La latest edition of the Habanera Singing of Calella de Palafrugell It has not only stood out for its legendary songs and festive atmosphere, but also for the Controversy surrounding the attempted censorship of the song 'El meu avi'For several weeks, more talk was directed at the City Council's decision than at the event's preparations, given the proposal to remove the iconic Havana singer from the official program for the first time in nearly five decades.
It all started after the broadcast of the documentary 'Murs de silenci' on TV3, which linked the song's composer, Josep LluÃs Ortega Monasterio, with an alleged child sexual exploitation network. These accusations, according to the family's claims and confirmed by court rulings from the 80s, had already been dismissed in court, where Ortega Monasterio was found not guilty. Despite this, Mayor Laura Millán (PSC) defended the decision to update the repertoire, although at no point was it officially acknowledged that this was censorship, but rather a commitment to other classics and local authors.
A threatened tradition
'El meu avi' is much more than a simple song for those attending the Cantada de Habaneras.. Composed in 1968, it has become a genre anthem or with a symbol of Catalan identitySince 1977, it had always closed the festival, being chanted by the public from the beach, balconies, and traditional boats. For many, eliminating it would mean breaking one of the Costa Brava's most deeply rooted cultural traditions.
In the days leading up to the celebration, the positions were entrenched. While the organizing committee and the council argued the need to renew and give space to other emblematic pieces such as 'La bella Lola', civil society, different political groups - both independentists and constitutionalists - and the composer's own family considered the initiative a serious attack on cultural heritageSocial media was filled with calls for spontaneous performances of the song, and throughout the evening, flyers with the lyrics were distributed to encourage attendees to reclaim it.
The atmosphere was tense from the beginning of the event. The moment the presenter confirmed that 'El meu avi' would not close the night, the audience responded with whistles, shouts and a collective waving of handkerchiefs.Some even began to sing it a cappella, defying the official decision. The pressure was so great that the participating groups, after performing other pieces, decided to get on stage together and play the famous habanera. The excitement and enthusiasm swept through the audience, who accompanied the song by waving white handkerchiefs and singing in unison, as tradition dictates.
Reaction of the public and musicians
With this gesture, musicians and spectators managed to maintain the custom, transforming what seemed like a night of rupture into a collective reaffirmation of the importance of the common heritage. The Ortega Monasterio family considered it a victory of common sense and against cancel culture, and thanked both the social support and the defense of the festival by political parties.
Judicial dimension and political controversy
Parallel, The City Council's decision also sparked a political and judicial battle.Political parties such as Junts per Catalunya and Alhora organized protests at the entrances to the event area, distributed leaflets, and denounced the police intervention as an attempt at "political persecution." The city council, for its part, argued that the police presence was a response to security concerns and the lack of permits for some gatherings, emphasizing that it was in no way intended to prohibit cultural events or expressly censor the song.
On the other hand, the family announced the filing of a lawsuit against the documentary's production company and the Catalan Audiovisual Media Corporation, demanding symbolic compensation for damage to the composer's image and demanding that "the presumption of innocence and final acquittals not be ignored." They also insisted that the debate cannot distort what they consider a direct attack on fundamental rights and freedom of expression.
The controversy has also served as a platform for a wide range of opinions on the role of political correctness, feminism, and the future of Catalan traditions. From voices like Pilar Rahola's, who openly criticized the measure, to the intervention of the popular singer "iaia Angeleta," who recalled the years of dictatorship and vehemently defended the importance of protecting popular culture, the debate has transcended the musical to become rooted in the great social dilemmas of today.
A classic that endures
Despite the attempt to modernize the repertoire, 'My Wife' played again as the icing on the cake at the 58th edition of the Cantada de Habaneras. For many, the musicians' decision to perform it despite its official exclusion has strengthened the song's connection to the people and demonstrated that there are still traditions that resist political and media pressure.
It can be seen that the resistance of the public and musicians reflects a strong connection to local tradition and culture, which remains alive despite attempts to alter it. The controversy has highlighted how traditions can be interpreted as a symbol of identity that transcends official decisions or media controversies. The decision to keep the song alive demonstrates that, in many cases, the community prioritizes the preservation of its history and culture in the face of external pressures.
