Catalonia Celebrates Easter Monday with Sweet Monas Amidst Football Tensions

GIRONA, Spain — April 21, 2025. Today marks Easter Monday, a significant day in Catalonia known for the tradition of gifting ‘monas de Pascua’, a sweet brioche decorated with chocolate, from godparents to their godchildren. In Girona, excitement is palpable as families gather to celebrate this beloved custom, but there is an underlying tension as the local football team, Girona FC, grapples with a winless streak.

Girona FC, managed by Míchel, is facing a critical juncture in the season with nine games without a win. A loss against Real Betis today would tie the team with the record from the dreaded 2018-19 season that saw them relegated to Segunda División. “Hearing that statistic sends chills down the spine of our fans,” Míchel acknowledged. While Girona enters the match desperate for victory, Betis arrives riding a high after winning their first European title, the UEFA Conference League, and eyes a spot in next season’s Champions League.

The stakes are high, as Girona seeks to break the losing streak and regain their footing in La Liga, currently sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone. Following the latest matchday results, which saw rivals like Leganés and Las Palmas claim points, the pressure on Girona intensifies as they find themselves only three points away from safety.

“Every team is in this together, but we must channel the ‘orgull gironí’ (Girona pride) to make it through these tough times,” Míchel continued, urging his players to step up in face of adversity. Fans are looking to seasoned players like Cristhian Stuani and veteran defender Juanpe to lead by example, recalling their past experiences and resilience during challenging seasons.

As the game day unfolds, the atmosphere around Estadi Montilivi is charged. Fans holding ‘mona’ desserts cheer for their team, hoping for a sweet victory on the field to complement the tradition of sharing chocolate treats.

Meanwhile, the coastal area of Santa Faz also bears witness to its own celebrations, but not all is festive. A nearby lot near the monastery is overwhelmed by trash, casting a shadow over family gatherings and raising concerns among visitors. Resident José Piñero expressed frustration on this Easter Monday, saying, “We didn’t expect to find this place in such disarray. The Ayuntamiento (City Council) needs to address it.” Míriam, another frequent visitor, lamented the lack of cleanliness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the area’s reputation for family outings.

Despite municipal efforts announced last week to clean the space ahead of Santa Faz celebrations, visitors found the situation underwhelming. Local leadership is under pressure to ensure that all public spaces uphold cleanliness, especially during peak festive times.