The Esbart Dansaire of Sant Joan Despí is one of the oldest and most representative entities in the municipality, with over seventy-five years dedicated to the study, preservation, and dissemination of folklore. Its activity focuses on the recovery, conservation, and exhibition of traditional dances from Catalan, Balearic, and Valencian lands, while also integrating repertoires from other regions and keeping alive a popular-rooted stage tradition.
In 2002, the Esbart took a significant step in artistic creation with the premiere of the piece "Jujol a Sant Joan Despí," conceived by choreographer Gabriel Robles and with music by Santi Arisa. This performance marked the beginning of a renewal phase that combines folkloric rigor with new stage perspectives. The organization is also one of the most active in the city, participating in numerous cultural events both in Sant Joan Despí and throughout the Baix Llobregat region.
The Esbart's international reach has been notable over the past two decades. It has participated in folk festivals on various continents, including standout performances in Buenos Aires and Rosario in 2009, the World Folklore Festival 1998 in Manila, and stays in Prague, Stockholm, Charleroi, and numerous locations across the country. This journey has solidified its reputation as a cultural ambassador for the municipality and for traditional Catalan dance.
The entity is structured into different sections that allow for generational succession and continuous training: Children, Youth, Dance Corps, and Veterans. This structure guarantees the continuity of the project and encourages the participation of people of all ages in a shared space of culture and collective memory.
