Barcelona, April 27 – Damm, the renowned Spanish brewery, celebrated its 150th anniversary this Sunday with a grand gala held at the iconic Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. The event brought together over 1,500 attendees, including the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and the executive president of Damm, Demetrio Carceller Arce, who both delivered speeches highlighting the company’s rich history and trajectory since its establishment in the Catalan capital in 1876.
Distinguished Guests and Corporate Leadership
The celebratory evening saw the presence of several prominent figures from the political and economic landscape of Catalonia. Among the distinguished guests were Josep Rull, President of the Parlament; Alícia Romero, Minister of Economy and Finance; Miquel Sàmper, Minister of Business and Labour; and Mari Carmen García-Calvillo, Deputy Delegate of the Government in Catalonia. Also in attendance were Maria Eugènia Gay, Second Deputy Mayor of Barcelona; David Escudé, Sports Councillor; and Cristina Massot, General Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat.
Demetrio Carceller Arce, executive president of Damm, emphasized the crucial role of the company’s human team in its enduring success. He stated that the anniversary represents “a recognition of all the people who have made Damm’s journey possible.” Carceller Arce also underscored the company’s ability to evolve “without losing its essence,” maintaining a business model rooted in quality, innovation, and a strong connection with society.
A Deep-Rooted Legacy in Catalonia
President Salvador Illa praised Damm as “a company with a trajectory that demonstrates its deep roots in the country.” He further noted that throughout its 150 years, Damm has consistently generated and shared prosperity, solidifying its position as a valuable asset for Catalonia.
The gala, hosted by actors Sílvia Abril and David Verdaguer and produced by El Terrat (The Mediapro Studio), offered a comprehensive overview of the brewery’s key milestones. The narrative was structured around four core pillars: product quality, industrial capacity, international presence, and its strong relationship with clients and consumers.
Music, Gastronomy, and Cultural Tributes
Music played a significant role in the celebration, with composer Lucas Vidal leading the Original SoundTrack Orchestra. The orchestra performed renditions of songs from Damm’s iconic ‘Mediterráneamente’ campaigns for Estrella Damm, featuring performances by artists such as Santi Balmes, Ramon Mirabet, Maria Rodés, Magalí Sare, Lexter, and Txell Sust.
The event also featured appearances by notable personalities from various fields, including Ferran Adrià, Andrés Iniesta, Juan Antonio San Epifanio (Epi), Clara Segura, and Luis Tosar. Their presence symbolized Damm’s historical ties with gastronomy, sports, and culture.
A particularly memorable moment was the performance by Rigoberta Bandini, who delivered a special version of Joan Manuel Serrat’s ‘Barcelona i jo,’ a heartfelt tribute to the city where Damm was founded a century and a half ago.
Culinary Finale at Mercat de la Boqueria
The celebrations culminated at the historic Mercat de la Boqueria, where guests were treated to a gastronomic experience featuring emblematic products and recipes. This culinary tribute honored the vibrant restaurant scene, local markets, and the distinctive culinary identity of Barcelona.
The evening concluded with a commemorative cake crafted by Christian Escribà, an impressive creation adorned with 1,250,000 LED lights. This grand finale underscored Damm’s dedication to its history and its profound connection with Barcelona.
Several renowned chefs associated with Damm also attended the event, including Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, Fina Puigdevall (Les Cols), Carme Ruscalleda, Mateu Cassañas (Disfrutar), Albert Adrià (Enigma), Nandu Jubany (Can Jubany), Paco Pérez (Miramar), Rafa Zafra (Estimar), and Carles Gaig (Petit Comité), all joining in the commemoration of this significant milestone.
Source: https://www.ultimahora.es/noticias/comunidades/2026/04/27/2617581/damm-celebra-150-anos-liceu-barcelona-gala-illa-mas-1500-personas.html
