The Legend of Malavella has is origins in the magical place of the St. Maurice Hermitage and Malavella Castle, where the feudal lady, an old, evil and mysterious woman, was vanquished in order to free the people of Caldes from taxes and the fear of the constant disappearance of their children.

Legend has it that the witch of Malavella had a pact with the devil, enabling her to wield economic power over the inhabitants, as long as she ate the heart of a small child every night.

Thanks to Maurice, a boy who lived in another town and went to the lady’s castle to look for work, the terrible secret of this feudal witch was discovered. One night, he gave her the aged heart of her humpbacked servant for dinner, which weakened her and enabled the people of Caldes to expel this evil old woman, who never returned to the town.

This is why every last Saturday in April in Caldes de Malavella we remember our darkest past personified in the figure of this feudal, evil lady, the Malavella witch.

True fact: there is a documentary record of Malavella Castle from 1054 due to a land deed made by Countess Ermesenda. She is cited as castro vetulo. Three years later, in 1057, there is more news of the castle castro quod dicunt Malavela in an oath made to Countess Almodis, wife of Count Ramon un Berenguer I.

MALAVELLA FESTIVAL EVERY LAST SATURDAY IN APRIL (activities all weekend)

The Malavella Witch Festival came about as a result of several desires and initiatives to recover and promote the legend of Malavella, and in so doing unite it with the world of the imaginary and the occult. Over the entire weekend, activities are scheduled around the legend, the giants and the St. Maurice site. In the afternoon, a dance is held that represents the legend and in which over 100 locals (young and old) take part and until 1 a.m. The Esoteric Night Market, with stalls offering magic, tarot and esoterism, is also held.

Place: Plaza del Ayuntamiento and nearby streets. St. Maurice Hermitage and Malavella Castle.