Event Details
What is La Patum?
La Patum de Berga is one of the most extraordinary and ancient folk festivals in Europe. Held every year during Corpus Christi week in the Catalan mountain town of Berga, it traces its origins to medieval theatrical processions from the 14th century. In 2005, UNESCO declared it a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and inscribed it on its Representative List in 2008. Since 1983 it has also been recognised as a Traditional Festival of National Interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya.
La Patum 2027: Dates
In 2027, Corpus Christi falls on Thursday, 27 May. Following the unbroken centuries-old tradition, the main events of La Patum 2027 run from Wednesday to Sunday of Corpus week: 26 to 30 May 2027. The centrepiece celebrations are the afternoon performances (Patum de Lluïment) and the full evening shows (Patum Completa) in Plaça de Sant Pere.
Highlights
- UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2005; over 600 years of unbroken tradition
- Patum Completa: The full night performance with all figures, fire and percussion
- Salt dels Plens: The climax in which fire-wielding devils (Plens) dance across the square, releasing 900 fireworks and 100 flares per jump
- Patum Infantil: The children's version of the festival, where the youngest generations become protagonists
- Street parades with giants, dragons, eagles, dwarves and horsemen through the medieval old town
- The rhythm of the Tabal, the great ceremonial drum that gives La Patum its name
- Live television broadcast on La Xarxa (Catalan regional TV)
The Figures and Dances
La Patum comprises a sequence of ritual dances called Salts, performed by local residents in historical costumes. Each figure carries its own symbolic meaning:
- El Tabal: The great drum; soul and symbol of the festival
- Els Turcs i Cavallets: Children dressed as Turks on cardboard horses; representing the clash between Christianity and Islam
- Els Nans Vells and Els Nans Nous: Old and new dwarves with oversized heads
- Les Guites: Fire-breathing dragons that shower the crowd with sparks
- L'Àliga: The sacred Eagle dance; the most solemn and dignified moment of the festival
- Els Gegants: Old and new giants parading through the streets
- Les Maces: Devil figures brandishing fire torches
- Els Plens: The fire devils whose jump is the dramatic finale of every Patum
Program & Schedule
The main events take place daily at midday (Patum de Lluïment) and in the evening (Patum Completa) in Plaça de Sant Pere. Wednesday and Saturday also feature street parades through the old town. Thursday (Corpus Christi) is the most ceremonial day. The Patum Infantil for children typically takes place on Thursday or Friday afternoon. All participants move counterclockwise around the square; during the Salt dels Plens, a maximum of two people may jump side by side.
Admission & Tickets
La Patum is a free public festival. Access to Plaça de Sant Pere and all street processions is open to everyone at no charge. Balcony seats at the town hall are allocated by lottery to registered applicants. Full program details and practical information for 2027 will be published by the Patronat Municipal de La Patum on the official website.
Safety Information
- Protective clothing is essential: long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, scarf, hat and sturdy footwear to protect against sparks and fire
- No backpacks in the square; a cloakroom is available on site
- Glass containers and bottles are strictly prohibited throughout the festival area
- In an emergency, a red flare is lit, the music stops and the square lights are turned on; stay in place and follow the public address instructions
- The Salt dels Plens is not a standard fire parade: each jump releases 900 fireworks and 100 flares at close range
Visitor Tips
- Berga is located around 100 km north of Barcelona; the easiest way to arrive is by bus or car via the C-16 motorway
- Book accommodation in Berga and the Berguedà region months in advance; the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors each year
- The Salt dels Plens takes place late at night; bring warm layers as May evenings in Berga can be cool
- Official information on the 2027 program, buses and accommodation is available at lapatum.cat and elbergueda.cat
- La Patum is broadcast live on Catalan regional television (La Xarxa)
