GRAS DE DOUARNENEZ

It is the biggest carnival in Brittany and probably the most picturesque. Existing since 1835, it has a particular meaning in this port city: it marks the end of winter, a period during which fishermen work less. The Gras de Douarnenez is spread out over five days: the enthronement of the Den Paolig (a giant papier-mâché figure of a local personality) on Saturday, a big parade on Sunday, an inter-bar race on Monday, a fancy dress ball on Tuesday evening. Finally, on Wednesday, after the children's ball, the Den Paolig is incinerated in a big bonfire!