Patum of Berga

The fair city of Barcelona is a haven for any one who wants to understand and study various festivals. There are innumerable festivities and events happening in this Spanish city. The festivals and their historical backgrounds are unique and quite interesting to know. People who live to revel amidst various festivities are recommended to come to Barcelona and rejoice. Patum of Berga, Barcelona is another festival among the countless other festivals being celebrated around the clock. This festival however has a special significance as The Patum de Berga in the province of Barcelona had been declared as an oral and immaterial patrimony of the Humanity Day by the UNESCO.

The festival of Patum of Berga, Barcelona dates back to the middle ages and features bestial imageries along with enactment of some of the significant events that took place during the Arabian conquest of Berja. This festival is the representative of the eternal battle between the good and the evil. This takes place on 14th June which is the date of the Corpus Christi. The celebrations run from 14th to the 18th of June.

To start, there is a giant eagle made of wood that is paraded around the town. The figure has blazing firework coming out of its beak. This eagle also chases onlookers. The procession of the Patum of Berga, Barcelona ends in the tiny square of Sant Pere where the party and the revelry continue. There are medieval dances being accompanied by the sounds of kettle drums, locally known as the ‘tabal’. It basically depicts the fights between Christians and the Moors. The act of the eagle expresses the satisfaction of Berga to have succeeded in ending the feudal dominion.

Patum of Berga, Barcelona showcases a magical night full of masks and demons and is a free event to be enjoyed by all.