Perpignan Méditerranée a Catalan soul
Every season has its own festival, and the towns and villages of the region come alive and vibrate all year round!
In the spring
The solemn Procession de la Sanch and the joyous Goigs dels Ous mark Holy Week. While Sant Jordi celebrates the rose and the book.
The Festa Major and its Feux de la Saint-Jean (Midsummer bonfires), a great convivial celebration of sharing, herald the start of summer at the end of June.
From autumn to winter
The grape harvest and new wine are celebrated with dignity.
Finally, at Christmas, the Pessèbres are on display. These are traditional Catalan nativity scenes.
Children also enjoy the amazing tradition of the Caga Tio, a funny log that literally "shits" presents!
Year-round
Put on your vigatanes (lace-up espadrilles) and dance the sardana in every town and village of the destination.
This is the most Catalan of all danced rounds. Dancers hold hands in a circle and dance, counting steps and points, to the rhythm of a cobla (a typical 11-piece orchestra).
Aplec de sardanes (gatherings of sardana dancers for festivals and sardana competitions) take place regularly throughout the year, but especially in summer.
In Southern Catalonia
The Castells (literally "human castle") are a tradition inherited from southern Catalonia. This very impressive cultural event consists in building a human pyramid of 6 to 10 storeys, which a small group of people climb to reach the top.
Around the jewels
Perpignan garnet is a fine stone found in the valleys of the Canigó. This gem, recognizable in particular by its red color, has been protected since 2018 by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
A certification held by very few craftsmen, guaranteeing rigorous stone selection and hand assembly in keeping with tradition
