About this place
Sala Cabanyes is one of the oldest amateur theatres still operating in Catalonia, based in the historic centre of Mataró. It is run not as a commercial venue but as a community association built around theatre, music and youth training, with roots stretching back over a century.
What is Sala Cabanyes exactly?
The story starts in 1916, when the Centre Catòlic de Mataró set up a drama section for its members. That amateur group eventually grew large enough to need a purpose-built home: the current building was designed by architect Gaietà Cabanyes and opened in 1933, giving the whole institution its name. Today the venue is run by the Agrupació Teatral Cabanyes, an association with more than 350 active members that operates two performance spaces and trains actors, musicians and stage technicians.
Why does this theatre matter to Mataró?
Sala Cabanyes functions as a meeting point across generations of local families, many of whom have taken part in its productions for years. Its best-known work is Els Pastorets de Mataró, an annual Christmas play about the birth of Jesus that has been staged here without interruption for decades. The city recognised it as part of Mataró's cultural heritage in 1981, and in April 2016 the Generalitat de Catalunya awarded it the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of Catalonia's highest cultural honours. In February 2025 the association, having restructured a year earlier under a new legal form, was admitted as a full member of the Federació d'Ateneus de Catalunya, a further mark of its standing as a recognised popular-culture institution in the region.
What else happens here besides the Christmas play?
Beyond the flagship Pastorets, the calendar at Sala Cabanyes includes theatre productions, concerts and other events throughout the year, staged both by the resident company and by visiting groups. The venue also works as a training ground: it runs theatre, music and technical courses for children, teenagers and adults, letting new generations of amateurs learn stagecraft directly from practising performers and crew.
Where is Sala Cabanyes and how do you get there?
The building stands at Carrer de la Riera 110, right in Mataró's Centre district, a short walk from the city's main shopping streets and historic core. Because the location sits in the fully walkable old town, a visit here is easy to combine with a stroll around Mataró's other historic sights.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sala Cabanyes a professional theatre?
No — it is an amateur theatre run by a Mataró community association, though its productions are staged at a professional standard and it carries an unbroken tradition dating back to 1916.
What is Els Pastorets de Mataró?
It is an annual Christmas play about the birth of Jesus, performed at Sala Cabanyes for decades. It was declared part of the city's cultural heritage in 1981 and received the Creu de Sant Jordi award in 2016.
How many people are involved in Sala Cabanyes?
The association counts more than 350 active members involved in theatre, music and organisational work.
Where exactly is the theatre located?
At Carrer de la Riera 110, in the Centre district, right in the heart of Mataró.
Are there events here besides the Christmas show?
Yes — throughout the year the venue hosts other theatre productions, concerts and educational activities for different age groups.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.