PHOTOS : The Spanish festival of La Patum in Berga

The Patum of Berga, or simply ‘La Patum’, is a popular and traditional festival which is celebrated each year in the Catalan city of Berga during the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. It consists of several performances of mystical and symbolic figures that dance to the rhythm of a big drum and vivid music. ‘La Patum’ was declared as ‘Traditional Festival of National Interest’ by the autonomous government of Cataluna in 1983, and as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2005. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Published on: Jun 16, 2017 2:29 PM IST

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The Patum of Berga, or simply ‘La Patum’, is a popular and traditional festival which is celebrated each year in the Catalan city of Berga during the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. It consists of several performances of mystical and symbolic figures that dance to the rhythm of a big drum and vivid music. ‘La Patum’ was declared as ‘Traditional Festival of National Interest’ by the autonomous government of Cataluna in 1983, and as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2005. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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Dragons, giants, dwarfs and mules parade through the streets and main town square of Berga for the annual festival of La Patum, a celebration that has evolved over centuries that essentially celebrates the defiance of a community refusing to change. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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The festival’s origins date back to the Middle Age processions that marked Corpus Christi, which included theatrical performances and massive effigies being held aloft - and very little was different as thousands gathered in the city on Friday for its famous closing parades. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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Firecrackers explode as revelers take part of the dance of the ‘Plens’, full in Catalan, during the first day of ‘La Patum’ Festival (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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The earliest recorded performances of this kind date back to 1454, has kept the cultural and religious celebration alive in this form. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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The festival culminates in a parade of effigies representing a range of figures, often shooting flames . (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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Revelers take part in a traditional festival in Berga. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)

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Revelers surround the ‘Nans Vells’, ‘old dwarves’ in Catalan, during the festival. (LLUIS GENE / AFP)