400 years of the relic of Saint Peter: surprising program of events in Reus

Reus prepares for a historic event not seen every day: the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Peter's relic to the city is being commemorated. This milestone, which marks a key moment in local history, promises a series of events that highlight a cherished religious and cultural heritage.

The schedule of events was recently presented at the Prioral of Saint Peter by Reus’s cultural and religious authorities, and has been developed by a participatory panel made up of experts and local entities. The relic, which arrived in 1625, remains on display at the Prioral and continues to be a living symbol for the city.

The legacy of Saint Peter’s relic in Reus

Origin and journey of the relic

The piece originates in Rome and arrived in Reus in the autumn of 1625 through the Carmelite friars. Initially deposited at the Saint John convent, the relic was moved the following year to the main altar of the Prioral of Saint Peter, where it still remains inside a cabinet locked with three keys. Why wasn’t it placed directly at the Prioral? The main altarpiece was still being installed and the solemn ceremony had to be postponed. There is also the theory that the Carmelites wanted to have the relic at their convent first.

The reliquaries: from wood to silver

To venerate it, a polychrome and gilded wooden reliquary bust was created. But the passage of time and changing tastes led to commissioning a new bust in 1696, this time made of silver, by the silversmith Francesc Via. The latter is the one that currently accompanies the relic during the traditional procession on June 29, the main day of the Saint Peter Major Festival.

Event program for the 400th anniversary of the arrival

Talks and conferences to understand the history

• May 14, 7 p.m., Prioral of Saint Peter: Conference on Friar Josep de la Concepció and Carmelite architecture, by Carme Narváez.
• May 21, 6:30 p.m., Reus Museum: Analysis of the main altarpiece of the Prioral, by Joan Bosch.
• May 28, 7 p.m., El Castell Cultural Center: Presentation of silversmith Francesc Via and the reliquary bust, by Joan Domenge.
• June 3, 7 p.m., El Castell: Roundtable on the restoration of the reliquary bust, with Maria Àngels Jorba.
• June 13, 12 p.m., El Castell: Conference on the relics of saints in Catalonia, by Joan Arimany.

Visits and exhibitions that connect with the past

On Saturdays, May 23 and 30 at 7 p.m., historic visits will be held starting from the old Saint John hospital to explore Reus in 1626, the year of the arrival. Additionally, until May 17 the ancient reliquary bust can be seen at the Reus Museum, and starting May 19 it will move to the Prioral for a new exhibition.

Extraordinary event of the Saint Peter Major Festival

The big day: Sunday, June 28

The program culminates with a special event within the Major Festival. At 9:30 a.m., the Municipal Corporation will depart from Mercadal Square to the Prioral. There, the chest of the main altar will be opened with the three keys and the reliquary bust of Saint Peter will be brought out. The image will travel through streets and squares accompanied by authorities and banners of the confraternities.

Key moments of the final event

• Joint dance of the festive procession in Mercadal Square.
• Lighting of the commemorative Tronada in front of City Hall.
• Return of the bust with the procession to the Prioral, where it will remain for veneration.

The tradition endures, and this year, even more so, the city of Reus embraces the remembrance of an episode that still makes the hearts of its inhabitants beat faster.

If you enjoy seeing history come alive through squares and streets, this program is for you. An opportunity to witness a legacy that, after 400 years, still won’t stop speaking.

Source of the article: Ajuntament de Reus