The Pyrenees 63 towns in Catalonia, 15 in the regions of Lleida, Aragon, Andorra and France are applying for this distinction, celebrating this tradition of ancestral origin for Sant Joan.
The official candidacy dossier, entitled The Summer Solstice Fire Festivals in the Pyrenees, has been submitted to UNESCO headquarters in Paris to obtain the declaration of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The final decision is expected to be announced in November 2015. It is worth noting that this is the first festival on the Intangible Heritage list that has fire as a central element and its distinction by UNESCO would be a tourist attraction and a source of prestige.
The joint candidacy document of Spain, France and Andorra presented to UNESCO includes the falles festivals of Boí, Taüll, Erill-la-Vall, Barruera, Durro, Pont de Suert, Llesp, Casós, Vilaller and Senet, in the Alta Ribagorça region; Arties and Les, in the Val d'Aran; Isil and Alins, in the Pallars Sobirà, and La Pobla de Segur, in the Pallars Jussà.
More information:
Pallars Sobirà Tourist Office - Tel. 973 62 10 02