La Trobada del Canigó
Catalan gathering at the summit of Canigó to fuel the Saint-Jean Flame
About La Trobada
A gathering at the summit of the sacred mountain of Catalans
Each year, on the weekend before Saint-Jean's Day (June 23rd), hundreds of Catalans from both sides of the Pyrenees converge on the summit of Canigó (2,784 m), the sacred mountain of Catalonia. The Trobada ("meeting" in Catalan) is a secular pilgrimage that perpetuates a tradition born in 1955, when Francesc Pujades, a resident of Arles-sur-Tech, had the idea of lighting the Saint-Jean bonfires on the summit of Canigó and distributing the flame throughout the Catalan Countries.
The ascent and the vigil
Participants set off on foot from different villages — Fillols, Valmanya, Casteil, Vernet-les-Bains — carrying bundles of wood (feixines) that mules help to transport. After several hours of walking, they meet at the Cortalets refuge (2,150 m), the last stop before the summit. The evening is an occasion for a communal Catalan meal, traditional songs, and the preparation of "crema," a rum-based drink inherited from 19th-century trade with Cuba. Approximately 800 people sleep on-site under the stars or in the refuge.
The Flama del Canigó
At dawn, participants climb to the summit to place the bundles at the foot of the iron cross. This wood will be used to fuel the Flama del Canigó, the sacred flame lit a week later during the Regeneration. Since 1960, a perpetual flame has been kept at the Castillet in Perpignan and carried to the summit each year to be regenerated. From there, it is redistributed in over 500 towns and villages in the Catalan Countries, from North Catalonia to the Valencian Country.
A Catalan identity symbol
The Trobada is organized by the Casal del Conflent, the IGD Flama del Canigó, and Omnium Cultural, with the support of over 3,300 active members. In 1966, the flame crossed the border for the first time. Today, this event is one of the most powerful symbols of Catalan identity and fraternity between the two sides of the Pyrenees.
La Trobada — edition 2026
La Trobada del Canigó 2026 will take place on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Cortalets refuge (2,150 m), on the sacred massif of the Catalans. Hikers will converge on foot from Casteil, Fillols, Valmanya, and Vernet-les-Bains, carrying bundles of wood that will fuel the Flama del Canigó. The flame's regeneration at the summit will occur on June 22, followed by Saint John's Eve on June 23.
2026 Edition — June 13 and 14 weekend
La Trobada del Canigó 2026 will bring together several hundred Catalan hikers from both sides of the Pyrenees at the Cortalets refuge, the weekend before Saint John's Day. As every year, the festival is entirely on foot: no motorized access is allowed on the massif during the Trobada.
Starting points for the ascent
Several caravans of hikers converge towards Cortalets from the traditional villages:
- Fillols and Els Masos de Valmanya — organized departures on Saturday morning (coffee/pastries welcome from 8 AM, departure 9 AM, approximately 5-6 hours of walking, 1,300 m elevation gain)
- Casteil — via the Mariailles refuge trail
- Vernet-les-Bains — via the Col de Jou
Weekend Schedule
Saturday, June 13 — Ascent of the caravans towards Cortalets, packed lunch along the way, arrival at the refuge from 4 PM, camp setup, Catalan musical entertainment, collective meal at the refuge, evening vigil around the fire and traditional songs.
Sunday, June 14 — Free departure before 7 AM for the ascent to the summit of Canigó (2,784 m) to deposit the bundles of wood at the foot of the iron cross. Preparation for the return and site cleanup from 10 AM. Descent back to the starting villages between 11:30 AM and 6 PM.
The regeneration of the Flama (June 22) and Saint John's Eve (June 23)
On June 22, mountaineers carry the perpetual flame from the Castillet de Perpignan to the summit of Canigó to regenerate it from the bundles of wood brought up during the Trobada. On the evening of June 23, the flame descends into the villages of the Catalan Countries to light the Saint John's fires. More than 500 municipalities receive it.
Programme La Trobada 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Ascent to Cortalets
- 8:00 AM — Coffee/pastries welcome in Fillols and Els Masos de Valmanya (organized departures)
- 9:00 AM — Departure of hiking caravans (maximum 60 people per caravan)
- 12:30 PM — Packed lunch break along the way
- From 4:00 PM — Arrival at the Cortalets refuge, camp setup, Catalan musical entertainment
- Evening — Collective Catalan meal at the refuge (€15 to €19.50), traditional songs
- 9:00 PM — Vigil around the communal fire, preparation of the "crema" (Catalan rum-based drink)
Sunday, June 14, 2026 — Ascent to the summit and descent
- Before 7:00 AM — Free departure towards the summit of Canigó (2,784 m) to deposit the bundles of wood at the foot of the iron cross
- 10:00 AM — Equipment preparation and cleanup of the refuge site
- 11:30 AM — Start of the descent back to the starting villages (4 to 5 hours)
- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM — Estimated arrivals in the starting villages
Events related to the Flama del Canigó 2026
- Friday, June 12 — 10:00 AM — Ceremony for the presentation of gifts in Ria-Sirach (earth, thermal water, salt, olive branch, parchment "Pau i Treva de Déu")
- Saturday, June 13 — 12:00 PM — Homage to the summer solstice at the summit of Canigó
- Monday, June 22 — Regeneration of the flame at the summit, descent to Vernet-les-Bains
- Tuesday, June 23 — Handover of the flame to the mountaineers of Vernet-les-Bains, distribution in the villages of the Catalan Countries, lighting of the Saint John's fires at sunset
Highlights La Trobada 2026
- Catalan secular pilgrimage born in 1955, one of the most powerful identity symbols of the Catalan Countries
- Approximately 800 participants who hike up to the Cortalets refuge (2,150 m)
- Traditional vigil with Catalan songs, collective meal, and preparation of the "crema"
- Deposit of bundles of wood (feixines) at the summit of Canigó (2,784 m) to fuel the Flama del Canigó
- Festivities on the massif entirely on foot — no motorized access
- Regeneration of the perpetual flame preserved at the Castillet de Perpignan since 1960
- Distribution of the Flame in over 500 towns and villages of the Catalan Countries on June 23
Prices La Trobada 2026
Practical information — La Trobada
Practical Information
Access
The Trobada converges at the Cortalets refuge (2,150 m) in the Canigó massif. The main starting points are:
- Casteil: Via the Mariailles refuge path (approx. 5 hours walk)
- Vernet-les-Bains: Via the Col de Jou
- Fillols and Valmanya: Marked trails
Access is exclusively on foot on the weekend of the Trobada.
Equipment
Bring hiking boots, warm clothing (cool nights at altitude), a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and supplies. Limited places at the Cortalets refuge (booking recommended).
Prices
Free participation. Communal meal upon registration.
Contact
- Conflent Canigó Tourist Office: 04 68 96 45 86
- Address: 73 avenue Guy Malé, 66500 Prades
- Website: visit-canigo.com / feuxdelasaintjean.com
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Where does it take place — La Trobada
Massif du Canigó — Refuge des Cortalets
Massif du Canigó, refuge des Cortalets, 66820 Casteil