The towns of Tàrrega and Cervera, in the Catalan regions of Urgell and Segarra respectively, renewed their devotion to Sant Magí, a 3rd-century hermit saint highly venerated in the region, this weekend. The festival, which combines religious and popular events, brought together hundreds of faithful who participated in the celebrations in honor of the saint, known for the tradition of the miraculous water of Brufaganya.
In Tàrrega, the day began with a mass at the hermitage in Sant Eloi park, followed by the singing of the gozos dedicated to the saint, with lyrics by mossèn Climent Forner and music by Josep Maria Salisi. Afterwards, attendees moved to the small square dedicated to Sant Magí, where, in front of the majolica, some fulfilled the tradition of drinking sips of water brought from the sanctuary of Sant Magí de la Brufaganya, to which miraculous properties are attributed. This practice, dating back centuries, is an example of the popular piety surrounding the saint.
The organization of the event in Tàrrega was carried out by the Associació dels Amics de l’Arbre, which this year added as a novelty an outdoor dinner with more than a hundred diners, complemented by a concert of classical music and musicals offered by Mireia Rosich and Jordi Guixé. Rosa Maria Perelló, a member of the entity’s board, highlighted the «good reception» of the events and explained that «this year we wanted to add a dinner to extend the festival to all audiences.» Devotion to Sant Magí in Tàrrega is documented since the 18th century, although the current celebration was consolidated in 1953.
In Cervera, the morning was marked by the traditional distribution of the water of Brufaganya through the streets of the city. A procession formed by people leading twelve donkeys adorned with bundles of lavender and boxwood, the Musical Alegria band, the water distributors and an anchorite distributed 250 liters of water among the neighbors, one hundred more than last year. This festival, organized by the Associació d’Amics de Sant Magí, is one of the most deeply rooted in the capital of Segarra and attracts numerous participants each year.
The water of Sant Magí, venerated at the sanctuary of Brufaganya, is considered by the faithful as a sign of the saint’s intercession, although the Church has not issued an official pronouncement on its miraculous nature. Popular devotion, however, remains alive and is transmitted from generation to generation, as demonstrated by the participation of neighbors bearing the name Magí and the involvement of local entities.
Context and relevance
The festival of Sant Magí is part of Catalonia’s festive calendar, where the saint is especially venerated in the regions of Segarra, Urgell and Alt Camp. The tradition of drinking or distributing the water of Brufaganya has become a symbol of local identity, combining faith with popular culture. In Cervera, the celebration has added value for the Band of the Conservatori de Música, which this year commemorated the 15th anniversary of its debut in the Entrada de l’Aigua, a milestone that reinforces the link between music and religiosity.
The participation of new generations and the incorporation of recreational events, such as the dinner in Tàrrega, seek to ensure the continuity of a tradition that, although rooted in history, adapts to current times. The distinction between popular devotion, the testimony of the faithful and the official recognition of the Church is fundamental to understanding the phenomenon: while the attribution of miraculous properties to water is a widespread belief, the ecclesiastical hierarchy has not specifically pronounced on the matter, limiting itself to fostering piety and respect for local traditions.
Original source: www.segre.com (published on August 14, 2026)
