Berga town hall has recognised 54 people for their long service to the Patum festival, a key part of the city’s Corpus Christi celebrations. The ceremony took place in the packed Plenary Hall and honoured participants who have been involved in different comparses for 10 or 25 years.
The official Patum website says patumaires are people who live, feel and love Patum, and see it as more than a spectacle. It describes the festival as a community tradition that carries historical and sentimental value, and says being a patumaire is a commitment that goes beyond the hat and handkerchief.
Among those recognised was Jordi Vidal, a Berga native who has been a ple jumper for 10 years. He said the experience, from getting dressed to having the mask removed in the square, is impressive, and that receiving the title from the mayor made the day especially meaningful. Andrea Carrillo also received the title after taking part in several roles over her lifetime, including with the Nans Vells, Nans Nous, Turcs i Cavallets and as an Angelet.
Family tradition was also a theme of the ceremony. Siblings Núria Camps and Oriol Camps both received the Patumaire d'Honor title after 25 years of involvement. Both began jumping as ple around the age of 14 and said the shared recognition came as a pleasant surprise. The 38 Patumaire recipients and 16 Patumaire d'Honor recipients received their diplomas from local councillors.
The event also recognised the winners of the Patum Poster Competition. Pol Blanca won for Mirades al foc, which will be the official image of the 2026 festival, while Gerard Artigas was recognised for Llegat, which received the second-highest number of votes.
Mayor Ivan Sànchez congratulated the artists and all the Patumaires and Patumaires d'Honor, praising their constancy, devotion and affection. He also encouraged attendees to rest before the Passacarrers parade, which starts at 19:30 and moves through the city squares, before the awardees gathered for a vermouth after the ceremony.
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