Autumn Festival in Sant Feliu de Llobregat

The Autumn Festival follows a festive model typical of Catalan major festivals and celebrations with traditional and popular roots. At the same time, it is also influenced by the metropolitan and socio-demographic reality ofSant Feliu de Llobregat.

Despite sharing many characteristics with a major festival, it is not called such because the city's main patron saint festival is celebrated on August 10th, for Saint Lawrence. Instead, the Autumn Festival takes place around October 12th, coinciding with Saint Rarimi, co-patron saint of the city, thus reviving the dates of the former smaller main festival.

The change of dates began to be considered in the late 1970s, specifically in 1978, when it became clear that holding a popular festival in the middle of August hindered citizen participation. This situation provided an opportunity to rethink the festival model of a city that had grown significantly in both population and neighborhoods and that, from 1979 onwards, was already living under a democratic system.

In the early 1980s, the Autumn Festival was created, celebrated around October 12th, following the dates of the former Little Main Festival. The Spring Festivals also originated, held in May to coincide with the National Rose Exhibition and the trade and industrial fair, which was inaugurated in 1980.

As happened in many other towns during the early years of democracy, these new celebrations were part of a process of revitalizing popular festivals. The new model sought to combine tradition and innovation, making Catalan popular culture a fundamental element and a source of inspiration for creating new events.

Fire and figures

In this context, as in many other major festivals, fire becomes one of the most important elements of the celebration, especially since the arrival of democracy. Figures inspired by legends, local traditions of historical or mythological origin, the more popular aspects of the Corpus Christi festivities, and the tradition of bull runs also play a prominent role. From this tradition arise such representative activities as fire runs and street parades.

The legendary tale

In the case of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, this legendary tradition is captured in two tales: The Dragon of Sant Feliu and The Magpie of Sant Feliu. These stories also have puppet theater adaptations. Both tales are an essential part of the structure and imagery of the current Autumn Festival.

The music

Each "beast" and "figure" in the festive folklore has its own music, usually performed by the Ministrils del Seguici (musicians of the procession). Music is therefore an essential element of the festival and takes center stage during the Seguici and the interlude dance, events that mark the beginning of the Autumn Festival. From that moment on, the celebrations continue for the following days according to the established program.

The main meetings between citizens and groups

During the festival days, each group has its own opportunity to interact with the public. However, two activities stand out: the Correfoc (fire run), which is usually held on Saturday night, and the Sant Feliu group parade, which takes place on the morning of the last day of the Autumn Festival.

Clothing

The beginning and end of the festival also mark the period during which the townspeople wear distinctive attire. Red scarves tied around the neck, hats worn by many participants, and damasks hung from balconies are all part of the symbolism of the Autumn Festival and demonstrate the extent to which the celebration permeates the city streets.