Traditional festivals folklore and fairs Hérault

In the Hérault region of France, this original event puts fougasse in the spotlight! You know, that southern bread with its soft crust and thick, chewy crumb. For two days, you can dance the baleti, jump over the Saint-Jean fire to the beat of the drums, sing and enjoy an aperitif at the concerts, learn how to make your own fougasse... The collective organizers invite you to come and enjoy some fatty fougasse, then burn off a few calories while enjoying this crazy, extravagant but fantastic program!

This religious festival takes place on the first Sunday of the Votive Festival of Mauguio. During this event, the 15 year old girls take the ribbon for the first time. On Sunday morning, a mass is said in Provençal and offerings are offered on the altar. At the exit, the blessed bread is distributed to the faithful and to the passers-by. In the past, this ceremony signified the entry into the world of women. They could then wear the festive costume: the lace chapel and its muslin fichu, the long skirt and especially the velvet ribbon.

Each year, Palavas-les-Flots celebrates the sea during a week-long feria. The beaches and arenas of the city gather the "festayres" of the region who come to eat, dance and sing traditional local songs. The feria is also a time for bullfighting shows with the Camargue races. Although a little less frequented, the fall feria is still worth a visit with its bodegas, abrivados on the beach, races and various games.

August 16 is the annual celebration of Montpellier's patron saint, Saint Roch, in the city of his birth. Montpellier organizes the Fêtes de la Saint Roch, an event open to all, welcoming not only thousands of pilgrims, but also visitors and tourists from all over the world. On the program for these festive days: a tour dedicated to Saint Roch with Tourist Office guides, an international symposium, processions and liturgical events, festive street entertainment and concerts.

On a 740,000-year-old islet formed by a lava flow, a building stands just a stone's throw from the Agatha coast. In 1586, Viscount de Joyeuse seized the island and built the first fort: Fort de Brescou. The town of Agde is celebrating this remarkable edifice that watches over its coastline with a magnificent fireworks display on the fort's ramparts. See you all in August to admire the spectacle from the Old Port or the Richelieu and Rochelongue beaches!

The legend is that, on the day of Ascension of the year 719, a donkey woke up the Gignacois by its brazments while the Sarrasins were ready to invade the village. The donkey would have allowed the invasion to be postponed. Therefore, he became the totemic animal of Gignac. Every year, this picturesque event is celebrated on Ascension Day. From the day before 7:00 p. m., the donkey represented with a large armature covered with a blue dress, surmounted by a head whose jaws are noisy, is strolled in the streets surrounded by costume dancers.

The Fête des pêcheurs et de la mer is one of Agde's major traditional festivities. In honor of Saint Pierre, patron saint of fishermen, it takes place in Agde and Grau d'Adge over two days. Mass on Saturday, followed by a parade through the streets, a ceremony in tribute to the men of the sea, blessing of the boats and a concert in the evening. On Sunday, mass at Agde's Saint-Sever church, followed by an outing to pay tribute to fallen sailors. Great moments of conviviality!