As every year, we invite you to participate to the Saint Jean-Baptiste Festivities in Collioure.
Origins
The origins are linked to sun worship which explain the festivities take place at the summer solstice. The Catholic Church christened these pagan festivities & transformed into Saint-Jean Baptiste Festivities. These festivities have always been accompanied by great bonfires.
In Paris, the bonfire was traditionally lit by the king of France on the “Place de Grêve” (now the place of the town hall). These festivities are celebrated in many countries including the Scandinavian countries, Spain, Belgium or Canada.
Saint Jean-Baptist Festivities in Catalonia
Every year on 22 June, the villages of Catalonia ascend a small bundle of branches to the cross of Canigou. Three mountaineers of Perpignan are also carry the “Flame of Canigou” from the Castillet (symbolic monument of Perpignan). This flame is then lowered and distributed in every Catalan village. June 23 to 22 hours, all catalan villages with a bonfire lit this flame.
2024 Program in Collioure
The festivities start at 4:00 p.m. with the arrival of the flame of Canigou in Collioure and ends around midnight after the burning of the bonfire on the beach Boramar. Please click on the image below to see the detailed program (to be confirmed).
During the evening: aperitif, sell of protective herbs, songs and Sardana dances.
3.15 pm – Place du 18 juin: Welcome of the authorities of the “Flama dels Països Catalans” Association by the Mayor of Collioure and transmission of the Flame.
3.20 pm – Place du 18 juin: Aubade of Catalan songs by the Campanar Sardanista de Cotlliure choir.
21:00 – Port: Sardanes with the Mil.lenària cobla
22:00 – Departure from the Passe-Ville to the Port d’Avall
10.15 pm – Setting fire to the Boutigué beach
10:30 pm – In the bay: Parade of Catalan boats
10:30 pm – Boramar beach: Correfocs with the Aire Nou de Bao*
11pm – Fireworks on the Boramar beach
11.15 pm – Port: Sardanes with the cobla Mil.lenària
Please note, it will be very difficult to park in Collioure. Do not hesitate to request a taxi. The whole team of the hotel is at your disposal to answer your questions.
Festivities of Saint Vincent
We also invite you to participate in the feasts of Saint Vincent which will be held from August 14 to 18, 2024 in Collioure. You can consult on this blog an article dedicated to the feasts of Saint Vincent
Official website : www.hotel-lesmouettes.com
Blog : blog.hotel-lesmouettes.com