Festa Major de Collioure

Festa Major de Collioure: three centuries of Catalan tradition

Since 1701, the Festa Major de Collioure has celebrated the arrival of the relics of Saint Vincent, patron saint of the city, every year on August 16th. This event, part of the Saint-Vincent Festivals, is the highlight of the Collioure summer and brings together residents and visitors in an atmosphere of popular fervor and shared joy.

A rich and varied program

The festivities span five days and take over the squares, streets, and port of Collioure. Starting August 14th, bands and fanfares parade through the village alleys, signaling the start of the celebration. On August 15th, the Assumption Day, water games animate the bay with demonstrations of llaguts de rems (Catalan rowing boats) and water jousting.

August 16th: the Festa Major

The day of the Festa Major is the culmination of the festivities. The day begins with a solemn mass, followed by a sea procession where the relics of Saint Vincent are embarked on traditional Catalan boats, accompanied by the crowd gathered on the quays and beaches. In the evening, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the bay of Collioure, with the bell tower of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church as a backdrop.

Sardanes, music, and conviviality

Throughout the five days, sardanes are danced in the village squares, accompanied by Catalan coblas. Concerts, circus performances, children's entertainment, and popular balls complete a festive program that extends late into the night. On August 17th and 18th, traditional games for children and the last sardanes conclude the festivities in a warm and friendly atmosphere.