Riu de Cerdanya: Nature Trail, Mountain Paths and Festa Major

Nature and Paths

The Ruta de l'Avetosa de Riu is a nature trail that passes through a fir forest and leads to two monumental fir trees. The two monumental fir trees have a circumference of more than 4 metres and are up to 30 metres high. The nature trail begins at the Refugi del Serrat de les Esposes. Riu de Cerdanya is located in Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. The village is also situated at the foot of Cadí and Moixeró. From Riu de Cerdanya, a 5-kilometre track leads towards Coll del Pendís to an access point in the area of the Refugi del Serrat de les Esposes.

Numerous hiking routes and paths can be accessed from Riu de Cerdanya. Cavalls del Vent is a crossing between eight staffed mountain refuges in Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. The Cavalls del Vent long-distance hike passes through the mountainous area of the municipality of Riu de Cerdanya. The crossing is signposted with orange markings and extends for approximately 97 kilometres.

Culture and Architectural Heritage

Sant Joan de Riu de Pendís is an 18th-century church. Its round apse preserves Romanesque forms. The Baroque altar of Sant Joan de Riu de Pendís was one of the two altars in Baixa Cerdanya to survive the destruction of 1936. On the portal of Sant Joan Baptista, the central keystone bears the date 1773.

The Font de les Rentadores is a 19th-century washhouse. It includes a fountain with five outlets decorated with sculpted heads.

Festivals and Traditions

The Festa Major de Riu de Cerdanya includes the traditional Ball de les Rentadores. During the Festa Major, it is danced at the fountain in the village square. At the end of the 20th century, the Ball de les Rentadores was revived by a group of young people from Riu.

The Pujada a la Font is a walk from the church to the village fountain. This walk is followed by a snack consisting of chocolate, biscuits, anise and sweet Muscat wine. The Festa Major around Midsummer's Eve includes a bonfire and a communal meal with Coca and Cava. On the morning of 24 June, a mass in honour of Sant Joan Baptista, the patron saint of Riu, forms part of the Festa Major.

In the festival calendar, the walk to the Font is followed by the aforementioned snack, and around Midsummer's Eve by the bonfire and communal meal; on the morning of 24 June, the mass in honour of the patron saint, Sant Joan Baptista, follows.

Other places in the same destination area: Cava, Os De Civís, La Plana De Mont-Ros, Cervera, Montmagastre, Ansovell, Granyena De Les Garrigues, Tremp

To the higher-level travel overview: Lleida.