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Tresserre: A Catalan Village at the Heart of Legends

The Catalan Eden, the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Catalan Eden – Tresserre, village of legends and witches 🧙‍♀️✨

Between Catalan traditions and medieval heritage, Tresserre embodies the soul of the Aspres: a village where history blends with legend, and where the famous Fête des Sorcières (Witches’ Festival) keeps a gentle, magical spirit alive at the heart of autumn.

Tresserre, a historic village in the Aspres hills

Located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, close to Perpignan, the Mediterranean Sea and the Spanish border, Tresserre is an authentic Catalan village with a rich medieval past. Born in the Middle Ages around a cluster of modest homes, it became, in the 13th century, a barony of the Kingdom of Majorca. Behind the church, you can still see the remains of the “palau”, the former summer residence of the Kings of Majorca. The village was annexed by Louis XI in the 15th century, then definitively attached to France after the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659). Blessed with fertile land, Tresserre prospered thanks to the Mediterranean trilogy: wheat, olive oil and wine. Today, with just over 1,100 inhabitants, it charms visitors with its peaceful setting, vineyards as far as the eye can see and a very active community life.

The story of the “bruixes” – the witches of Tresserre

Origins & legends

In Catalan culture, the figure of the bruixa – the witch – has held a special place since the Middle Ages. Far from the evil stereotype, Catalan witches are seen as strong, benevolent women, guardians of traditions and protectors of the home. Offering a small witch doll to a young couple or hanging it on a front door is believed to bring luck and prosperity. Local legends tell that the witches of Tresserre gathered on Saint John’s Eve to celebrate their sabbat at “la Perdre Blanche”. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, Catalonia saw numerous witch trials: the bruixes were often healers, widows or independent women, pushed to the fringes of society because of their knowledge and freedom.

The Witches’ Festival – a living Catalan tradition 🎃

Since 1987, Tresserre has hosted the annual Witches’ Festival (“La Fiesta de les Bruixes”) at the end of October, around All Saints’ Day. Imagined by the members of the local rural centre, this celebration has become a must-see event in the region. For three days, the village is transformed: street performances, costumed parades, craft markets, children’s workshops (brooms, potions, spell books), fire shows and concerts bring the narrow streets to life. The highlight of the weekend is the famous “Nit de les Bruixes” (Night of the Witches): by moonlight, a procession of witches crosses the old village in a mystical, festive atmosphere. The church lights up with the symbol of the festival, and locals and visitors alike are swept up in Catalan magic.
“Behind the frightening costumes are kind spirits: in Catalonia, the witch protects children and the animals of the forest.”

In a nutshell

Tresserre, a village steeped in history and legend, is now widely known for its Witches’ Festival, a joyful heir to Catalan traditions. The bruixes, far from being evil, symbolise popular wisdom and protection. Every autumn, magic and conviviality take over the village, reminding everyone how important living, intangible heritage is to local life.
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