Catí's Rogation to Sant Pere de Castellfort

Every first Saturday and Sunday of May, residents of Catí and a multitude of companions and walkers walk along the circular path that takes them to Sant Pere de Castellfort, in a long two-day march, known as Rogativa de Catí a Sant Pere de Castellfort, and documented since 1321.

The pilgrimage of Catí is one of the most deeply rooted in the interior of Castellón. From the fourteenth century there are written testimonies of this penitential journey. On Saturday, on the uphill route, the pilgrims cross l'Avellà, La Llècua, the historic center of Ares del Maestrat and reach their destination through the municipalities of Catí, Morella, Ares and Castellfort.

In the Rogation of Catí to Sant Pere de Castellfort , the processional tradition of accompanying the cross and the flags is maintained. At dawn on Saturday, the dedicated pilgrims, known as 'Els Catinencs', dressed in dark cloaks and barretinas, who, with their prayers and songs, fill all the attendees with emotion, congregate in the parish church of Catí, sing the 'O Vere Deus' that goes back to other times, and, carrying the image of Sant Pere, they begin the walk to the hermitage of Sant Pere de Castellfort. One of the most emotional moments is the arrival in Sant Pere, where a crowd of people awaits the pilgrims with copper boilers containing beans and rice.

The pilgrimage of the Rogation of Catí to Sant Pere de Castellfort has many other unique elements, in addition to traditional clothing and religious songs. The same happens with traditional gastronomy where there is no shortage of fresh cheese from Catí, Avellà water, cottage cheese, honey, brandy, muscatel ... In all cases, these are foods that predate the discovery of America and the absence of meat stands out.

The journey of the prayer is an opportunity for recollection, inner discovery, and also to strengthen community ties and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Participants walk together, sharing moments of faith and devotion, while contemplating the mountainous landscapes and enjoying the company of neighbors and friends. It is a tradition rooted in local history and culture, which has been passed down from generation to generation, and which remains an important event in the religious and social calendar of the region.