The crew was founded in October 1986, when a group of friends who shared a passion for nature, sport and music decided to expand the range of San Roque crews. At that time, they felt there was no crew that truly reflected the spirit of young crew members eager to work hard and bring fresh ideas to make the San Roque Festivities even better. It was during the 1987 San Roque Festivities that our beloved crew first took to the streets.
Why the name? Well, it is well known that all the crews have names connected either with the festivities themselves—such as Euqor, Los que faltaban, La Unión or La Rouna—or with elements closely linked to our region, such as Bota, Solera, Nogara and Cachirulo. Since many of the excellent wines produced in our area are made from the grape variety of the same name, the founders decided to call the crew Garnacha.
History
Garnacha Crew was founded in October 1986, when a group of friends with a shared passion for nature, sport and music decided to establish a new crew to broaden the San Roque festivities. The crew first took to the streets during the 1987 San Roque Festivities, beginning a continuous journey that will reach its 40th Anniversary in 2026.
Since then, the crew has adapted to each new era while always preserving the youthful and hard-working spirit that inspired its creation. Over the years there have been different Executive Committees, changes in the way the festivities are organised and many new initiatives, but the underlying philosophy has remained the same: to experience the San Roque Festivities through Garnacha and for Garnacha.
Contribution to the Festivities and Crew Events
Throughout its history, Garnacha Crew has organised and continues to organise its own events as part of the San Roque festivities programme, including friendship gatherings, crew lunches and dinners, evening dances, sports tournaments and activities open to members and friends. Many of these events have become annual traditions, not only for Garnacha members but also for people from other crews who visit the headquarters every year.
In recent years, the crew has introduced new formats such as giant-screen projections, themed fancy-dress parties, competitions and interactive activities during the festivities. These initiatives successfully combine the crew's traditions with activities designed to appeal to all generations.
Corporate Identity
Garnacha Crew is easy to recognise in the streets: white trousers, a purple shirt and a purple neckerchief, colours that distinguish it from the other San Roque crews. Over the years, the crest, typography and promotional materials have all been updated, while always preserving these distinctive elements as the foundation of the crew's identity.
Each year, the crew designs its own commemorative badge and T-shirt, often linked to a shared fancy-dress theme that members eagerly look forward to. The headquarters are also decorated to match both the crew's corporate image and the chosen annual theme, reinforcing the feeling of being "at home" for everyone who visits during the festivities.
Anthem
To celebrate the 30th Anniversary in 2016, our crew member Daniel Gimeno "Danone" wrote new lyrics to accompany the melody of Barrilito de Cerveza, transforming it into our official anthem, which has been sung at the top of our voices every year ever since.
Music and Atmosphere
Music has always been a fundamental part of Garnacha Crew's identity. The crew combines brass bands, live music groups, tribute acts and DJ sessions to offer a varied programme designed to appeal to different generations, ranging from rock and indie music to the latest contemporary styles.
In recent years, Garnacha has strengthened its commitment to high-quality concerts and performances by investing in modern technical equipment and promoting events through its website and social media channels. The atmosphere at the headquarters, together with the active participation of members and the close relationship built with artists who return year after year, has become an integral part of the musical history of the San Roque Festivities.
Organisation
Since its foundation in 1986, Garnacha Crew has been led by a succession of Executive Committees made up of members who voluntarily dedicate their time throughout the year to preparing the San Roque Festivities.
Among those closely associated with Garnacha are also several representatives who have served within the Inter-Crew Federation.
The crew is organised into committees and working groups responsible for areas such as the entertainment programme, headquarters logistics, financial management, communications and relations with sponsors. This structure allows members of all ages to take part in organising the festivities, contributing both experience and fresh ideas every year.
In addition, the Annual General Meeting of Members is held every year, giving every crew member the opportunity to contribute ideas. The meeting also includes a financial report and an overall review of the year's festivities.
Crew Members of the Year
Garnacha Crew has had several members recognised as Peñista del Año during the San Roque Festivities. The most recent is Javier García "Hondo", named Peñista del Año 2025, following the path first opened by Emilio García, Garnacha's first recipient of this distinction thirteen years earlier.
These awards symbolise the commitment of crew members to the San Roque Festivities as a whole and recognise their contribution beyond the boundaries of their own crew. The presence of Garnacha members among the recipients of this honour further strengthens the bond between the crew and the festive life of Calatayud.
Present Day
During the 2025 San Roque Festivities, Garnacha Crew had 787 members, making it one of the largest crews in Calatayud. The crew brings together long-standing members and newcomers alike, creating a diverse community united by the same passion for celebrating the festivities.
Today, Garnacha has taken a significant step forward in both communication and organisation, with its own website, an active presence on social media, direct debit systems for annual membership badges, and participation tools such as surveys and audiovisual content. All of this supports the crew's main objective: to remain a vibrant part of the San Roque Festivities and to approach its 40th Anniversary with confidence and enthusiasm for the future.
Group Photographs Through the Years
More Information
- Garnacha Website
- Garnacha Facebook
- Garnacha Instagram
- Garnacha TikTok
- Garnacha WhatsApp Channel
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