The best parties Nord-Pas-de-Calais

After Disney in 2015 and the world celebrities in 2016, what will be the theme of the 2017 edition? The principle will be in any case the same, with more than a hundred several metres high sculptures where the visitor can observe. Thirty artists of different nationalities will prepare this extraordinary exhibition for several weeks from  special imported tons of sand.

For years, at the time of the holidays of the All, the Champ de Mars in Lille animates and vibrates at the rhythm of the cries of joy and amazement of the spectators of the Grand Lille Festival of the Cirque, who put his suitcases and his gigantic top. Animated by a loyal gentleman from home, the indéboulonnable Thierry Féery, this great circus mass attracts over 80 000 spectators every year. Acrobats, jugglers, magicians, animal trainers, not forgetting clowns, the festival renews its programming every year and showcases artists and acrobats from all over the world. In the 31st edition of 2017? The incredible acrobats of the Hats Juggling Troup of China, a circus filmmaker from Moscow, Muriel and Scott'accidental illusionists ', a dog trainer from Russia or Scott Nelson the Magician. Not to mention Henri the Prince of Clowns and a spectacle of 12 Fauves. The Lille Circus Festival is a blend of tradition and modernity and never stops laughing, dreaming and travelling. So book your tickets soon!

The Giant is a giant construction - originally made of wicker - representing a character, but above all it is an emblematic figure of Northern France! The Giants of the North appeared when the region was part of the Spanish Netherlands. They were paraded during religious processions, but today, there are all kinds of Giants of the North, each with their own name and history, and many cities in the North and in Belgium have them. If you want to have a closer look at this tradition, the Forum des Géants du Nord (which replaces the Giant Weekend) in Tourcoing is ideal because it will allow you to see dozens of giants in all their splendor.

In Hellemmes, you can celebrate the festival and the Festival des Popotes Roller proves this. Created by the Mayor in 2016, this original festival brings together food-trucks and a great musical scene within the Engrand park. What better than good music and street food to celebrate late summer? On the music side, the town hall selected artists found on the net or at local festivals. The program? Pop rock, new wave, hard rock… there are for all tastes. Not forgetting the tributes paid to the largest rock and pop groups, some of them are not missed, for their side resolutely décalé! Side flavours, you will travel. New York hot dogs, pizza, Breton cakes, grilled cheeses, revisited cheeses, etc. And it will of course be sprayed with beer from the collective All Hops, which also breaststroke a 100% hellemmoise beer! It's easy, funny, tasty… it's a little festival like you love!

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!

This traditional annual festive event in Audresselles takes place on June 18 and 19 and combines entertainment and gastronomy. The center of the village comes alive with the sound of music and dance steps. The restaurants do not miss the appointment and deploy their terraces while the crab sellers present their most beautiful products of the sea. An exhibition of flobarts presents the fishing techniques practiced on the coast. We discover the local maritime crafts, but above all, during this festive weekend, the good crab is sold by the bucketful!

The city celebrates Boulonnais horse each year. An emblematic equine race since it is native to the region. Mainly bred in Pas-de-Calais and in the Somme, these horses that are particularly robust ensured the connection between the coast and Paris to transport fish during the 17^th century. Heavy but of an uncontested elegance, this draught horse is honoured during a whole day through horse-team excursions, sculptures of straw, demonstration of equestrian trades (farrier, production of tether in an old way), painting competition on the theme of horse, musical entertainments...

If you are in Calais, on August 15th, don't miss this traditional festival. The morning is devoted to meditation with the celebration of a mass. Weave yourself into the procession of sailors, recognizable by their traditional dress and their "sun" headdress and take a seat in the church of Notre-Dame. After mass, everyone heads for the port to pay homage to the sailors who disappeared at sea around the monument to the rescuers. The afternoon is devoted to festivities with a nautical joust and, for the less audacious, a flea market and Celtic or sea rock concerts. And to make it last until the end of the night, don't forget to take a gourmet break and taste the traditional kippers accompanied by French fries of course!

During the holidays of All Saints'Day, Hardelot sets up the Palais des Enfants on its central square, a Magic Mirrors (circus of the 1920s), in which are offered quality performances that delight the whole family are offered. The puppeteers and actors of all kinds parade through the streets, under the wondering eyes of children. Theatre course, training for budding magicians, puppet manufacturing sessions or cinema complete the programming of this crazy week, totally dedicated to children.

The seaside resort of Côte d'Opale is transformed for a month into a real enchanted kingdom. Every year, the town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage offers a string of illuminations throughout the town, two large open-air skating rinks with a beginners' and experienced skaters' area, themed walks, horse-drawn carriage tours, a mini-club for children (Le Touquet Resort Kid), shows for young people and a Christmas market. Hotels and shops also offer special offers. Enough to make you forget a Christmas in the mountains and prefer a Christmas by the sea!

Among all the ecological events organized in the region, Roubaix's sustainable Christmas market is always a success. And with good reason: combining sustainability and respect for the environment with the magic of Christmas is a winning combo today. Over forty chalets host local exhibitors showcasing their eco-responsible creations made from recycled materials, amid playful themed workshops and 100% recycled decor!

The Rameaux Faire is a great living room for open agriculture. The farmers in the surrounding area leave their most beautiful animals (horse, horses, etc.) for a parade, competitions or demonstrations of training. Some animals invade the heart of Bergues. Rutilantes agricultural machines are displayed on the streets of the squares. A gourmet village and an elegant exhibition complete the visit.