The poor were starving to death on the streets of Paris. In the royal palace, the king’s breakfast consisted of 4 chops, a full chicken, six poached eggs and a slice of ham, washed down with a bottle and a half of champagne.
No event in the Catalan calendar is more important than Els Focs de la Sant Jean or The Fires of St John, held on the region’s sacred mountain, Canigou, and in towns and villages right across Catalonia.
Despite it’s beginnings in Christianity, the Feux de la Saint Jean is linked with ancient practices and white magic
They might not all be a pulsing whirl of excitement – some are only small gatherings scantily attended – but it’s a great way to support the local producers.
Pentecôte was a public holiday until 2005, when the French government, led by President Chirac, decided to cancel it!
Meaning “fire runs”, the Correfoc makes sure that any festival goes with a bang!
The more religious may go to church, but this Bank Holiday is mainly about taking a bit of time to relax with friends and family and enjoy a (nother) long weekend.
The first midsummer fire on Canigou in modern times was lit on 23 June 1955 by Francois Poujade and fellow USAP rugby fanatics – both to celebrate his birthday and Perpignan’s victory over FC Lourdes in the Yves du Manoir Challenge cup.
Only fragments survive to witness the passage of more than 60,000 people interned in the Camp of Rivesaltes between 1942 and 1966.
Enamoured of both the beauty and long and fascinating history of Port-Vendres, the Great Port Vendres Tapestry Association was started in July 2015 to create a large tapestry of the history of the town.