Festa Major de Banyuls

The Festa Major de Banyuls: the Catalan soul of Banyuls-sur-Mer

The Festa Major is the most anticipated annual event in Banyuls-sur-Mer. This traditional patronal festival, deeply rooted in the Catalan identity of the village, brings together residents and visitors every year from August 20 to 24 for five days of festivities between land and sea.

Catalan Festival

The festivities open on Wednesday with the Festa Catalana: a parade through the streets, entertainment on the esplanade, sardanes with Catalan coblas (Les Casenoves, Tres Vents, Principal del Rossello, Sol de Banyuls), and a free open-air screening on the central beach. Sardanes, the emblematic dance of Catalan culture, accompany the entire week with performances at different times of the day.

Shows and Entertainment

Over the days, the program alternates Catalan folklore shows (Ballet Alegria), beach handball tournaments, espadrille-throwing contests, a giant fideuà on the beach, rock concerts (Solyrock), grand balls with an orchestra, and a closing symphonic concert by the Orchestre Symphonique d'Alénya Roussillon.

Fireworks and Closing

Saturday evening is the highlight of the Festa Major with the grand fireworks display in the bay of Banyuls around 10 PM, preceded by sardanes and followed by a grand ball. The closing Sunday is dedicated to the traditional mass, the official parade with wreath-laying, the municipal aperitif, and the last sardanes with the cobla Sol de Banyuls.