Cultural Week and local “Fiesta Major del Roser” in Puigcerdà

Cerdanya has gained popularity among lovers of nature and open-air relaxation. A different destination, nestled in the middle of a unique setting where tradition and culture go hand in hand to create a space full of possibilities. In this Catalan destination, Puigcerdà, is a different place that surprises with its tradition adapted to current times.

The Cultural Week and the Roser Festival have become one of the most acclaimed summer celebrations by visitors and residents of Cerdanya. For a few days, culture and tradition together create a unique atmosphere that surprises and enchants in equal parts. Exhibitions, shows, Correfocs, Castellers, Giants and Parades fill every corner to convey the essence of an area of ​​Catalonia that has survived the passage of time.

During the days that the festival lasts, all kinds of activities are organized, from gastronomic contests, shows for both children and adults, as well as popular gastronomic gatherings. A unique festival that is the pride of the people of Puigcerdà, where traditional acts such as Correfocs or Castells are combined with more modern activities. A moment of local euphoria, where tradition is present and each of Puigcerdà’s inhabitants recovers their origins by participating in events that are part of their history.

Origins of the Giants, Castells and Correfocs

Giants and Big Heads

One of the popular characters that does not miss its appointment during the Cultural Week and the Roser Festival in Puigcerdà are the Giants and Big Heads. In Cerdanya, represented by the Gegants i Grallers de la Vila de Puigcerdà, as well as the Collas de Vilallobent, Queixans and Alp. The origin of this popular character can be traced back to the year 1424 when the first news of the appearance of a giant, Goliath, appeared in Barcelona. Little by little, these figures gained popularity and acquired a playful and festive sense, being the center of attention in many popular celebrations.

During the 19th century, towns and cities used Giants as an expression of identity. In 1902, the first "Gegants, Nanos i Monstres Típics" contest was organized in Barcelona and it was precisely at this time that Giants and Big Heads acquired a unique symbolism outside of territorial terms. The presence of these popular characters has marked several important moments in history, such as the Civil War or the arrival of democracy. It is precisely with the beginning of democracy when the Giants become an important associative phenomenon, recovering forgotten figures and creating a new tradition in various towns.

Castells

With the name of Castells, are known the human constructions in the form of a tower where each participant called Casteller stands on the shoulders of the person below. Depending on the composition and the height of the tower, the name of the Castell varies. In this region they are represented by La Colla Castellera de Cerdanya.

This type of human construction has its origin in Camp de Tarragona where it first appeared in the 18th century. All existing evidence suggests that this type of construction is an evolution of Valencian dances. Currently, the Castells are experiencing a unique period of splendor, with activities of this type being found in various parts such as North Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and even Latin America. The Castells are one of the main events of many of the popular festivals, such as the Fiesta Mayor del Roser. The uniqueness and originality of this artistic expression has led UNESCO to include human castles in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since November 2010, when they acquired the category of universal.

Correfocs

Another of the activities that take place during the Puigcerdà Cultural Week are the Correfocs. In this region represented by La Colla de Dimonis de Puigcerdà. It is a street show in which a group of people dressed as demons parade through the streets dancing, running and jumping with flares and fireworks. The origin of this cultural expression can be found in the Balls de Diables of the 12th century in Catalonia. Over time this show has evolved giving great importance to the pyrotechnic part of it. It was in 1977 when the term Correfoc appeared for the first time in the hands of Diables del Clot. On that date, a parade with fire was held for the first time in which a group of people dressed in sacks carrying sticks on which they placed fireworks could be seen.

We invite you to enjoy the popular festivals, culture and tradition of Cerdanya.