Fairs and festivals
Herb Fair
The traditional Peratallada Fair was reconverted in 2004 into a monographic exhibition dedicated to the world of herbs. The aim was to differentiate it from other fairs held in the area and offer a proposal with added value for visitors.
Through this fair is intended to publicize the wide variety of herbs that exist and its wide range of applications, so the sample has a strong educational and pedagogical character. Visitors can find throughout the day specialized artisan stalls where they can buy all kinds of herbs (fresh and dried), medicinal plants and derivatives (ointments, sauces, breads, liqueurs). Parallel activities are also organized, such as workshops, lectures and exhibitions.
Medieval Fair
The history of Peratallada is closely linked to medieval times. It is in this period when we have the first written testimonies about the village. Some documents from the 10th century mention it under the names of "Petra scissa" and "Petra cortada". The castle of Peratallada, around which the town was protected, was the center of the barony that belonged to the Peratallada lineage, documented since the 11th century.
Comedians, minstrels, puppeteers, storytellers and all kinds of period characters return to occupy the village, where a medieval market is recreated. At the stalls you can find all kinds of handmade products: cheeses, honey, herbs, bread, cakes, etc...
The commercial offer is complemented by exhibitions of traditional crafts such as clog making, basket weaving, spinning, among others. At the same time, a series of recreational and cultural activities are held, open to the participation of the public.
Year after year, in Peratallada, we go back to the medieval past in the times of the barons of Peratallada.
It all begins with the Proclamation, followed by a parade through squares and streets, medieval fights, music, theater and shows along the cobbled streets.
La Carbonera
Over the years, La Carbonera has become a real party for the residents of Forallac and the rest of the region. What began at first as an activity of a markedly pedagogical and anthropological nature, as well as recreational, has become one of the most unique festive and cultural events of the municipality. Initially, however, this popular festival was not held in Forallac.
Its promoters were the enterprising members of the association Friends of the Gavarres, precursors of the conservation and revaluation of the heritage of the massif, who in 1993 encouraged two excarboners, Lluís Pla and Simon Cruanyes, to light a coal bunker in Mas Baulida, in Sant Sadurní de l'Heura, next to the path of the Doctors. The experience was born with the aim that people interested in life in the Gavarres massif could see how charcoal was made until recently, just when its exploitation ceased to be profitable as a result of the new forms of energy that were emerging. It was also intended as a small tribute to all those people whose work and sacrifice are part of our collective history.
New stageThe scenario of this successful festival, which from the beginning attracted many visitors, was changing until 1996, when it began to be held in Forallac, in the place known as Sobellàs, in San Clemente de Peralta, one of the last coal places of the massif. From the beginning, the Association of Friends of the Cau de los Pinos, of San Clemente and Santa Susanna de Peralta have been responsible for the organization of the charcoal pile, with the support of the City Council.
The pile is lit during the month of October-during the first and second week, generally-and throughout these days there is always a charcoal burner day and night, who ensures that the combustion is correct. The charcoal burners spend few hours alone. During the day many people and school groups come, and at night there is also quite an atmosphere. There are even people who decide to camp and spend the night next to the pile. It must also be said that there are those who take the excuse to eat and do xefla in a privileged natural environment.
During these days, in addition, parallel events are organized, linked to the dissemination of natural heritage, heritage and human, the Gavarres massif. All this makes Sobellàs the epicenter of the leisure and cultural activity of the municipality, and one of the busiest places in the region.