Festivals and Events in Carcassonne

Title: Local Festivals and Events in Carcassonne, France 🇫🇷

La Fête de la Cité de Carcassonne (Carcassonne City Festival) 🎊

  • Date: Generally held in late July or early August. Check the official website for exact dates each year.
  • Description: A week-long festival celebrating the rich history and culture of Carcassonne. Activities include medieval reenactments, concerts, parades, and firework displays. Don’t miss the grand procession through the city! 🏺🔥

Les Vendanges de Bagnac (Bagnac Harvest Festival) 🍇🥛

  • Date: Around mid-October. Again, check the official website for exact dates each year.
  • Description: Celebrate the end of the grape and corn harvest with a traditional feast, local music, dance performances, and market stalls selling regional produce. A great opportunity to immerse yourself in the rural life of the Cathar region! 🌿🎶

Fête de la Cerise (Cherry Festival) 🍒

  • Date: Typically held during the first week of August, though this can vary.
  • Description: Honoring one of Carcassonne’s most famous local products, this festival features cherry-themed activities, markets selling cherries and cherry products, concerts, and firework displays. 🎆🍒

Les Vieilles Têtes (The Old Heads) 👵‍♂️👴

  • Date: Last Sunday of June in even-numbered years. So check back in 2024!
  • Description: A humorous procession that originated from an old Carcassonne tradition where the eldest residents were made “mayors” for a day. Today, the procession involves elaborate costumes and floats representing various trades and activities from the city’s past. 🎭🕰️

Les Fêtes de la Fontaine (The Spring Festival) 🌱🌼

  • Date: Held on May 1st each year to celebrate the arrival of spring.
  • Description: A joyful day filled with music, dance, and the traditional “Fontaine des Combes” water fight! The streets come alive as Carcassonne celebrates the new season. 🌊🎉

Les Nuits de Carcassonne (Carcassonne Nights) 🌃🎬

  • Date: Late June to early August, usually on Thursday evenings.
  • Description: Outdoor cinema screenings of classic and contemporary films in the heart of the city. A magical experience under the stars! 🍿🌃