Sant Ponç and its celebrations in Catalonia

Sant Ponç is a traditional festival in Catalonia celebrated every May 11 in honor of the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers. Devotion to this saint dates back centuries and is closely linked to popular culture and ancient medicinal traditions.

According to legend, Saint Ponç was a preacher of French origin who lived during the 3rd century and who was known for his care of medicinal plants. In Catalonia, his cult spread thanks to his relationship with natural medicine, honey and medicinal herbs. For this reason, around the day of Saint Ponç, fairs and markets specialising in these products are held.

One of the most famous celebrations takes place in Barcelona, specifically in the Raval district, where a fair of herbs and natural products is organised on Hospital Street. The fair is one of the oldest in the city and brings together numerous artisans and traders who offer a wide variety of products such as honey, aromatic and medicinal plants, jams, quince, dried fruits, syrup, spices and other traditional preparations.

Apart from Barcelona, other Catalan towns also celebrate Sant Ponç with similar fairs and markets. Cities such as Girona, Tarragona and Lleida, as well as numerous towns throughout the country, organise events related to medicinal herbs and natural products. Often, these fairs also include demonstrations of ancient crafts, workshops on the use of medicinal plants and activities for the whole family.

Beyond its commercial nature, Sant Ponç keeps alive a tradition that links society with the ancestral knowledge of plants and their therapeutic uses. For centuries, herbs have been an essential resource for people's health and well-being, and their commercialization at these fairs recalls the role they have played in popular culture.