Each year, to celebrate St. Eloi, the patron saint of goldsmiths and jewellers, Perpignan showcases its iconic stone, the garnet, and the jewellers and craftspeople who work with the garnet.

Present for centuries in the Catalan mountains, the garnet is a gemstone that symbolises constancy and loyalty. Known for its deep red colour and sleek lines, it reflects the Mediterranean character of the city.

Over the ages the garnet has become the emblematic jewel of Perpignan. For this reason, in November, on St. Eloi, the ’confrérie Le Grenat de Perpignan’ and the ’Institut du grenat’ organise a weekend of festivities around this jewel.

A variety of events will bring out that Perpignan sparkle, including the famous procession of the Confrérie du Grenat (Brotherhood of the Garnet) – a parade of jewellers and craftspeople in historical costumes, and a solemn ceremony of ’intronisiation’ (investiture) at the cathedral. (See programme below)

 

CHECK OUT FULL PROGRAMME

MORE ABOUT THE GARNET