Manresa Festival Sparks Debate Over Noise Levels

The Manresa city council and organizers of the Festa Major Alternativa, a local festival, are at odds over noise levels. The council has imposed a limit of 80 decibels at the festival’s main venue, the Puigmercadal market square, to minimize noise pollution for nearby residents. However, the organizers claim the council initially agreed to a higher limit of 85 decibels, prompting accusations of a broken promise. This disagreement has led to tensions, with some residents demanding the festival’s relocation due to excessive noise at night. The council maintains that the 80-decibel limit is necessary for peaceful coexistence between the festival and residents. The festival organizers, however, argue that the lower limit significantly affects the overall sound quality, particularly for attendees further away from the stage. Technical experts from the Catalan government are monitoring the situation and evaluating the noise levels, particularly in light of new regulations regarding noise pollution.