France - The Pyrenees - Shadow And Sun Of Canigou (5/151)

France - The Pyrenees - Shadow And Sun Of Canigou (5/151)

Where the Mediterranean meets the Pyrenees and Europe's sunniest villages lie, stands a unique peak - the Canigou. The inhabitants feel so strongly about their mount that many hold it to be holy. No wonder two famous Romanesque monasteries cling to the sides of Canigou: St. Michel de Cuxa and St. Martin du Canigou. But this southeastern pocket of France was not always a frontier. Up until 500 years ago, it was part of the Kingdom of Catalonia. With its 9137 feet, it is the highest peak in the area, often staying snow-capped well into June, and is the symbol of a region with a uniquely rich heritage. The French Catalans of the region have preserved many a custom, and even invent a couple new ones to boot, such as the "Focs de San Joan", the midsummer St. John's Fires. Ever since 1955, torchbearers have carried this flame from village to village throughout the Pyrenees, starting at the peak of the holy mountain. For the Spanish Catalans, this highest St. John's Fire was a sign of hope during the dictatorship of Franco. Fugitives fleeing Franco even found refuge beneath Canigou, including the world's best cellist at the time, Pablo Casals. To this day, the local capital of Prades celebrates an annual Bach festival in honor of Casal.