Each year, Berga transforms into a magical, high-energy stage during La Patum. The Plaça de Sant Pere hums with excitement as centuries-old figures dance to the beat of the tabal under a cascade of fire. Recognized by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this singular festival is more than a spectacle—it’s a living tradition bridging past and present. Immerse yourself in the history, essence, and key figures of one of Catalonia’s most emblematic traditions.La Patum de Berga: Intangible Heritage and Living TraditionLa Patum is not merely a performance; it’s a ritual, a street theatre that has endured for centuries, passed down through generations. Its origins trace back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest records from the 14th century tied to Corpus Christi festivities.Initially, the Church used theatrical “entremesos” to depict biblical stories and educate the public. These performances, symbolizing the battle between Good and Evil with figures like angels and demons, were part of the Corpus Christi procession. Over time, these demonstrations took root in Berga, evolving a unique identity and shifting from a purely religious focus to a popular festival blending sacred and secular elements.The name “Patum” likely derives from the distinctive sound of the tabal, the large drum that drives the troupes’ rhythm: “pa-tum, pa-tum, pa-tum.” This beat is the heart of the celebration, a steady pulse guiding the jumps and dances.The Core of the Festival: Music, Fire, and Collective IdentityLa Patum is a sensory journey. The music, led by the tabal and accompanied by hypnotic, repetitive melodies from a cobla (ensemble), creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Some of these ancient tunes are integral to each troupe.Fire is the other star of the show. From the sparks of the Maces (demon troupe) to the explosive Plens, fire purifies, illuminates, and delivers a breathtaking, daring spectacle, tying the festival to ancient solstice rituals.Dancing beneath the flames is one of La Patum’s most exhilarating moments, but participants must wear thick, old cotton clothing, a hat, a neck scarf, and protective goggles.Beyond its visual and auditory elements, La Patum fosters a strong sense of collective identity. For the people of Berga, participating is both an honour and a commitment to their heritage. It’s embraced with profound passion and respect, with roles and traditions handed down from parents to children, ensuring its survival.Giants, "Guites" (folkloric mules), and "Plens": The Stars That Light Up the SquareLa Patum features various performances and troupes in Plaça de Sant Pere, each with its own music, costumes, and symbolism, performed in a specific sequence:The Tabal: The festival’s herald, its beat signals the start and sets the pace.The Turks and Horses: Representing the clash between Moors (Turks) and Christians (horses), this is one of the oldest troupes.The Maces: Depicting demons with whips topped with firecracker-filled carxofa (maça or drum), they battle angel figures.The Guites: Two monstrous mule-like figures with long necks. The older Guita Grossa sprays water, while the smaller Guita Xica (Little or Crazy Guita) spews fire, chasing the crowd.The Eagle: Majestic and solemn, adorned with a crown and Berga’s coat of arms, it symbolizes power and justice with an elegant, stately dance.The Nans Vells (Old Dwarves): Four large-headed figures performing a cheerful, graceful dance, representing the city’s former nobles.The Nans Nous (New Dwarves): Also four, but more modern, dancing to a livelier tune.The Giants: Two pairs—old and new—representing ancient Saracen leaders and Christian nobles.The Plens: The festival’s climactic spectacle. Hundreds of devils (Plens), covered in glasswort and wearing demonic masks, each wield nine whips loaded with firecrackers, turning the square into a fiery, smoky inferno.The Tirabol: The grand finale. After the final Plens leap, all troupes (without fire) return to the square, dancing with the crowd to the Tabal and Eagle’s music in a burst of shared joy.The "barreja" (Mix): A Taste of the Festival in Every SipLa Patum has its signature drink: the barreja, a blend of sweet muscatel and anise. It’s consumed to cool off, boost energy, and embrace the festive spirit. The barreja symbolizes unity and celebration among friends and participants.When is La Patum de Berga Celebrated?La Patum takes place annually during the week of Corpus Christi, with dates varying based on Holy Week. Corpus Christi falls on the Thursday after the eighth Sunday following Easter. The festival runs from the Wednesday before Corpus Christi to the following Sunday. In 2025, La Patum de Berga will be celebrated from 18 to 22 June.Key days are Corpus Christi Thursday and Sunday, featuring the Patum de lluïment (splendor Patum) at noon and Patum completa (full Patum) at night. Other events include the “Passada” (troupe parade) and the children’s Patum (since 1956).Patum Concerts: Music and Revelry Until DawnAlongside the traditional events in the square, La Patum includes concerts and musical activities throughout different spaces across Berga, especially at night. Known as “Patum concerts,” these attract younger crowds with diverse music, from Catalan bands to DJs, adding a lively, nocturnal and modern complement to the solemn traditions of Plaça de Sant Pere.Fascinating Facts About La Patum de Berga: Do you know them?The curiosities of La Patum de Berga reflect its uniqueness and cultural richness. Below, we reveal some of the most surprising elements that make this festival a unique experience.The Eagle’s Weight: One of the heaviest figures, requiring great skill and strength for its stately dance.The Plens’ Whips: Each Ple carries nine whips, each with 20–25 firecrackers, creating a massive fiery display.The Jumps: It’s not just about watching, participation is key—jumping to the music under the fire is a core part of the experience.Glasswort: The Plens’ costumes, made from fire-resistant Carex pendula, protect against flames.Casa de la Patum: A museum in Plaça de Sant Pere dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and components of this unique festival, featuring symbols, imagery and traditions.The Patum de Berga is a festival that you must experience at least once in your life. It is a deep dive into the history, culture, and spirit of a community that upholds a globally unique tradition. The tabal’s rhythm will draw you in, the Plens’ fire will captivate you, and the square’s collective energy will leave you electrified. La Patum awaits, ready to share its ancient magic.