Cherry Festival and Bandas Festival

The Cherry Festival and Céret de Bandas: two days of celebration in Catalan land

Every year in May, Céret, the "cherry capital," brilliantly celebrates its emblematic fruit during the Cherry Festival and Bandas Festival. Since 1995, this popular and free event has attracted thousands of visitors to the town center of this charming Vallespir town, at the gates of Spain.

The Céret cherry: a local treasure

The Céret cherry is renowned throughout France for its early ripening and quality. Since 1932, the first cherries of the season have traditionally been sent to the President of the Republic, testifying to the prestige of this local production. The gourmet market of the Cherry Festival showcases local producers and their derivative products: jams, syrups, cakes, liqueurs, and other cherry-based specialties.

The bandas: festive music in parade

The Céret de Bandas brings an explosive musical dimension to the festival. Bandas groups from all over the region parade through the streets of Céret, playing trumpets, tubas, saxophones, and drums in a high-energy atmosphere. Musical parades fill boulevards, café terraces, and town squares, alternating with aperitif concerts and lively dinners.

Catalan traditions and popular entertainment

The Cherry Festival is also an opportunity to celebrate Catalan traditions: sardanes (Catalan dances), parades of giants (gegants), folk entertainment, and Spanish dance shows. The stone-spitting contest and cooking workshops with local chefs add a touch of originality and conviviality to the event.