19th Century

The 19th century was a period of notable activity for the Drac de Vilafranca. In 1802, on the occasion of King Carlos IV's visit to the town, the Drac participated in the welcome events, consolidating its role as a representative symbol of Vilafranca.

In 1816, a new repair was recorded, necessary to keep the figure in good condition. Another relevant transformation came in 1849, when the flabiol and tamborí were replaced by the gralla as musical accompaniment, giving the Drac a more powerful and festive sound that would characterise it for many decades.

During the 1870s, the first known photograph of the Drac was taken, a visual testimony of inestimable value for understanding the appearance of the figure in that era. The Festa Major of 1876, which celebrated the centenary of the dedication to Sant Fèlix, was a moment of great splendour, in which the Drac received a payment of 12 duros for its performance.

The Drac de Vilafranca had its first presence in Barcelona at the Mercè festivities, expanding its reach beyond local festivals. The writer Gaietà Vidal left a 'Descriptive Account of the Festa Major' where he described in detail the presence and dance of the Drac.

1893 was an important year: a document between the Confraternity and the Baltà family established that the custody of the Drac remained at the Palau Baltà, where it would be preserved. That same year a new repair was carried out, and the documented weight of the figure was 107 kg. The Drac also made a special appearance at Sant Martí Sarroca, showing its presence at events outside Vilafranca.