On this day, the waters of the Segre become far more than a simple current: they turn into the stage for a living epic. In Coll de Nargó, the rafters once again navigate the river, transporting visitors to a time when people mastered both timber and the river itself. A celebration of pride and timber This festival is a living tribute to the ancient and dangerous trade of the rafters. These fearless river pilots guided rafts of timber from the highest forests of the Pyrenees down towards the coast, constantly battling the current and the many obstacles along the river’s course. Today, many years later, it is the sons and grandsons of those river pilots who, with the same passion and dedication, keep alive the tradition of this long-vanished trade. Watching these wooden rafts made with bound logs, challenge the waters of the Segre River is a moving visual spectacle that connects visitors directly with the spirit of the Pyrenees, its people, its traditions and its landscapes. Coll de Nargó: a village shaped by water To fully understand the significance of this celebration, it is necessary to discover its surroundings. Coll de Nargó is a municipality where water plays a central role. Three rivers flow through the area — the Segre, the Perles and the Sallent — and nearby lies the Oliana Reservoir. Together they create a spectacular landscape that has shaped the character of this land and its people. Here, economic development and social life have always followed the rhythm of the rivers. The Museu dels Raiers timber museum illustrates this heritage perfectly. Dinosaurs and Romanesque art beyond the water The Raft Descent of Coll de Nargó is undoubtedly one of the most important festive events in the town’s calendar. But there are other attractions, too. Dinosfera is a palaeontology centre that houses one of the world’s most important dinosaur nest fossil sites. Visitors can also discover one of the rare jewels of Lombard Romanesque architecture in Catalonia: the Church of Sant Climent de Coll de Nargó. And while exploring the area, it is well worth sampling the wide variety of local produce, including artisanal cheeses and Pyrenean meats. Coll de Nargó offers a truly unique combination: the untamed power of the river, the mystery of the dinosaurs and the tranquillity of Romanesque art. It is the kind of escape where history can be touched with your hands and emotion is felt to the rhythm of the water. Practical information about the Raft Descent of Coll de Nargó Location: Coll de Nargó. Audience: Suitable for all audiences (especially families with children, who can discover a trade that has now disappeared). How to get there: by public transport, by bus from La Seu d’Urgell, Igualada, Berga, Manresa, Tarragona and Barcelona. By private vehicle, from La Seu d’Urgell via the C-14 to the town, or from Solsona or Balaguer via the C-26. It is advisable to arrive early due to crowds.