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!

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.

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!

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 Lot region, the annual fête votive takes place in mid-July. First come the aubades to the locals, then the festive entertainment for young and old: a convivial aperitif, waltzes, bourrées and farandoles at the traditional ball, games and funfair, gourmet market, concert by a local band, fireworks... Three days of festivities in one of France's most beautiful villages!

Organized by the Aquí l'Òc association, the Festival Escambis ("exchanges" in Occitan) aims to facilitate encounters by appealing to a wide audience, even those who don't speak Occitan! This original festival promotes cultural diversity in a friendly, festive atmosphere, in convivéncia, the art of living together. You'll be able to enjoy a wide-ranging program, accessible to all, in fields as diverse as music, song, dance, crafts, sport, literature, theater, storytelling...

Every summer, this magnificent medieval bastide hosts a 4-day local festival. After the presentation of the keys to the town, a grand aperitif is held, followed by a country dance demonstration, a night hike and a musical meal. The rest of the weekend is just as lively: numerous traditional meals and barbecues, pétanque competitions, children's games and funfair, landaise race and disco ball. A program rich in color, emotion and conviviality, not to be missed!

On the^1st weekend of July, the Escota é Minja association ("listen and eat", in Occitan) has a motto: amortis la television, bèu un còp e bolèga-te! ("turn off the TV, have a drink and get moving!"). It's more than just a festival, it's an annual event that promotes Occitan culture, intergenerational links and the art of living, gastronomy and sustainable development. For two days, you can enjoy free concerts for young and old, as well as traditional and contemporary music in a festive and convivial atmosphere.

In the mountains of the Val d'Azun, the En Cadence association organizes this annual festival of traditional music and dance. Locals and lovers of Occitan culture come together for this event, for various music and dance workshops and courses, but above all for the ball! Over the course of several days, you'll sing, dance, enjoy exhibitions of lutherie and instrument making, a storytelling stroll, bowling demonstrations and a local producers' market. A total immersion in local culture!

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!