Fêtes de la St Côme et St Damien, Argelès-sur-Mer

Every year, towards the end of September, Argelès-sur-Mer pays homage to its patron saints, Saint Côme and Saint Damien, twins and early Christian martyrs, who healed the sick for free.

According to legend, Argelès was struck by plague in the 17th century, an epidemic which disappeared on 27th September 1652 – the feast of the patron saints – and on which day the population made a vow to carry out a solemn procession to honour them every year.

Covering a variety of activities, the festival ends in a long weekend of different events and entertainment, Sardanes, castellers, and bals, crashing to a grand finale parade through the streets. More than 50 gegants i capgrossos (giants & big head) from across North and South Catalonia come together for a mega street party.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE FASCINATING CATALAN TRADITIONS
GIANTS (Gégants)
CASTELLERS
CORREFOCS

FESTA MAJOR, PLACE GAMBETTA & VILLAGE STREETS

It’s Festa Major Day! From 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, the traditional market and Catalan festivities take over the streets, sweeping you into a whirlwind of celebration and conviviality. On the program:

FESTIVE TRADITIONAL MARKET

8 AM – 1 PM, Rue et Place de la République, Rue du 14 Juillet, Avenue de la Libération
A warm atmosphere, colorful stalls bursting with delicious goods, local and seasonal products… What a joy to shop in the open air, right in the heart of the village!

TOWN APERITIF*

From 11:00 AM, Avenue de la Libération
Brass bands will liven up the market and parade through Avenue de la Libération, where the municipal team of Argelès-sur-Mer invites you to share a festive aperitif.

FESTA MAJOR MEAL

1 PM, Place Gambetta
Come share a special moment of conviviality over the Festa Major meal with Catalan flavours, starting with the famous Catalan snails prepared by the Mayor himself. Don’t forget to bring your own tableware (plate, cutlery, and glass)!
Participation: €10. Reservations before September 18 at boutique.ville-argelessurmer.fr or at the Tourist Office (04 68 81 15 85), the Argelès Camp Memorial, and the Casa de l’Albera.

CATALAN FESTIVITIES

Afternoon, Place Gambetta and Village Streets
The fun begins with the passe-ville, a traditional procession through the streets with all the participants. The celebration continues in a lively mix across the streets and squares: a bodega run by the village shopkeepers’ association, sardana dances with the Foment de la Sardane and ballet (traditional dances), Catalan songs with Els Cantaïres d’Argelers, the giant figures (gegants) of the Colla Gegantera i Cultural Catalana d’Argelers, castells (human towers)… and not to forget the dazzling correfocs (fire show)!

A SPARKLING MUSICAL FINALE
From 9 PM, Place Gambetta
To close this joyful day, a grand concert with the band HOLD UP will sweep you onto the dance floor, followed by fireworks lighting up the Argelès sky in a thousand colours.

FULL PROGRAMME

* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.

 THE ORIGINS OF THE FESTA MAJOR