event that will once again serve to warm up the engines of faces at the MIC Maçanet de la Selva and Vilamalla) are added to the towns that repeat the experience lived in previous years: Bàscara Some of the municipalities have increased the number of fields that will host MICFootball matches in 2024 Marca de l’Ham and Albert Gurt stadiums; The matches in Girona will be on the fields of Gironès – Sàbat Fontajau (home of the women’s category) and Torres de Palau; The Palafrugell duels will be at the Josep Pla i Arbonès municipal stadium and at the Gregal; The action in Roses will take place in Mas Oliva and La Vinyasa; while Salt distributes its matches between the Penya Bons Aires and Comacros fields Copyright © 2025 MICFOOTBALL | Aviso legal y Política de privacidad Architecture studio Länk Arquitectes has been in charge of planning the renovation of the Palau dels Comtes multipurpose space in the Spanish town of Castelló d'Empúries seeks to activate the area and improve universal accessibility in a complicated area of ​​the historic center of the town.The project interprets and dignifies the typological structural and functional characteristics of the building offering an adaptation to contemporary needs for an adequate use of space The new connections with the surrounding public spaces highlight the public role of the facility which reconnects with the municipality and the community Project description by Länk ArquitectesThe building was originally built as a church although it has undergone several renovations throughout its history and has been used for different purposes after the refurbishment by the municipal architect Claudi Díaz the building has been used as a multi-purpose municipal hall housing a large part of the town's cultural activities.The site of the former 'Palau dels Comtes' of Castelló (also known as the 'Convent de Sant Domènec' - 17th century) is considered a historic-artistic monument in order to preserve its typological structural and functional characteristics.The strategic location of the building within the historical centre of the town is in direct conflict with the hermetic and introverted nature of the building as it stands today We understand its position as a great opportunity to articulate the public spaces that surround it and to enhance its role as a municipal building that serves and furnishes the community.The current layout of the building does not favour a polyvalent and versatile use of its spaces nor the circulations (which are not very circular) nor the mono-orientation of the main stage favour this condition.Multipurpose Hall Palau dels Comtes by Länk Arquitectes Rendering by Länk Arquitectes.The project could be summarised in 3 main goals:1 Reconnect the building with the surrounding public spaces to reinforce its public and municipal role.2 To discover and dignify the original building and its main spaces by highlighting the architectural heritage.3 To provide multi-purpose spaces with different qualities that not only offer greater flexibility and diversity of uses but also for simultaneous activities.During the competition phase we proposed not only the renovation of the building’s interior spaces but also their adaptation to current needs reconnecting the facility with the adjacent public space.  This would activate the area and improve universal accessibility in a complicated part of the town’s historic centre We proposed to fulfil the need for flexibility with 3 multi-purpose spaces with different qualities that would allow taking advantage of the need to rebuild the roof of the building to reduce the future facility’s energy consumption This approach also involved uncovering the interior architectural heritage that has been concealed or damaged over the years due to numerous alterations made to accommodate different uses.In order to free up the 3 proposed multi-purpose spaces it is necessary to re-organise the programme in such a way that all those uses that serve and complement the multi-purpose spaces do not interfere with them.Multipurpose Hall Palau dels Comtes by Länk Arquitectes Rendering by Länk Arquitectes.The new multifunctional spaces in the building with an entrance from the Plaza del Joc de la Pilota will reveal the original vaulted ceilings.2 which will recover the original volume of this central space by removing the false ceiling and will incorporate a new skylight in the roof.3 by lowering the floor level to the same as Josefina Gambús square we will discover a space with new proportions This intervention will dignify the space and allow the full appreciation of the apse and the ribbed vaults of the ceilingThanks to the new organisation these three multi-purpose spaces can be used independently and Each space will have a direct connection with the outdoor public area adjacent to it the circulations are arranged in such a way that both the new multifunctional spaces and the outdoor public spaces are connected to each other and can function as a large complex for larger events if desired Länk Arquitectes. Competition.- 2020-21.Project.- 2022-23.Start of work.- 2024 Outdoors.- Länk Arquitectes.Indoors.- RAWRAW. Archive Projects Over 200 singers perform in Barcelona's L'Auditori classical music venue ahead of shows in Lloret de Mar, Castelló d’Empuries, and Premià de Dalt ACN | Barcelona One of the UK's largest ‘Classical Chorus’ is touring around Catalonia the Hertfordshire group performed on Saturday evening in Barcelona’s L’Auditori classical music venue.  Their repertoire included classics from Vivaldi which they sang in the first half-time of the show.  the Chorus sang soundtracks from movies such as La La Land Organizers of L’Auditori’s performance sum the experience as a "musical path" across some of the most renowned melodies.  Hertfordshire's classical chorus has around 180 amateur members under Abigail Harris’ direction Having a previous experience in singing is not required to be part of the group and they rehearse twice a month to learn technical concepts and diverse coral arrangements.  over 800 spectators enjoyed the show of a group that has performed in Harrow Boarding School the choir sang in Venice’s Saint Mark’s Basilica mass and improvised a concert in Garda’s lake in Italy After the group’s performance on Saturday in Barcelona the chorus will do free shows until Monday night in the seaside towns of Castelló d’Empúries and Lloret de Mar Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone v1.1.0. Copyright © 2025. Powered by EBANTIC. All rights reserved. All set for summer solstice annual celebrations on Thursday evening with bonfires, bangers and traditional 'coca' desserts the full summer feeling only arrives once the night of June 23 is gone – brushing aside recent temperatures of over 40ºC in the middle of spring… has been regarded as 'the shortest night of the year' – while it is not exactly correct because the countdown for a long and dark winter begins on June 21 it is a perfect motto to celebrate the summer solstice Catalans feel a real need to make the most of the barely 9-hour night beaches and squares up to a clear deadline: the sunrise The first post-Covid 'revetlla de Sant Joan,' or 'revetlla' (for 'eve') will try to be similar to pre-pandemic ones with firecrackers being let off by children 'Coques' – traditional desserts – are also a must one of the most iconic parts of Sant Joan – a 'coca' consists of a special festive version of the classic brioche-inspired Catalan cake obviously there has to be some food related to the celebration and what you have to take into account in order to follow restrictions set to prevent wildfires: Much of the action to watch out for on Sant Joan happens on beaches along the coast It's customary for groups of friends to gather for dinner or afterwards in order to enjoy the warm nighttime weather up to 60,000 revelers are expected along the Barcelona shore If they happen to still be sitting by bonfires on the sand sleeping comfortably or anything like that will be removed at 6am – this is when over 350 cleaners will turn up to make sure early beach-goers the next day find the place in a decent state The sands in the city and all along the coast get no break from residents between June 23 and 24 Beach bars in the capital – and their much sought-after toilets – will be open until 3.30am one and a half hours earlier than the usual pre-pandemic times and drinking in establishments will only be allowed when seated No dancing is allowed on the premises either These measures have been heavily criticized by the local restaurants association which warns that people will still wander around the beach without being able to go to the toilet or buy drinks have ordered beach bars to close even earlier and the sand will have to be cleared by 5.45am so that cleaners can do their job The local council is concerned about the preservation of the coast as it is the Grup d'Estudi i Protecció dels Ecosistemes Catalans-Ecologistes de Catalunya (GEPEC-EdC) an environmentalist group that warns that crowds firecrackers and waste are a risk for some endangered species that nest on the sand – for instance loggerhead sea turtles and Kentish plovers Over 300 wildfires during the recent heatwave were more than enough for the Catalan firefighters to tackle between June 15 and 20 authorities are calling on the public to be especially cautious with firecrackers – hopefully the fire brigade and other emergency services will only have to attend small incidents in homes and first-degree burns due to mishandling of bangers While the Catalan government said on Tuesday that no ban across the country is on the cards and the 'revetlla' will be celebrated with all its traditional elements a press conference will be held on Wednesday announcing all measures agreed – it is expected that bans or recommendations could be introduced in specific places with an especially high risk is recommending not to use certain types of fireworks (rocket-shaped ones that shoot upwards when lit) and lanterns Local authorities also remind people that bonfires have to be granted permission by the local council and regulations prohibit any activities to do with fire or firecrackers within 500 meters of vegetation in areas including Montjuïc and Collserola mountains a city close to the areas most prone to wildfires Fireworks are not allowed to be lit from windows balconies and on street furniture in the capital of the west Some towns in the Girona area are also regulating the tradition: Sant Julià de Ramis (Gironès county) Garriguella (Alt Empordà) and l'Estartit (Baix Empordà) have set specific places where bangers are allowed – others Towns close to Barcelona but also to nature areas Bigues i Riells del Fai (Vallès Occidental) Castellví de Rosanes (Baix Llobregat) and Sant Esteve de la Sarga (Pallars Jussà) have also taken measures such as banning the sale of firecrackers or their use In one municipality affected recently by wildfire pyrotechnics will only be allowed at one location The Catalan interior ministry announced on Wednesday the largest security campaign ever for people to enjoy Sant Joan's Eve There will be 28% more Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra police officers surveilling the roads and amusement areas authorities will double the 112 emergency phone staff during the night will not be generalized and will stay the same as the ones in place during 2021's Sant Joan's Eve No firecrackers are allowed within 500 meters of vegetation and this year floating sky lanterns will not be allowed.   "We will do the largest security campaign in history for several reasons: because we are leaving the pandemic behind and people want to celebrate also because we just had complicated days because of several wildfires and we do not want to repeat and last because Sant Joan celebrations will happen during a long-weekend and more people will travel," Joan Ignasi Elena said.  Covid situation in China and wildfires may hamper firecracker businesses companies selling firecrackers were aiming to turn over €19m which would mean €1m more than last year and €2m more than in 2019 These estimations were made despite the closure of the Port of Shanghai president of the association of manufacturers and wholesalers of firecrackers in Catalonia part of the material is not expected to arrive "until the last week or even after Sant Joan," when it does not make sense anymore – except for tiny similar celebrations for Saint Peter Yet, the recent episode of wildfires and the restriction of the tradition in several towns may further hamper business – Unió de Pagesos the main agricultural trade union in the country is also asking the public to be "extremely cautious." calls are constantly increasing to take into account people with special needs and the negative effects that loud noises can have on them – and on pets too Bonfires are allowed across most of Catalonia although restrictions need to be taken into account and local councils may ask for prior permission before they are built five major bonfires have been allowed so far: three in the Eixample district Others smaller in size will also be seen across the city The full programme of events per district can be found here, usually including not only bonfires, but also music and communal dinners. If not stuffed enough with all the celebrations going on in Catalonia, one can also try an element that will for sure be on the table in most households: coques de Sant Joan. The patisseries guild foresees a sale of 1.8 million artisan coques, which would mean figures very similar to that of 2019 – that is, a whole coca per every 4.2 inhabitants. It comes as no surprise that prior reservation is the smartest thing to do if you want to enjoy the classic made with brioche, jams, pine nuts, and cream, a pork rind version, also very traditional, or a quince jam. Despite inflation, prices will still be approximately the same as in the past few years, that is, ranging between €16 and €35 for an artisanal coca – those that can be found in supermarkets are usually cheaper… but also less tasty! The Catalan government will install a floating desalination plant off the shore of the port of Barcelona and purchase 12 mobile desalination units for the northern region of the Costa Brava to combat the severe drought in the area The floating desalination plant in Barcelona will produce 14 hm3 of water per year equivalent to 6% of the consumption of the Barcelona metropolitan area it will not be operational until Barcelona enters the next drought emergency phase which is not expected until at least October the Catalan government spokesperson has ruled out using water tanker ships to supply the city with water "Transporting water by ship from outside Catalonia is no longer an option as we now have more practical efficient and better alternatives," Catalan government spokesperson Patrícia Plaja said Climate Action Minister David Mascort has emphasized that this measure is "more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable" than using ships "The amount of water we will obtain with [the floating desalination plant] is much higher compared to what we would get by bringing in water tanker ships and it is also much cheaper," Mascort said The floating desalination plant produces about 40,000 m3 per day while water tanker ships can only transport an average of 25,000 m3 per day the desalination plant has no mooring costs and does not interfere with maritime traffic The Port of Barcelona is ready for the desalination plant and the location and pipeline connection have already been determined The water produced will be stored in an intermediate reservoir before being released into the distribution network 12 small mobile desalination units will be installed which from June will supply 1,000 m3 of water per day covering 35% of the water consumption of more than a dozen municipalities will mainly cover picturesque coastal towns that attract large numbers of tourists during the summer Other towns covered by the new desalinators are Castelló d'Empúries Local governments in the affected towns have welcomed the measure said that their goal was to ensure "drinking water" while guaranteeing a "normal tourist season" said that this measure provides more "guarantees" to avoid water shortages Another measure announced by the government this week was a change in drought regulations that would allow councils to designate certain swimming pools, both private and public, as climate refuges this summer.  There has been some confusion and controversy around the measure, which the climate action minister attempted to clarify on Thursday.  The decree "was not designed to open hotel swimming pools," David Mascort said.   "It is designed to help councils open municipal swimming pools, and to give an outlet to those councils who don't have one, so they can use council facilities as climate shelters," he said.  The minister accused mayors who criticized the decree of trying to score points ahead of the Catalan elections.  Mascort reminded councils they will have to "justify" the reason for including pools in the list of climate shelters.  The change to regulations was designed with inland municipalities in mind, so that they can open the municipal swimming pool as they do every year, to provide relief from the high summer temperatures of around 35°C.  Catalonia is facing its worst drought ever recorded since 1916, when the first data was collected.  The Catalan government officially declared a drought emergency in February in the Ter-Llobregat system, which supplies water to 6 million people. The new restrictions were implemented in 202 municipalities, including Barcelona and its metropolitan area, where most people live.  The red alert means increased water restrictions in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, urban and recreational activities.