The Bartrina Theater of Reus hosts since Saturday the 79th edition of the National Rose Competition with 5,000 roses of more than a hundred varieties.
For the first time, the competition opens participation to amateurs, florists, students from the Escola d'Horticultura, and the municipal brigade, while the exhibition will remain open until Monday.
The contest gains fans and expands a competition with ninety years of history
The change in access marks this edition of the contest, which until now was more restricted to regular participants. The opening comes in a competition with an origin of ninety years ago and a decade-long interruption due to the Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship.
"It is a pleasure for the senses" - Empar Pont, president of the Centre de Lectura
Empar Pont linked the state of the roses to the weather conditions in April, which have accelerated the opening of the flowers. The president of the Centre de Lectura explained that last week they were perfect, that this week they are also perfect, but more open.
Victòria Pujol and Daniel Moreno want to return next year and are already taking notes of the varieties they like the most.
The jury mixes thirty years of experience and a first time in perfumery
The jury brings together the environmental technician Francesc Xavier Llavaneres, with thirty years of experience, and the perfumer Sandra Iruela, who is making her debut in the task. The presence of both profiles combines technical knowledge and a focus on the aroma of flowers.
"I have learned a lot, above all the names of the rose varieties have caught my attention. There are many roses that don't smell and others do. Some have floral, rosy nuances, very different from what I had ever smelled" - Sandra Iruela, perfumer
The first edition in which fans participate coexists with a wide distribution of prizes among several categories. In Rosa Estàndard, Araceli Mestre won, in Poliandres, Cori Capdevila prevailed, and in Miniatures, Misericòrdia Fonts Capdevila won.
The special awards recognized Ramon Fonts Capdevila, Araceli Mestres, Encarna Albea, Marta Fernández, Josefina Cristià and Josepa Boada.
The Roses de Reus Festival adds routes, workshops, and interventions in the center
The celebration coincides with the sixth edition of the Roses de Reus Festival, which incorporates architectural routes, children's workshops, and artistic interventions in the city center. The program takes place in parallel to the competition and expands the offerings linked to roses during the weekend.
Joan Mateo Marco won the Instagram contest #rosesCLR2026 with the photograph "Roser Joaquima Gallisà Reus2".
The 40th Floral Composition Contest also awarded Núria Fonoll, Anna Moliner, Daria Pordkhnero, Anna Adserà, Encarna Albea, and Blanca Fonts.
The Bartrina Theater exhibition will remain open until Monday.