The Pilgrims of Portell Return to Sant Pere de Castellfort

The centuries-old tradition, documented since the 16th century, keeps the devotion and collective memory of the town alive.

Generic image of pilgrims in traditional attire walking towards a hermitage.
IA

Generic image of pilgrims in traditional attire walking towards a hermitage.

Twelve male and female pilgrims walked to Sant Pere de Castellfort in silence and traditional attire, keeping alive a tradition documented since the 16th century.

Portell experienced one of its most emblematic traditional events this weekend with the celebration of the Pelegrins de Portell, a practice documented since the early 16th century that continues to be kept alive thanks to the involvement of the town's residents.
Twelve male and female pilgrims set off early on their journey to Sant Pere de Castellfort in complete silence and traditional attire. Once there, they bowed before the cross of Sant Pere and kissed the ground before participating in mass at the hermitage. Hours later, they began the return journey to Portell, where numerous residents awaited them at the entrance via the hermitage of l'Esperança.
This is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Portell and is carried out thanks to the involvement of the entire town. Since 2018, women have also been active participants in this pilgrimage, which takes place throughout Saturday.
The pilgrimage, which was originally born to pray for water, continues to be kept alive more than 500 years later. A day when the people of Portell embrace this tradition to keep it alive for centuries to come.