The Flame of Canigó in Catalonia

The Flame of Canigó is an increasingly deep-rooted and popular ritual in the Catalan Countries. It is a mix with the celebration of Sant Joan, to evoke the common identity and as a sign of brotherhood between all Catalan-speaking territories. The Flame of Canigó is the culmination and celebration of an ancestral festival linked to the summer solstice.

The fire of the Canigó Flame never goes out. Throughout the year it remains in the Castellet of Perpignan until, every June 22, it is taken to the top of Canigó. At midnight on June 22 to 23, the Canigó Flame is renewed at the top of this mountain in the Catalan Pyrenees and hundreds of volunteers and fire teams receive it to distribute it later in the Catalan Countries, following several routes to light the bonfires on the night of San Juan. Thus begins, year after year, the pilgrimage of El fuego de la Flame del Canigó.

The cast

The distribution centers are specific towns, where other nearby towns come to collect the Canigó Flame. Afterwards, the arrival at the different destination places is carried out by the so-called " Fire Teams ", in the most diverse ways: by car, by bicycle, on foot..., and also guided by sports, hiking, cultural or neighborhood entities.. They do all this through a series of routes, called main routes, where the Fire Teams transport the Flame from Canigó to their town. Spreading it, often, on new itineraries.

The arrival of the flame

The Flame, which is the essence of this celebration, reaches the towns on torches or lamps and is placed in crucibles before lighting the respective bonfires. Each population organizes the reception of Flama in its own way, but sharing some common elements and a message is read to remember the reason for the initiative. Once the Falma arrives, the bonfire becomes the neighborhood's meeting space where they can jointly celebrate the solstice. The Flame of Canigó is received in addition to the town councils, by the Parliament of Catalonia, regional councils and cultural and sports entities throughout the territory.

Magical practices and beliefs

There are a large number of practices and beliefs around this Day that are almost magical in nature. These practices take effect on the night and early morning of San Juan. In some places, certain herbs are used; Dances are performed, songs are sung and verses are recited. They are practices that are carried out around the fire or on its ashes; requests and wishes; invocations and spells; the use of a specific water and dew. There are also various foods -cakes and other sweets-; wines and spirits; offerings, profane and religious ceremonies such as processions and comparsas; prayers; meetings; games. In short: a great diversity of magical acts around bonfires.

The rules

Beforehand, if you want to participate, it is essential to have municipal authorization, which must be delivered in writing. You will find specific instructions for all the rules on the Omnium Cultural website, which has been playing this supporting role for years and where you will even find instructions for making, properly, a good bonfire. On the website www.flama.cat you will also find the forms to upload although priority is always given to Fire Teams,

A bit of...

This ritual began in 1955 at the initiative of Francesc Pujades, a resident of Arlés de Tec. He was inspired by the poem " Canigó " by Mosén Cinto Verdaguer. He had the idea of lighting the fires of San Juan on the top of the mountain and spreading its flame everywhere. This custom spread rapidly and in 1966 the fire crossed the border for the first time and reached Vic. These were difficult and clandestine times but the tradition spread throughout all Catalan-speaking territories, reaching the Valencian Community as a symbol of survival of the country's culture.

The flame, in the towns, goes out when the festival ends, but it continues to burn in the Castellet of Perpignan and is always present in our hearts.