Fiesta de San Miguel
- When: 29th Septmber 2018
- Where: Lleida, Spain
- Website: turismedelleida.cat
The Festival of San Miguel in Lleida is part of one of the most traditional agricultural fairs in Spain. It coincides with the Festa Major d'Automne, the Autumn Festival in Lleida and take place in the Parc dels Camps Elisis.
Held on 29th September this year, it is a fascinating spectacle and as in other festivals in Catalonia, you can witness the famous castellers and their human castles (pictured) that can reach up to ten metres in height.
Lleida, a beautiful spot in the Catalonian mountains
Lleida, also known as Lérida in Spanish, is located in the northwest of Spain, in Catalonia. The province has a group of very valuable Romanesque-Catalan churches that have been declared World Heritage Sites. The province stands out for many things, not least of which are the opportunities for visitors in terms of rural tourism and bird watching.
The natural environment of Lleida is an ideal place to do adventure sports. Two of its most outstanding natural parks, among many in the area, are the Aigüestortes National Park, whose landscape is spectacular, and the Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, especially visited by lovers of winter sports.
As for cuisine, the dishes typical of this mountainous region fill and warm the stomach, such as the famous potato and vegetable stew with pork ribs and bacon known as cassolada. Lleida has no coastline, but even so many local recipes are made using fresh fish caught from the river. What’s more, since 1980 the Snail Meeting (Aplec del Caragol) has been held every May, a competition of tasty snail casseroles, not for the faint of stomach. For dessert, try the crêpes or berries that Lleida is famed for.
Much more than just a local fair
These festivities take place at the end of September in honour of the second patron saint of the city, San Miguel. It’s a state fair of agricultural machinery that is held at the same time as the Autumn Festival of Lleida, with different events and cultural activities taking place on that Saturday.
Tradition and folklore are part of the celebration, with characteristic performances such as habaneras, sardanas and other songs and dances. At the same time, there is also a varied cultural agenda with great theatrical and musical performances.
On the Great Night of the Bestiary, in the evening of this festival, there are spectacular fireworks displays, with groups of people dressed as devils or "correfocs" running along Avinguda de Blondel street with sparklers and firecrackers, and an enormous dragon called "Lo Marraco". It’s a good idea to wear a cap and scarf as a precaution when attending this show, as it can get pretty loud and scary with all the pyrotechnics around.
Another of the most popular events in this fiesta is the parade of giants and big-headed dummies, as well as the folklore festivals previously mentioned, the "diada castellera", the popular Ruta del Garrotín, the late-night parties and the top-notch musical performances. You honestly won’t regret a visit to Lleida at the end of September 2018!
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