La Patum is a popular and historic devotional festival which is held annually in the town of Berga, near the Pyrennes, during the week of Corpus Christi. Its origin can be attributed to the old theatrical performances of the Middle Ages, though it brings together, reinterprets and breathes new life into atavistic pagan rituals. More specifically, its beginnings should be traced back to the old theatrical plays performed during the Corpus processions, which sought to educate, moralise and enlighten the population so as to afford them with a more in-depth insight into the Holy Scriptures.
WHEN?: week of Corpus Christi
More information:
http://www.lapatum.cat/ -in Catalan only
http://www.turismeberga.cat/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berga
http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/38eur_uk.htm
How to get there from Barcelona
Other videos:
The wildest side of La Patum de Berga
Video: © unesco
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHx53w52eeo
