Traditional festivals folklore and fairs Midi-Pyrénées

The Compagnie des Archers du Papogay was founded in 1585. Since then, the tradition of Papogay shooting has remained alive and well in the town of Rieux-Volvestre. The festivities include three days of serenades, with a ball, a medieval show, a royal parade, folk dances and, of course, Papogay shooting: with a bow or crossbow, you aim at a target represented by a wooden bird, perched at the end of a pole, called the Papogay. A picturesque event not to be missed, which puts tradition in the spotlight!

Every year the Flower Festival takes place in Bagnères-de-Luchon at the end of August. During several days, many activities are programmed such as running, election of Miss Flower, laser and pyrotechnic show, concerts, shows, bandas and batucada training... The highlight of the show is, of course, the parade of floats in flower in the town centre of Luchon on the last day. For its 2020 edition - the 121st! - the theme puts the French regions in the spotlight. A spectacular and particularly lively traditional festival, not to be missed!

Every summer, in August, the charming village of Fleury d'Aude organizes its festejades, three days of popular festivities punctuated by numerous animations. Free of charge, the event is organized around several concerts. In recent years, the streets of the town have resounded to the rhythm of the songs of the Négresses vertes, Alpha Blondy, Sergent Garcia, Amir or Lio. An impressive program that attracts every year a large number of holidaymakers and locals. Atmosphere guaranteed!

It was at the foot of the town Angonia that, according to legend, a battle was fought where Christian and Saracens fought. Vidian, the leader of Christian troops lost his life as well as several of his companions. Every year since the middle of the th century, this episode is commemorated in a solemn ceremony where the Martrais dressed in colourful costumes make thanks to their Patron Saint and reconstruct the battle.

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.

St. Pierre's Day is celebrated in Gruissan at the height of the summer solstice. This religious festival is a tribute by fishermen to Saint Pierre. This return to our roots is formalized by a procession of fishermen carrying the statue of their patron saint through the streets, followed by judges in black togas, the Prud'homie in a gold hat, assessors in silver hats and the small Gruissan orchestra. After the mass, the event took on a more festive aspect, with offerings, songs, wreaths thrown into the sea... ending with a ball and orchestra.

Since 1979, the Centre Culturel Occitan d'Albi has been organizing La Janada, the traditional St. John's Day festival celebrating the end of the harvest. The festive gathering takes place on Place Sainte-Cécile, and includes a farandole in the streets, a children's ball, a market, a concert... Then finally arrives the procession of Occitan schoolchildren with their torches to light the fire, around which the crowd dances to end the evening!

This traditional festival celebrates cows returning to their beautiful plateau. Over the years, this custom has become a real festival, to which the general public is invited to attend the parade of cows decorated by their breeders. The spectacle of the passing herds is accompanied by a host of events, including a local market, folk dances and gigantic meals featuring Aubrac specialities such as aligot, beef and Laguiole cheese... Pure passion and tradition!

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!

In the Gers region, Cologne holds its annual festival in August. The main festivities are spread over 4 days, with a gourmet market on Friday, serenades, pétanque competitions and a traditional meal on Saturday, and a large gathering of motorcycles and tractors on Sunday. In the evening, there's a hearty meal under the Halle, accompanied by a traditional hot-air balloon release and a dance with live music. On Monday, you can round off your festive weekend with a pétanque competition!