May, 28 2014

The Patum (from 18 June to 22 June)

World Heritage UNESCO

The Patum ( Wold Heritage ) is a sacred historic-popular representation of the reinterpreted, atavistic, pagan celebrations derived from ancient medieval theater performances, and held annually in the city of Berga during the week of Corpus Christi. To be exact, its origin lies in the former in-between acts of dance groups who marched in the holy procession of Corpus Christi and were meant to educate, moralize and teach the people a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Over time, however, it started to gain followers among the people more for its playful side: the parade procession of revelers. This ended up giving way to sample festive celebrations, featuring those same dancers who used to take part in the procession. It seems that the Patum began in 1454, which can be gleaned from the first news item we have of the Berga Corpus. The Patum is a celebration that must be seen and lived. For those who have not experienced it, it is very difficult to understand. First, because the Patum does not only consist of the dancers or the groups, but is an amalgamation that also includes the natural, existing surroundings (the Plaça de Sant Pere and adjacent streets), the people attending (they cease to be mere spectators to become active participants), at a special time (the week of Corpus Christi), and the ancestral tradition which is constantly updated... This combination is the true value of the Patum. The other is the set of feelings that this celebration awakens. During the Patum moments of mystery, joy, passion, contentment, meditation and ecstasy are experienced ... It is the celebration of senses and feelings.

MOST VISITED ARTICLES

ARCHIVE

CATEGORY

LINKS