Discover the San Roque festivities!

August 16th is the day of Saint Roch, a deeply rooted festival in many Catalan and Mediterranean communities. Saint Roch is known as a protector against epidemics and patron saint of the sick, and for this reason, over the centuries, he has been especially invoked during times of plagues and health crises.

His figure inspires devotion and confidence, and many localities worship him with religious and festive events.

Legend has it that Saint Roch was a young nobleman from Montpellier who, after being orphaned, gave up his possessions to help the sick during an epidemic. He himself became ill, and retreated to a cave, where, according to tradition, a dog brought him bread every day and licked his wounds until he was healed. For this reason, he is often depicted accompanied by a dog with a bread roll in its mouth.

In many towns, such as Barcelona (in the Gothic Quarter), Arenys de Mar, and several villages in Valencia and the Balearic Islands, the day of San Roque is a local festival or includes unique elements such as processions, pilgrimages, animal blessings, folk dances, castles, and traditional games.

Furthermore, Saint Roch is also a symbol of solidarity and mutual aid, especially in difficult times. His figure reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and support for the most vulnerable.

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