The Heredero Riera

Near the St. Maurice Hermitage is the Can Riera farmhouse and an ancient tradition tells that the popular Heredero Riera dance originated here… It is said that the Riera Heredero or heir, wealthy owner of Llançà, once attended the St. Maurice religious pilgrimage of Caldes de Malavella. While he danced with beautiful damsels from the county, he was informed that his fiancée was mortally ill. The man ran to be by the side of his love and fervently asked the Holy Christ, who presided over the girl’s room, to cure her. It is said that this gave rise to the traditional steps of the Heredero Riera Dance.

For St. Anthony

there are large dances.

For St. Maurice

the whole town will dance.

Tra la-ra-la, tra-la-ra-la

tra la-ra-la-la.

Three damsels will go,

They are from el Empordà,

one says to the other:

– And who will lead you?

Let us go young damsels,

let us dance,

the Heredero Riera

will make us take part in the dance.

In the first dance

he leads her out to dance,

in the second dance

the new one arrived.

Apologies ladies

I must go

my love

is dying.

– Good evening, María,

María, how are you?

For me, Riera

she is very poorly.

He turns around,

goes to the church.

Before a Holy Christ

he kneeled.

– Lord, please help me

if you wish to help me,

please return my love to me

she is dying.

After nine days

María got up,

after three weeks

they married.