Patum of Berga(La Patum de Berga)

Name: Patum of Berga(La Patum de Berga)
Start: 2025-06-17
End: 2025-06-21
Location: Berga

A Fiery Dance of Giants and Devils

In the small town of Berga, located in the heart of Catalonia, a spectacular festival filled with fire, music, and a vibrant medieval procession comes alive during the week of Corpus Christi. With a history spanning over 600 years, La Patum of Berga reenacts a theatrical drama where mythical creatures dance in the town's central square, transforming it into a joyous celebration of tradition and community for thousands of people. This UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage event captivates visitors from all over the world, offering a truly unique spectacle that stimulates all the senses.

Main Attractions

Patum Completa

The main event of the festival, the Patum Completa, takes place on Thursday and Sunday nights. As night falls and the air is filled with anticipation, the rhythmic beating of the "Tabal" drums signals the beginning of the performance. From the shadows emerge giant papier-mâché figures, some towering over four meters. The Gegants (giants) and Nans (dwarfs) swirl and dance, their colorful costumes blurring in the flickering torchlight.

Excitement peaks as mischievous mule-dragons known as "Guites" race around the square, spewing sparks and flames. The acrid smell of gunpowder and the heat of the nearby flames fill the air as the audience ducks and dodges the fiery breath of the Guites.

Els Plens (The Filled Ones)

The festival's climax is "Els Plens," meaning "The Filled Ones," where dozens of devils dressed in costumes covered in fireworks turn the town square into a sea of fire. As the rhythm of the "Tabal" intensifies, the Plens ignite their spark-covered outfits and begin to jump and spin. The square fills with the energy of light and sound, with thousands of participants leaping through the sparks, their faces illuminated in golden light, feeling the heat on their skin and the drumbeats resonating in their chests.

Culinary Delights

Amidst the thrilling performances, festival-goers can savor local Catalan cuisine. The aroma of grilled "botifarra" sausages and "pa amb tomàquet" (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil) wafts through the narrow streets. Sweet treats like the festival-special "Patum Cake" (a sponge cake soaked in rum) provide a delicious respite between the intense performances.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of La Patum date back to the Middle Ages, developing from the theatrical elements of the Corpus Christi processions of the 14th century. Over the centuries, it evolved from a religious ceremony into a unique cultural expression that blends Christian symbolism with pagan elements and local folklore.

For the people of Berga, La Patum is much more than a festival; it is a vital part of their identity. Passed down through generations, participation in this event is a source of immense pride. The festival vividly connects them with their ancestors, celebrates Catalan culture, and demonstrates the strength of community cohesion in changing times.

Participant Voices

"One moment, I was watching unbelievably large figures dance before my eyes, and the next, I was surrounded by fire-breathing dragons. The energy was absolutely insane! During Els Plens, I jumped around with the locals, sparks flying everywhere. It was an experience that was as terrifying as it was exhilarating. Seeing my astonished face, an elderly man next to me shouted over the noise, 'This is life, young one! This is Patum!!!' I'll never forget that moment."

Fun Facts

The Tabal drum, used in La Patum, produces a very loud sound that echoes throughout the town, serving as a call to gather for the festival.
The "Guita Grossa," one of the fire-breathing "mules," has been a part of the festival since at least 1626, making it one of the oldest surviving elements of La Patum.
During Els Plens, participants can jump through up to 680 kilograms of firecrackers in a single night.
In its 600-year history, the festival has only been canceled twice: during the Spanish Civil War and in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some families in Berga have participated in La Patum for over 20 generations, passing down specific roles and responsibilities.

Festival Date

The La Patum festival in Berga is held annually during the week of Corpus Christi, which falls 60 days after Easter Sunday. The main festivities continue for five days, from Wednesday to Sunday.