The best parties Ariège

Every year since 1992, the first weekend in August, from Thursday to Sunday, has been a joyous and convivial occasion to celebrate rural traditions, farm life and ancestral know-how, attracting several thousand people each year. A parade through the streets, a traditional dance, a craft market and a gourmet market. Everything is done to amaze the palates of even the most discerning gourmets. More than 700 volunteers take part with a large parade, tractors, cows and sheep, bringing to life the Couserans of yesteryear.

Every year in July, the village of Castex celebrates! In the heart of the Ariège region, join the locals for two days of festivities that will fill the streets with color. The Comité des Fêtes organizes a wide range of events, including an open stage on Friday, where you can present your own show of music, dance, clowning... Saturday features board games and friendly pétanque, a musical aperitif and a convivial meal (reservation required - with croustade for dessert!), ending with a concert by a local band and a DJ set that goes on all night!

Organized by the Comité des fêtes de Mirepoix, the bandas festival and its travelling brass bands bring this pretty historic town to life in June. Percussions and bass drums echo through the streets, while young and old dance to the sound of trumpets. Throughout the evening, five bandas will parade around the cafés and the Place du Maréchal Leclerc, bringing joy and good humor to all. For one of the highlights of the summer, get together with family and friends to enjoy these festive musical events!

Transhumance, from the Latin "trans" (beyond) and "humus" (earth, country), is the summer migration of herds to richer, greener lands, such as the Pyrenean estives. Every year, a major pastoral festival is held here, where you too can accompany the herds of sheep, cows and horses through the mountain villages. Your journey will be littered with entertainment, traditional meals and folk shows. An unforgettable experience immersed in the traditions of the Ariège!

In the small Ariège village of Saurat, the Festen'Oc festival aims to be a warm and festive showcase for Occitan culture. Four days to discover or rediscover this culture in all its forms, thanks to a full program: traditional ball, aperitifs and local meals, conferences, street music, book and old games fair, traditional market, dance courses, singing workshops, film screenings in Occitan, theater... Conviviality, good humor and tradition are the order of the day!

Every summer, the Trad'Estiu association organizes its festival of the same name. With the aim of promoting and perpetuating Occitan culture and traditions, the collective organizes events for young and old alike. For 4 days, the town of Foix comes alive with trad'apéros, free trad' balls with Occitan orchestras, wooden games, traditional dance shows... And to immerse yourself even further, you can also enjoy a play in Occitan with French subtitles, and a tour of Foix in Occitan!

The Transhumance festival brings life to the small village of Seix in June. You too can accompany the herds (sheep, cattle, horses, Mérens) into the mountains on five different itineraries during this traditional rendezvous. Don't miss one of the highlights of the weekend in the heart of the village: the Grand Parade of the herds, with bandas and folk groups. And to round off the day, join in the Shepherds' Meal with live music!

For years, Thursday evenings in summer have been enlivened by the tradition of a large popular banquet in Carla-Bayle. In the heart of the village, the Place de l'Europe comes alive with the pastel colors of its houses and the amazement of onlookers. Enjoy free concerts on this pretty square, large, lively and convivial tables with plates of local produce... and join in the dancing in the middle of the crowd! Book your Thursday summer evenings at Le Carla, a great excuse to party!

For all you gourmands out there, get ready to lick your lips! The Pyrenean Cheese and Honey Festival takes place in August, with a host of events organized around these local products to delight young and old alike. A festive evening with bandas and traditional groups, a market selling cheese, honey and local and artisanal Pyrenean products, a workshop for making farmhouse cheese and wooden objects, tastings... A delicious rendezvous!