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.
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.
No event in the Catalan calendar is more important than Els Focs de la Sant Jean or The Fires of St John, our mid-summer rites held on the region’s sacred mountain, Canigou (2,784 metres), and in towns and villages right across Catalonia.
Pentecôte was a public holiday until 2005, when the French government, led by President Chirac, decided to cancel it!
Once upon a time, rival bands of young people released their pent up energy by competing against each other in feats of strength and agility.
No guns, no knives.
L’Ascension is the 40th day after Easter, ten days before Pentecost Sunday and marks the day that Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven following his crucifixion and resurrection.
Constructed in locally mined marble, with 15 bedrooms, chapel, billiard room and swimming pool, you would think that Chateau d’Aubiry, the magnificent building on your right half way between Le Boulou and Céret, would have been snapped up by now.
According to French tradition, give those you love a little bouquet of Lily-of-the-Valley (Muguet), to wish them happiness and good luck in celebration of the arrival of spring.
Taking place on or around 23rd April each year, the festival of Sant Jordi celebrates the Patron saint of Catalonia, French equivalent of St George.
Join us this year to reflect on and celebrate what started off the whole Easter thing.
