Patum

Patum, or La Patum, is a traditional festival held in Berga, a town in Catalonia, Spain. Taking place around Corpus Christi, it marks one of the region's most important and distinctive popular celebrations. The event has medieval origins and has evolved into a multi-day series of public performances and processions that combine religious symbolism, folk theatre, and pyrotechnics.

The core comprises a sequence of allegorical tableaux and street pageants staged in the central squares. Participants carry and operate large papier-mâché figures and effigies, including gegants (giants) and capgrossos (big-heads), along with other characters and creatures. The performances are accompanied by marching bands and, at various moments, fire effects and fireworks. The program unfolds in a prescribed order known to participants and spectators, climaxing in a nocturnal display that is traditionally called the Patum.

Patum is a centerpiece of Berga’s identity and a magnet for visitors from across Catalonia and beyond. It has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its status as a living tradition passed down through generations. In addition to its ceremonial and artistic components, the festival involves community institutions, volunteers, and local families who collaborate to preserve the rituals while adapting to contemporary safety and accessibility needs.