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Corpus Christi

Solsona was one of the pioneering cities in celebrating the Corpus Christi feast day, in 1331. The feast of Corpus Christi (body of Christ) is a religious celebration that dates all the way back to the XIII century. This was the basis of the local folklore tradition.

corpus2008_DSC1169Similarly, these elements were introduced to the Town Festival, a combined display which has existed for nearly 600 years.

It is in some ways similar to the Festa Major and it was the celebration that triggered the appearance of many of our folklorik elements. For instance, some of our “giants” such as the Bou (bull), the Mulassa (mule), the Drac (dragon) or the Àguila (eagle). The celebrations also involve fireworks and parades led by the bishop and other religious authorities. They also feature the presence of the “trabucaires”, a group of men that carry blunderbusses and fire them into the air. The “ball de bastons” (a group of children dancing with sticks), the “nans” (smaller giants that look like people), the bears (giants that look like bears) and the “cavallets” (figures of men riding horses) have each their own song, to which they dance in Major square.

Finally, it’s worth talking about the “catifes” or carpets of roses, which are prepared by children in Bishop square. They are made of flowers and give a beautiful touch to the city.
All in all, it’s a celebration that started off as something religious but has become a lot more along the way.

For further information, please consult:

http://www.solsonalafesta.net/ or http://gegantersdesolsona.com/

Sunday, 2nd June 2024

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