The challenge

We will simultaneously light up over 300 peaks throughout the Pyrenees on July 2, 2022. Using special lanterns and beacons, we will create a line of light that will travel across the Pyrenees, to vindicate the right of self-determination of peoples.

The initiative is inspired by previous mobilizations, such as ‘Llum i llibertat’ which illuminated 131 peaks of the Montserrat mountain (2019), and its counterpart in the Basque Country that illuminated emblematic Basque mountains such as Aiako Harria, Txindoki or Anboto (2019), or the ‘Cims per la llibertat’ mobilization (2018).

The project will be a great challenge made to last in our memories, intertwining activism and artistic creation. A political and poetic story that will become a great image.

Some peaks will only be suitable for experienced climbers, yet a large part of the peaks will be open to the participation of all kinds of hikers. Each summit will be a collective challenge based on cooperation, always keeping in mind the safety of the participants.

Respect for the environment will be key in this project. Therefore, participants will go through a registration system designed to avoid overcrowding.

We will call the attention of the international community to a just cause, in favor of the right to self-determination of the peoples. We want to express our rejection of imposed borders, repression and the anti-democratic obstacles that seek to prevent the materialization of the democratic will of our peoples.

In Catalonia and the Basque Country, we aspire to full sovereignty, to freely decide our future and to make it a reality. We share aspirations of sovereignty and freedom with other peoples of Europe, and we demand that our voices be heard and ask for respect for our respective peoples, respect for the democratic will expressed by a parliamentary majority, and also when it speaks in favor of independence and the creation of a new state.

On the evening of the 2nd of July 2022, more than 300 peaks will be lit simultaneously throughout the Pyrenees, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, thus forming the so-called ‘Pyrenean Way’. From each illuminated peak one will be able to see the light of the next, on both sides.

The peaks included in the green category –or accessible peaks– are characterized by not having overall difficulty, both in terms of access, the duration of the ascent and the descent, the route’s features, or its elevation gain. These peaks are, in principle, accessible to most hikers. Still, they are not without risks, especially considering that part of the activity will take place at night. Therefore, people who wish to participate must register, and thus have accident and rescue insurance.

The largest number of participants on the Pyrenees Way will be concentrated on these accessible peaks, but overcrowding will be avoided and special attention will be paid to the environment, both inside and outside nature parks.

Some of the peaks that are intended to be illuminated on July 2, 2022 will have restricted access. They are considered only suitable for highly experienced climbers and participants will be selected directly by the organization. Given the difficulty of these mountains and the conditions of darkness, the challenge will only be taken on by small groups of expert climbers. Interested groups should contact the organization.

The registration period will open in the spring and will be announced in advance. The registration price will include accident and rescue insurance. In the case of participants with a valid mountaineering federation license, a discount will be applied.