Festa Major de Perpignan
The Catalan patronal festival of Perpignan in honor of Sant Joan
About Festa Major
The Festa Major: Perpignan's Grand Catalan Festival
The Festa Major de Perpignan is the celebration of the city's patron saint, Sant Joan (Saint John the Baptist). Every June 23rd, on the eve of St. John's Day, Perpignan comes alive to the rhythm of its deepest Catalan traditions, in an atmosphere of fervor and popular joy.
The Flame of Canigou
The highlight of the Festa Major, the Flame of Canigou is solemnly carried from the summit of the Catalans' sacred mountain to the Castillet in Perpignan. This flame, kept all year round in the Castillet, is lit at the summit of Canigou and then relayed from village to village by young mountaineers, symbolizing the unity of the Catalan people. The procession of the Cercle de la Flamme accompanies its entry into the city.
Sardanes, Bonfires, and Shows
The festival begins in the late afternoon at the Allées Maillol with a festive village offering tastings of caragolades (Catalan-style snails) and shellfish, followed by sardane dances performed by the cobla. In the evening, a concert by the Orchestre Perpignan-Catalogne precedes the pyromusical show. The ascent to the Castillet and the lighting of the St. John's bonfires mark the climax of the evening.
A Living Tradition
The Festa Major perpetuates centuries-old Catalan traditions, from the sharing of bread to the sardane dance, including the purifying bonfires of the summer solstice. It is a moment of identity pride for the people of Perpignan and all Catalans of the North.
Festa Major — edition 2026
The Festa Major 2026 takes place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 in the heart of Perpignan, on the eve of Saint John's Day. On the program: arrival of the Canigou Flame at the Castillet, festive village at Allées Maillol (caragolades and sardanes by the cobla Foment del Montgrí), classical concert by the Orchestre Perpignan-Catalogne at Place de la Victoire, pyrotechnic illumination of the Castillet and sharing of bread with the shepherds of Canigou. Free admission. Detailed program to be announced soon by the City.
Festa Major of Perpignan 2026 — Tuesday, June 23
On the eve of Saint John's Day, Perpignan celebrates Sant Joan, patron saint of the Catalan city, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The patronal festival traditionally gathers several thousand people around the Castillet and Allées Maillol for an evening combining Catalan traditions, music, and a pyrotechnic show.
The Canigou Flame: the symbolic heart of the festival
On the evening of June 23, the Canigou Flame — preserved all year round at the Castillet — makes its solemn entry into the city. Transported from the summit of Canigó (sacred mountain of the Catalans) then relayed throughout the department, it is welcomed by the procession of the Cercle de la Flamme. The mayor of Perpignan lights the braziers at the foot of the Castillet, before the ascent of the emblematic tower by members of the Entente Spéléologique du Roussillon.
Festive village and Catalan traditions
The festivities begin in the late afternoon at Allées Maillol with the Saint-Jean Village: tastings of caragolades (Catalan-style snails) and shellfish, followed by a sardanes dance animated by the cobla Foment del Montgrí. At Place de la Victoire, the Orchestre Perpignan-Catalogne gives its opening classical concert — an unmissable event for Catalan musical identity.
Saint John's Fires and illumination of the Castillet
The highlight of the evening is the pyrotechnic illumination above the Castillet, which lights up the Perpignan sky. The traditional ceremony of sharing bread with the shepherds of Canigou also takes place, perpetuating a centuries-old ritual that symbolizes the unity of the Catalan Countries around the summer solstice.
Detailed program 2026 — to be announced
The City of Perpignan and the Tourist Office will communicate the detailed program (precise times, names of invited artists, procession route) closer to the event. As an indication, the usual schedule of previous editions includes: 6 p.m. start of the festive village at Allées Maillol, 8:45 p.m. concert at Place de la Victoire, 10 p.m. entry of the Flame and illumination of the Castillet. To confirm details, refer to the official websites mairie-perpignan.fr and perpignantourisme.com closer to June 23.
Highlights Festa Major 2026
- Entry of the Canigou Flame and illumination of the Castillet
- Festive village at Allées Maillol: caragolades, shellfish, and sardanes by the cobla Foment del Montgrí
- Classical concert by the Orchestre Perpignan-Catalogne at Place de la Victoire
- Ceremony of sharing bread with the shepherds of Canigou
- Pyrotechnic show at the foot of the Castillet
- Free admission
Prices Festa Major 2026
Practical information — Festa Major
Practical Information
Access
By car: Perpignan is accessible via the A9 motorway. Parking in the city center: Castillet, Wilson, Clemenceau.
By train: Perpignan station served by TGV from Paris (5h), Montpellier (1h40), and Barcelona (1h30).
Typical Program
- 6 PM: Festive village, caragolades, and sardanes at Allées Maillol
- 8:45 PM: Classical concert at Place de la Victoire
- 10 PM: Procession of the Flame of Canigou and St. John's bonfires
Contact
Perpignan Tourist Office: 04 68 66 30 30
Perpignan City Hall: 04 68 66 30 66
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Where does it take place — Festa Major
Centre historique de Perpignan - Castillet et Allées Maillol
Place de la Victoire, 66000 Perpignan