Roots of brotherhood
The visit of Tuna from the Escola Tècnica de Perits Industrials de Vilanova i la Geltrú to Mariazell, Austria, in December 1960, was a deeply significant event both for the participants and for the promotion of Catalan and Spanish culture and tradition abroad. This trip was not only a musical and cultural adventure, but also a spiritual and symbolic mission, as Tuna brought an image of the Virgin of Montserrat to the sanctuary of Mariazell, a place of great religious importance in Austria.
The trip began with a strong dose of enthusiasm and determination, despite the economic and logistical difficulties that they had to overcome. Tuna, with her cheerful and jovial spirit, performed in several European cities, such as Montpellier, Marseille, Nice, Genoa, Milan, Innsbruck, Graz and finally Mariazell, where they delivered the image of the Moreneta. This act was especially emotional, as it symbolized the union between two cultures and two Marian devotions, the Catalan and the Austrian.
The importance of this visit lies in several aspects. First, it was a demonstration of how the spirit of La Tuna, with its music, joy and tradition, can be a bridge between peoples and cultures. Second, it was an opportunity to promote Catalan and Spanish culture abroad, especially at a time when Spain was still internationally isolated after the Civil War. Finally, the trip left a lasting impression on the participants, who lived a unique experience of camaraderie, adventure and devotion.
This trip not only consolidated La Tuna’s reputation as a cultural ambassador, but also strengthened the ties between Catalonia and Austria through faith and music. The image of the Virgin of Montserrat in Mariazell remains a symbol of this union and a reminder of the spirit of those young Tuna people who brought their music and faith to Europe.
The main purpose was to deliver a replica of the Virgin of Montserrat to the Sanctuary of Mariazell (Austria), a symbolic act that combined pilgrimage and culture.
Economic problems (they raised only 8,000 pesetas out of the 20,000 needed for the image), bureaucratic obstacles with passports and extreme weather conditions (snow and intense cold).
The trip was covered by Spanish and Austrian media, such as La Vanguardia, ABC and Austrian national radio.