One artist among 126 positive cases detected at Crüilla day one

Cruïlla detected 126 positives among the more than 15,000 attendees tested on the first day of the festival, a figure lower than the 18,000 initially expected. 

Testing got underway on Thursday with staff members and artists, and Senyor Oca, due to be opening the night’s performances, was taken off the lineup after he was one of the positive cases found. 

A mass testing facility has been set up beside the festival location with the capacity to perform antigen tests on 25,000 people per day on each of the three nights of the festival. None of those who tested positive were allowed to enter the premises.

Sr. Wilson got the night underway in place of Senyor Oca, an opening night dominated by rap, hip-hop, and reggae. 

Also performing on the night were Natos y Waor, Lágrimas de Sangre, and Kase.O closed the night with a celebration of the 10th anniversary of his album ‘Jazz Magnetism,’ combining rap with jazz.

The obligation to wear a face mask at all times when not eating or drinking was in effect and by and large adhered to, but there were still plenty of moments when attendees chose not to wear their masks. 

Consuming food and drink was prohibited in the wider premises and limited to certain areas, while there were also 150 staff members working on the grounds to ensure people stuck to pandemic protocol. 

"I think these measures are necessary," said festivalgoer Julia Balcó. "Given the state of the pandemic, it's best to keep distances and wear face masks and have everything under control," she said. 

Epidemiology expert says such mass events are unwise

The head of the preventive medicine and epidemiology service at Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Magda Campins, believes it is unwise to hold mass events such as Cruïlla in the current pandemic state. 

Speaking on Catalunya Ràdio, she said that in the same way that nightlife has been closed because so many outbreaks have been detected, these kinds of gatherings can be superspreader events. 

She also believes even though antigen tests are carried out and the rules state that masks need to be worn at all times, situations still occur where the health measures are not adhered to. 

Campins also stated that more time limits and re-introducing the nightly curfew could help to stop growth if a greater impact is seen in hospitals.

The doctor’s primary worry is the increase in cases leading to the possibility of a new variant appearing that current vaccines are ineffective against, and she strongly advises against going on holiday abroad and only to have small social gatherings.