Berga, in Catalonia’s central region, is preparing for its annual Patum festival, with the Corpus Christi celebrations set to run from 2 to 7 June in Sant Pere square. The announcement followed the Tabaler’s appearance on Ascension Sunday, marking the start of the city’s festival countdown.
The Patum is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and remains one of Berga’s most important civic and cultural events. This year, organisers say the festival will include new measures to improve safety and comfort for attendees, including a left-luggage service and more water points.
The celebration is built around its traditional comparses, including figures such as the Guites and the Plens, which perform to drumbeats and traditional music. Fire is central to the event, with many of the figures carrying fireworks as they move through the square.
The festival has its roots in medieval Corpus Christi processions and has developed over centuries into the form seen today. Its continuity reflects the strong link between the people of Berga and their cultural heritage.
Organisers expect large crowds and say the new measures are intended to help manage the event more safely. More details on the exact locations of the water points and left-luggage service are expected closer to the start of the festival. For more local coverage, see our news page.