Traditional festivals folklore and fairs France

Every year, the town of Port-La Nouvelle comes alive for its anniversary! Celebrated on 21 July - the date on which the commune was officially proclaimed in 1844 - it is punctuated by musical entertainment and an impressive firework display. While waiting for the first bursts of light around 10.30pm, the curious can count on the Trait d'union Périer band to provide the atmosphere from the Place Saint-Charles.

It's not a joke and it's even a very serious and very expensive championship to our Leffrinckouckois. More than ever proud of their fishing village, there are more than a hundred each year to break up the country's small grey shrimp more quickly than their shadow to be sacred champions of the world. An event worthy of the user's friendliness. Who will beat the title of the title, Nicole Vanzinghel, who can break up 134 grams of shrimp in 10 minutes?

If you are in the Argentat region during the last week of July, don't miss a little tour in the village of Lanteuil. Discover the traditional dances of this Correzian territory and the old-fashioned costumes worn by the dancers. Over two days, folk groups perform in the streets of the village and craftsmen demonstrate their art. Also craftsmen and artists working with rye straw.

On that day, the Domaine du Lac de Chour water park is open until 10:30 pm. Summer is celebrated there: concerts from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, sweet and savory food, real hot-dogs, artisanal ice-cream bar, fireworks at night... Many people come for this friendly and festive moment in an exotic setting. Restaurant terrace on the waterfront, covered room. At noon, the restaurant serves grilled meats and salads, in the evening, Italian and Burgundian cuisine. The beach fills up because you can also enjoy the lake and its activities while waiting for the fireworks.

Since 1962, on the first weekend of September, the town of Aire-sur-la-Lys celebrates its culinary speciality: andouille sausages. Lots of entertainment in town, lots of people and a euphoric atmosphere! Concerts punctuate the evenings since the creation of the festival. Big names in French-speaking music have taken part, such as Michel Sardou, Johnny Hallyday or more recently Arcadian. But the event not to be missed is the release of charcuterie from the bailiwick by the mayor and his guests: a crazy local tradition, to be recommended!

Sedan is no stranger to this traditional family event. What a pleasure it is to stroll around Place d'Armes and Place de la Halle, just a few days before Christmas. A host of decorating ideas tickle the fancy of parents, while children marvel at all the pretty lights. Gourmets are also in for a treat, with a multitude of regional products on sale. And of course, Santa Claus will be waiting for you in his chalet.

A local event, the Holiday festival has truly become an institution. Since 1933, band music has appeared on the streets. On Saturday evening, a parade of illuminated tanks is accompanied by musicians. On Sunday afternoon, flowering tanks are accompanied by music companies. The atmosphere is always euphoric. And the air is filled with pleasant scents. Every new edition, its theme.

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.

At the beginning of August, Garigny hosts the donkey festival in the courtyard of the Château de Doys. To the delight of visitors, this country festival features donkey races, ridden by both experienced and novice "jockeys", which can give rise to some quite comical spectacles... After Saint Hubert's mass, there's a wide range of entertainment, with music and dance on the program every year, and game stalls to entertain young and old. Be sure to stop by if you're in the area.

It is the most important brewery festival in Alsace! Every year, in the heart of the Cité des Brasseurs, on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, beer is at the festival. Animations take place during the day, and a different orchestra ensures a very festive atmosphere in the evening. During these evenings, a flea market is organized in the streets of the city. The animation takes place under a tent, so you will be sure to be dry in case of bad weather. Typical atmosphere guaranteed.

Organized by Kansas Dance Association, this event reveals country culture in all its facets. Of course there will be dance demonstrations and animations where the public can improvise a few steps, but also many stands and playful workshops like the mechanical rodeo, all in a 100% Western decor. The festivities will start on Friday, June 22, starting at 8 p. m.

Traditionally festive, Nogaro organizes numerous events over 4 days during its fête votive: funfair, lively bodega, pétanque and fishing competitions, traditional aperitifs and meals, interville bullfighting games between Nogaro and neighboring Riscle in the arenas, hiking and horse-riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, acrobatic displays, humorous parade and flower parade, garage sale and regional produce fair, Landes races, cow release in the streets, fireworks and disco. An event to remember!

You thought bandas were the preserve of the Landes and Basque regions? The Hautes-Pyrénées have long since adopted the tradition, and now have their own festival! Pierrefitte-Nestalas resounds to the sound of bass drums and brass instruments played by 300 musicians before the eyes of over 8,000 spectators. Passe-rue, bodegas and parades form a joyful and noisy common thread, while everywhere it's time for fun: tug-of-war, grand Paquito, dances and gourmet stalls... A colorful and emotional event that will leave you with wonderful memories!

Since 2002, the Identi'Cat festival has been festively promoted by the Baotenca Aire Nou association in Baho, in the name of the "normality" of the Catalan language and culture in northern Catalonia. Beginning in Pézillà and ending in Baho, the festival celebrates the vigor of the Catalan language and the richness of the culture of the Catalan lands, with an exceptional program free and open to all: theater, concerts, shows, dances, correfocs, Catalan giants, parades... An authentic, committed festival not to be missed!

Throughout the day, there are many shows and animations for young and old! The top of the day is given by a procession. The festival is divided into 4 zones: the medieval camp, the big stage, the children's animation and the path of the strange. The festival ends with a great fire show. Organized by the association "Fête de la Sorcière Rouffach", this festival is totally realized by volunteers. The objective is to propose an authentic festival, to give pleasure, playful thrill and many strong emotions.

This traditional festival starts in the early morning, the stalls of the garage sale set up in the streets. Then the courtyards of the farms open their doors to present artistic exhibitions, demonstrations of old trades and allow you to taste the unmissable sauerkraut. Around noon it is the aperitif-concert. In the afternoon a procession wanders through the village. You will enjoy the parade in traditional costume, music, folk dances and the exhibition of old tools.Market of art, crafts and local products.

In the Marcillac valley, Saint-Bourrou is one of the most popular events of the year, and not to be missed! Traditionally, it's all about celebrating Saint Bourrou, the town's patron saint, and blessing the vine buds. For 4 days, a funfair brings the village to life, while a host of events take place in the streets, including free tastings of local wines and products, traditional meals, a winegrowers' parade, enthronements, mass, concerts... A convivial rendez-vous immersed in tradition!

The legend speaks of a lord who wanted to divert the river from the village. The people would then have kicked the impudent with great coups. The Seringueux is a truly separate world. 800 carnavaleux, in boots and waxed, armed with block-loaded syringes (2 litres of water and more) pour their anger against the imprudent that would not be masked! Aquatic battles are striking the festivities. The Giants are out. Curious, and therefore totally fascinating. Provide an umbrella or imperméable, and good courage!

"Chevaliers en quête, troubadours en fête": the slogan of the 2024 poster is evocative. What's more, the historic setting of the bastide town of Monflanquin lends itself well to such an event, now in its 32nd year. Camelots, minstrels, parades through the alleyways, banquets, song and dance: the whole village gives the impression of having travelled back in time to the Middle Ages, taking you along with it. This is Monflanquin's flagship event. Don't miss it!

Proud of its Occitan culture, Villefranche is a lively, festive city. One of the most important events for Villefranchois takes place at the end of June, on Saint John's Day. Corso fleuri and float parades, bandas in the squares and streets, traditional musical groups from all over Europe, parades of majorettes and folk groups, not forgetting the great funfair... The town dances and marvels during these 3 days of festivities.

In the Jardin des Tilleuls in Lourdes, the town comes alive for several days of festivities. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a festive weekend with a wide range of events, including concerts, recreational afternoons and activities for children, traditional dances... All aimed at a wide audience. In the garden, "casetas" are set up for this warm, intergenerational festival, with food and refreshment stands run by local merchants. It's sure to be a convivial occasion!

The Paroles Gabales association and the FDSEA are organizing the Fête des Pâturages to give everyone a chance to discover the world of agriculture. Throughout the day, you'll be able to discover the animals of the Lozère farms and meet cows, calves, sheep, lambs, goats, horses, donkeys, rabbits... as well as enjoy demonstrations of local know-how (haymaking, sheep shearing, wood sawing, herd dog training...), traditional dances, an artisan farmers' market with beautiful local products and entertainment for children.

The transhumance is a traditional and convivial event, eagerly awaited by thousands of people every year. It's a celebration of the herds' ascent to the pastures and high plateaus for the summer, when the grass is more tender. If you'd like to make the most of this unique day, join us at 4:30 a.m. for a hike and an old-fashioned breakfast. Then welcome the herdsmen and their flocks to Mont Lozère and take part in the many traditional events!

This festival re-enacts a key tradition in medieval history: "Las Claus de La Paumo" (9th and 13th centuries). At the time, the lord of the village had to take an oath before a monk delegated by the abbey of Lagrasse. The monk then gave him the keys to the village for a year, and in exchange, he promised the protection of the city. A great celebration would then follow... Since 2002, La Palme has revived this tradition! At the end of the ceremony, it's time to celebrate! On the program: bandas, bodegas, street shows and a closing ball.

Puy-l'Évêque has a great program in store for you at its fête votive! Gourmet market with music, jet-ski baptism and Tyrolean traverse of the Lot, rafting, fishing and pétanque competitions, cycling grand prix, children's games, tapas evening, dinner on the banks of the Lot and fireworks, grand ball and concerts... There's plenty of fun and festive entertainment for you to enjoy over 3 days. The Comité des fêtes has something for all tastes and ages!

The Mescladis Festival is the name given to the festivities in Brassac-sur-Agout, in the Tarn region of France. For 4 days, all generations come together, and all kinds of music mix in a friendly, crazy atmosphere. Combined with rock bands, traditional bals variétés or musettes and other bandas and brass bands that set the streets alight during the day, the concerts give the Mescladis Festival a unique flavour. A summer rendezvous not to be missed!

Not far from Lake Pareloup on the Lévézou plateau, the village of Salles-Curan comes alive for the Saint Loup festival! Come and enjoy three days of southern traditions, with festive and convivial events for young and old: quine, aperitif-concert and Aveyron tapas, pétanque competition, garage sale, traditional show, country meal, brasucade with bandas, rodeo with mechanical bull and belly-slides... Come and enjoy this highlight of Aveyron summer with friends and family!

L'Isle-Jourdain gets festive in July! Organized by the Comité des Fêtes, the festivities are as varied as they are festive: funfair, merry-go-rounds, numerous food stalls and refreshment stands in local colors, pétanque and fishing competitions, traditional dances with live bands on the Esplanade des Pyrénées square... You can also enjoy the fireworks display at the Grand Lac to round off the festivities! All in all, it's a great way to enjoy the festival with family and friends.

At the beginning of August, during a whole weekend, folklore and traditions are organized around wood and lumbering. In other words, horizontal axe, vertical axe, solo or two-person operation, chainsaw and springboard are all at work. It should be noted that there is a contest that spices up the party. A festive atmosphere in the village and entertainment for all, a craftsmen's market and a garage sale: the traditional Fête du Bois et du Bûcheronnage takes place at an altitude of 1,600 m in Les Saisies. Mountain gastronomy is obviously part of the celebration.

A firm favorite with Castrais residents, the Saint-Jean festival is built around the traditional bell-ringing of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Platé carillon, traditional instruments and music, and Occitan dances and songs. The farmers' market will be accompanied by music from the craba, the large bagpipes of the Montagne Noire, and the graile, the oboe of the Monts de Lacaune and Sidobre. Join in the great Occitan ball, with its farandoles and branles, interrupted at nightfall by the traditional bonfire around which the crowd dances to the sound of the Bufarèls!

Saint-Chély-d'Apcher holds its traditional annual festival at the beginning of August, in a friendly, family atmosphere. Join us at the Foirail for the funfair, and in the streets of the town for the many events on offer: concerts, inflatable games, giant table soccer, producers' "musette" dinner and traditional ball, vintage car exhibitions, soapbox raid, street parade, fireworks display... A sensational weekend!

The Festa Major, or "great festival" in Catalan, is a very popular festival in the towns and villages of the Pyrénées Orientales. In Banuyls, you'll find a host of festive events: a creators' market, a smugglers' sardinade, a grand ball, sardanas, free rowing lessons, parades, a horse-drawn carriage race and the Carnival night cavalcade, a masked ball and a concert... Five days for a wonderful immersion in Catalan culture, which we invite you to enjoy with friends or family!

Auvillar celebrates its patron saint on Trinity Sunday. The town comes alive, and winegrowers gather with musicians and folk groups. After the planting of the Mai, a gourmet meal awaits you at the Halle, followed by the procession of the Arbudets with music, and a grand ball. The next day, you'll wake up to the sound of cannon fire, as village children sell flowers and older children enjoy the farmers' market. The festivities continue with mass, bandas, processions, traditional dances and a convivial meal.

Every June for the past 30 years, the village of Anglars has been transformed into a living museum as part of its fête votive. over the course of an afternoon, 350 extras dress up in costumes to bring back to life old trades, everyday scenes, typical characters and village life, in a show that's sure to be enjoyed by all. The free Anglars festival attracts around 7,000 people, including over 5,000 for the Sunday show. Other weekend events include a concert by a local band, an aperitif with bandas, a traditional lunch, fireworks and a bal musette.

For two days, Usson, "Most Beautiful Village in France", revives its medieval past. Join us on the esplanade of the ancient ramparts to discover a medieval market (with local exhibitors), troubadour shows, artisan demonstrations, a mini-farm and musical wanderings. Another highlight is the archery tournament, during which archers shoot with medieval spikes! Feeling hungry? Head for the tavern! To immerse yourself in the atmosphere, you can even come in costume! A real trip back in time!

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 the Côte Vermeille, Banyuls celebrates Catalan culture in July. The festival kicks off with a parade of musical groups accompanied by the impressive Capgrossos Torroellencs, a 400-year-old tradition from Torroella-de-Montgri. Enjoy this joyous cavalcade to the sound of the gralla along the route. Don't miss the sardanes that liven up the streets, the many concerts and the seaside Catalan market. The festivities end with a grand fireworks display. A family event that celebrates Catalan traditions!

Originally a religious festival in praise of Carmaux's patron saint, La Saint Privat has been a key summer event in Carmaux for over 100 years. Popular and open to all, numerous events are organized for the enjoyment of Carmausines, Carmausins and visitors alike: Bodéga, cavalcade and nocturne, pétanque competition, fireworks display, concerts and rides, garage sales, cycle race... Join us for 4 days in August to celebrate in the Tarn style, with family and friends!

The origins of this great traditional festival lie in the celebrations surrounding the arrival of the relics of the town's patron saint in 1701. Today, the Saint-Vincent festivities in Collioure have become the highlight of Collioure life. Over the course of 5 days, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a wide range of entertainment: sea processions in Catalan boats, water games, concerts and bandas, balls, sardanas, street arts... not forgetting the grandiose fireworks display launched over the bay!

The atmosphere is right for the beer festival! Of course, in terms of music, everything is well prepared, with an orchestra that has a wide repertoire of German songs, intergenerational, varied and full of humour, but also a singer who will sing popular and very rhythmic songs. The party starts on Saturday evening from 7pm, and resumes the next day at noon, where a sauerkraut lunch is also planned. Whether you come to discover this typical celebration or to have a good time, one thing is certain, you will not be bored!

In the Tarn region of France, the village of Serviès is celebrating in June. For two days, residents and visitors from neighboring towns are invited to join in the festivities: a basketball tournament open to all, traditional meals, children's games, an aperitif concert, a gathering of vintage cars and motorcycles for enthusiasts, a pétanque competition and open-air concerts. An event that the Comité des Fêtes organizes to bring generations together in a warm, shared atmosphere.

A festive and convivial program awaits you at the Lisle-sur-Tarn festivities at the end of July! The town's streets will be alive with entertainment for young and old alike: funfair, country meals, traditional dances and concerts, fishing and pétanque competitions, children's games... A summer rendezvous not to be missed, culminating in a grand pyrotechnic show fired from the banks over Lac Bellevue. Remarkable!