Benasque is rich in culture, something that can also be experienced through its popular fiestas and traditions, enabling visitors to enjoy the perfect combination of history, culture and nature.
These spectacular fiestas were declared "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. They occur on the night of San Juan, coinciding with the celebration of the summer solstice, and are a homage to the sun and fire, featuring a blaze of visual effects (amongst which rivers of fire).
Held on 30 June in honour of San Marcial and featuring the "Ball dels omes", which is not merely an exhibition of colour, passion and devotion, but rather a ceremony in which those who have organised the year's festivities pass that responsibility on to those who will organise the coming year's festivities. The men exchange floral motifs and the women loaves of bread in a symbolic representation of this passing along of roles. The "Ball de les donnes" takes place the following day, allowing the women to venerate those who have been chosen their successors. The women do not dance before the saint, but rather immediately join the circle around the square, dancing alongside their partners. This dance brings the festivities to a close. An unmissable tradition!
