While the heat in Barcelona during August can sometimes be unbearable, the city has a lot on offer during the summer months, as do the surrounding areas. The region of Catalonia is full of traditional festivals which can bring more than just fun to our holidays, they can take us back in time and even bewitch us with there magical spells. One of these festivities full of tradition and magic is the Sabbath of Cervera, celebrated in the capital of the region of Lleida, which is located a short distance from Barcelona.
The Sabbath is a party that lasts three days and nights and as its name indicates, is an invitation for witches, devils, demons and even a young goat to take to the streets of the city and filled with mystery and fun. While only established as a festival 33 years ago, the tradition goes back to the Middle Ages, when many people were hunted down and imprisoned for practicing witchcraft. Local legend has it that it is precisely at this time where the spirits of these “Bruixa” come out of their detention and hold an annual meeting to give life to this coven. Many people, proud of their mystical past, are recovering the legend to transform it into one of the most attractive holidays in this culturally rich region.
The festival begins on August 28 at 24:00 hrs and as history tells us, witches worshiped a goat with song and orgiastic offerings to open a portal to the netherworld and communicate with Satan. The festival begins with the promenade of the flaming goat which marks the beginning of the Coven of Cervera. At this time, residents and visitors can give free rein to their imagination using the most devilish costumes and participating in all activities that are found in every corner of the old city, where magicians, palm-readers, fortune-tellers, sorcerers and healers join the correfocs (scheduled burnings of sculptures and fireworks), live music, magic and esotericism scheduled for three days.
How to get to Cervera? Very easy, if you’ve rented apartments in Barcelona, you just have get a map. Lleida is a relaxing and short drive away from the city, and the scenery is gorgeous. If you don’t have a car, middle-distance trains will get you there in just over an hour. Let yourself be trapped by the magic and esotericism of the Coven of Cervera.
Tweet
The Legend of Three Trees The Legend of Three Trees A Classic folktale narrated by HAL HOLBROOK. Party Holiday Supply