The Monument to the Sardana on Montjuïc has been damaged again, this time in an accidental collision involving a truck from a private company working nearby. The incident occurred on 19 August and resulted in the breakage of one dancer's arm and the complete detachment of another's head, according to reports confirmed by Barcelona City Council to betevé and first published by La Vanguardia.
Company representatives immediately contacted the Sants-Montjuïc district authorities and have accepted responsibility for the incident. Municipal sources confirmed that the firm has committed to covering the full cost of repairs. In the coming days, the city government and the company will agree on the technical procedure to restore the sculpture and ensure its long-term preservation.
Repeated Damage to Cultural Landmark
This is not the first time the monument, located at Mirador de l'Alcalde in Montjuïc Park, has suffered damage. In 2002, one of the eight stone figures was stolen and had to be replaced. In 2014, four dancers were found with their upper limbs amputated. Then, in 2020, the hands of all eight figures were deliberately mutilated.
The architectural ensemble underwent a full restoration in 2022 at a cost of approximately €28,500, funded by the Directorate of Urban Architecture and Heritage Services. Sculptor Abel Vallhonesta led the work, repairing and reproducing the original arms and hands.
A Symbol of Catalan Identity
The Sardana sculpture was created in 1965 by sculptor Josep Cañas, with collaboration from Carles Amadon. It features eight dancers with interlocked hands and bears the inscription "La sardana és la dansa més bella" (The sardana is the most beautiful dance). It was inaugurated on 19 March 1966.
A second plaque was added on 25 April 2009, reading "Barcelona a la colla sardanista Violetes del Bosc" (Barcelona to the sardana group Violetes del Bosc). The monument was commissioned by former mayor Josep Maria de Porcioles to welcome visitors to this area of the city and is carved from Ulldecona stone, intended as a tribute to Catalan folklore within the park.
Reported by beteve.cat, lavanguardia.com, elperiodico.com, ACN, el3.cat, barcelonaaldia.com, elnacional.cat, 20minutos.es, betevé.
