The audience of Calella de Palafrugell sings 'My Grandfather' loudly and in unison.

BarcelonaFor the first time in 48 editions, the singing of habaneras in Calella de Palafrugell did not have to end with My grandfather. However, there are traditions that are difficult to break and the public ignored the decision that had been taken by the artistic committee of the song after the 3Cat documentary, Walls of Silence. Large Scale 2000, linked its composer, Josep Lluís Ortega Monasterio, to a sexual exploitation plot.

There wasn't a moment of hesitation or shyness on the part of the audience. The habanera singing was to end with all the groups (Neus Mar, Peix Fregit, Terra adentro, and Port-bo) on stage with three songs: Inland sailor, The beautiful Lola and The seagull, but not even the presenter, Míriam Riau, could finish announcing it, because shouts and tweets began to be heard, and the audience took out their handkerchiefs. Riau insisted and begged to please let her say goodbye, but it was not possible. Then, from the stage, it was announced that they would sing My grandfather, but that he would first finish the programmed repertoire, which was not easy either. There were whistles, except when he sang The beautiful LolaWhen the three songs ended, the audience sang in unison My grandfather, although not everyone knew the chorus. There was also a section of the audience that was angry because the other section hadn't let them hear the other songs.

There was controversy until the very end. Even the Palafrugell City Council denied that orders had been given for the groups not to sing if the audience did. In a statement, they stated that "they had complete freedom, as could not be otherwise, to act as they saw fit." The council also confirmed that this had been mentioned in the final meeting they held with the groups and also reaffirmed the decision taken to close the sing-along. But in the end, My grandfather, It sounded loud.

The habanera singing dates back to 1966. That first gathering of singers was held at the Can Batlle tavern. The success of the gathering encouraged the organizers to repeat it the following year, with a more formal singing session on Calau Beach. In 1969, the Association of Friends of Calella, which organized the Habanera Singing at the time, decided to move it to Port Bo Square, where it is still held today.