Festa Major de Perpignan

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.