Berga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Berga
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Municipality
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 Berga
Location in Province of Barcelona
Berga
Location in Catalonia
Berga
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Community |  Catalonia |
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| Province | Barcelona | ||
| Comarca | Berguedà | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 22.6 km2 (8.7 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 704 m (2,310 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 16,199 | ||
| • Density | 716.8/km2 (1,856/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Berguedà | ||
| Climate | Cfb | ||
Berga (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈbeɾɣə]) is an exciting town in Catalonia, Spain. It's the main town of the Berguedà area, which is like a county. Berga is located in the province of Barcelona. It shares its borders with other towns like Cercs, Olvan, Avià, Capolat, and Castellar del Riu.
Contents
A Look Back: Berga's History
Berga gets its name from an ancient tribe called the Bergistani. These people lived in the area a very long time ago, even before the Romans arrived.
Early Days and Roman Times
The Bergistani tribe first met Hannibal in 218 BC. Later, they tried to stand up against the Romans twice. Both times, they were defeated. After their second uprising, many people from the tribe were taken as slaves. A famous Roman writer named Livy wrote about their main town, Castrum Bergium. This was likely the old version of today's Berga.
Middle Ages and Royal Rule
In the early Middle Ages, Berga was led by important local leaders called viscounts. From the year 988, it even had its own special leaders known as counts.
Later, in 1199, Berga was sold to Peter II of Aragon, who was a king. This meant the town became part of the king's lands.
Modern Times
In May 2012, the town council of Berga made a special decision. They declared King Juan Carlos as 'persona non grata'. This means they officially said he was not welcome. This happened after some events involving the royal family, including the king's trip to Africa.
La Patum: A Special Festival
The Patum de Berga, often just called La Patum, is a very old and popular festival in Berga. It happens every year and is a huge celebration for the town.
During La Patum, local people dress up in amazing costumes. They become mystical and symbolic characters. The festival is filled with music. You'll hear the beat of a drum called the tabal, which gives the festival its name. There's also lively band music. It's a truly unique and exciting event!
Free Software Street
On July 3, 2010, something very special happened in Berga. The world's first Free Software Street was officially opened here!
This event was a big deal for technology fans. Richard Stallman, a famous person in the world of free software, was there for the opening ceremony. It shows how Berga supports open and shared technology.
Berga's Friends Around the World
Berga has special connections with other towns in different countries. These are called "sister cities." It means they share culture and friendship.
Berga's sister cities are:
- Guernica, in the Basque Country, Spain
- Tarascon-sur-Ariège, France
- Högsby, Sweden
Famous People from Berga
Many interesting people have come from Berga. Here are a few:
- Alfonsina Bueno
- Antonio Comellas y Cluet
- José Cunill Postius
See also
- Want to learn more? Check out the article about Berga for kids in Spanish: Berga para niños
