Who are we?

The Legacy of the Class of 1961

What began as a group of industrial engineering students and members of La Tuna evolved into a network of friendships that transcends generations and borders. The Class of 1961 of the Escola Tècnica de Pèrits Industrials de Vilanova i la Geltrú is not merely a memory of youth, but a living legacy that continues today, reaffirming the value of friendship and brotherhood built upon a unique and unrepeatable experience.

To understand the strong cohesion of the Class of 1961, one must look at the context of the era (1956–1962). Today, it seems unthinkable for students to spend an entire term without returning home. However, at that time, private cars were a rarity: the SEAT 1400 had only reached the market in 1953, and the popular 600 was not commercialized until 1957. Television was also a luxury, with the first broadcast in Spain taking place in 1956. These conditions, combined with the shared experience of five academic years—nine months at a time away from home—proved to be the perfect catalysts for creating deep, lasting bonds.

These students had the initiative to negotiate an agreement with a hotel to convert it into an exclusive student residence. Thus, La Goya was born—a space that became their home during the academic year and the stage for their student life, parts of which can be seen in the publication La Estudiantina.

Innovation and Spirit

An event that defined the class and showcased its innovative and festive spirit was the Pas de l’Equador (the “Halfway Point” celebration), held midway through their degree in 1959. True to form, the students decided to leave their mark on history: they built and launched a rocket named “Xarneguito” from the Plaça de la Vila in Vilanova i la Geltrú. While the exact trajectory of the projectile remains a mystery, its memory still resonates among the members of the class.

The Tuna trip to Austria in 1960 was an odyssey that became a fundamental part of the Class’s collective memory. The spirit generated by this journey was not limited to mere recollections; the epic tale became so ingrained in their identity that their 10th Reunion was held in Mariazell in 1972. Their stay coincided with Palm Sunday, during which they presented traditional Palmes and Palmons (hand-woven palm leaves). This gave birth to a tradition that has lasted to this day.

Some members went even further, remaining actively involved in cultural exchanges between Catalonia and Austria that garnered international press attention. Highlights include the aforementioned delivery of Palmes to Mariazell (in the Austrian state of Styria) and the planting of an oak tree in Vienna’s Stadtpark.

The “Freunde Österreich”

Due to the complexity of the original Catalan name for Austrians (Promoció de 1961 de l’Escola Tècnica de Pèrits Industrials de Vilanova i la Geltrú), the collective became known as Freunde Österreich (Friends of Austria).

Five years of academic life together could not end with a simple goodbye and a handshake at the conclusion of their Final Year Trip. Especially for those who had studied far from home, this bond had become a brotherhood. Consequently, many members decided to hold Annual Reunions the week after the Epiphany holiday. Since 1963, these meetings have been held uninterrupted to this day. The inclusion of the members’ wives in these gatherings has served as a vital element of cohesion for the group.