Le Mas de la Balma


CULTURE

IHere a strong regional identity has been forged which is expressed in the language of the region, in the songs of the `sardanes`(popular songs and dances of Catalan), in the traditional fêtes.
22 June : celebration of the summer solstice. Water and fire are offered in honour of Saint Jean. At the Mas de la Balma the shortest night of the year is celebrated in true Catalan tradition.
14 July : Cargolade, the big fête of the snail at the Naturist Centre of the Mas de la Balma.
14 and 16 July : Féria de Céret, Abrivado, when bulls are let loose in the town.



29 and 30 July : Festival of the Sardane(folk dancing) at Céret.
30 July : The holidaymakers of the Mas de la Balma who wish can participate in the procession of La Rodella de Montbolo. Leave by foot from the church Saint-André de Montbolo at 7 am. for the Abbey Sainte-Marie d`Arles sur Tech. Mass, taking of water from the holy tomb and the distribution about 11.30. " Sardanes " in the square to the sound of a `cobla`.
From the 2 to 6 August : International Folk Festival of Amélie les Bains.

15 August : Cargolade.
Big fête of the snail at the naturist centre.
2 and 3 September :
Mediaeval Fête of Arles sur Tech.
From 28 September until 1 October :
" Les Méditerranéennes ",
Festival of Music at Céret.