Saint-Jean du Canigou Festival
Festival of the Canigou Flame and Saint John's Fires in Vernet-les-Bains
About Saint-Jean du Canigou
Vernet-les-Bains, cradle of the Canigou flame
Vernet-les-Bains, a spa town nestled at the foot of the Canigou massif, is the starting point for the flame that will light the Saint John's fires throughout the Catalan country. Every June 23rd, the mountain guides of Vernet bring back the regenerated flame from the summit of Canigou, the sacred mountain of the Catalans, for a ceremony full of solemnity and joy on the Place de la République.
The regeneration of the flame
A week before Saint John's Day, during the Trobada, volunteers and association members climb to the summit of Canigou with bundles of vine shoots to prepare the bonfire. The gigantic blaze is lit at the top of the mountain and the flame is then brought down by the guides to Vernet-les-Bains, from where it will be distributed to all Catalan towns and villages.
A day of Catalan celebration
The Saint John's Day celebration in Vernet-les-Bains takes place throughout the day and evening of June 23rd, on the Place de la République:
- In the morning, return of the flame carried by the mountain guides and regeneration ceremony, animated by the Cobla Principal del Rosselló
- In the afternoon, traditional sardanes with the Cobla Principal del Rosselló
- In the evening, concert by the Chorale Alégria accompanied by the Vernet-les-Bains Music School
- At nightfall, lighting of the basin, tasting of muscat and Catalan fougasse, distribution of ramallets (Saint John's bouquets) and popular dance
A living and universal tradition
The Saint John's Day of Canigou Festival is listed as intangible cultural heritage of Catalonia. From Vernet-les-Bains, the flame is carried by messengers to Perpignan, Céret, Collioure and hundreds of villages on both sides of the border, symbolizing Catalan unity and fraternity. The International Congress of the Canigou Flame is held annually in a different city of the Catalan world.
Saint-Jean du Canigou — edition 2026
The Saint-Jean du Canigou Festival 2026 takes place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Place de la République in Vernet-les-Bains, featuring the return of the Canigou flame, sardanes by the Cobla Principal del Rosselló, a concert by the Chorale Alégria, the lighting of the basin, and a popular dance. Free admission.
Saint-Jean 2026 at Canigou
The Saint-Jean du Canigou Festival 2026 will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 in Vernet-les-Bains, at Place de la République. As every year, mountain guides will bring back the regenerated flame from the summit of Canigou for a day and evening of Catalan celebrations: regeneration of the flame with the Cobla Principal del Rosselló, traditional sardanes, a concert by the Chorale Alégria accompanied by the École de Musique de Vernet-les-Bains, the lighting of the basin, tasting of muscat and fougasse, distribution of ramallets, and a dance animated by DJ Deep Reason.
The 2026 International Congress of the Canigou Flame will be held this year in Arenys de Mar, Catalonia.
Programme Saint-Jean du Canigou 2026
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — Place de la République, Vernet-les-Bains
- 11:00 AM — Return of the flame carried by mountain guides
- 11:00 AM — Regeneration and transmission of the flame, animated by the Cobla Principal del Rosselló
- 5:30 PM — Traditional Sardanes with the Cobla Principal del Rosselló
- 7:00 PM — Concert by the Chorale Alégria, accompanied by the École de Musique de Vernet-les-Bains (Catalan repertoire from Lluís Llach to Jordi Barre)
- 9:45 PM — Lighting of the basin (large solstice bonfire)
- 10:30 PM — Tasting of Catalan products (muscat and fougasse) offered to the public, distribution of ramallets (Saint-Jean bouquets)
- 10:30 PM — Popular dance animated by DJ Deep Reason
Highlights Saint-Jean du Canigou 2026
- Return of the regenerated Canigou flame carried by mountain guides
- Sardanes with the Cobla Principal del Rosselló
- Concert by the Chorale Alégria and the École de Musique de Vernet-les-Bains
- Lighting of the basin in the heart of Place de la République
- Tasting of muscat and Catalan fougasse
- Distribution of ramallets (Saint-Jean bouquets)
- Popular dance with DJ Deep Reason
Prices Saint-Jean du Canigou 2026
Practical information — Saint-Jean du Canigou
Access
By car: Vernet-les-Bains is located 55 km southwest of Perpignan via the N116 then the D116. Free parking in the city center.
By train: Yellow Train from Villefranche-de-Conflent (SNCF station accessible from Perpignan).
Location
Place de la République, in the city center of Vernet-les-Bains (66820).
Date
June 23rd every year, from 11 AM until late at night.
Prices
Free admission for all festivities.
Contact
- Conflent Canigó / Vernet-les-Bains Tourist Office: 04 68 05 53 25 — www.tourisme-canigo.com
- Official website of the Canigou Flame: www.flammeducanigou.com
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Where does it take place — Saint-Jean du Canigou
Place de la République, Vernet-les-Bains
Place de la République, 66820 Vernet-les-Bains