Party of shepherds and the Traditions in Istres

Traditions and folklore Traditional festival Traditions Agriculture Folk music Pilgrimage and procession

From Saturday 07 to Sunday 29 November 2026

Every day

Location : Divers lieux

Presentation

The Festival of Shepherds and Traditions, held annually in Istres, celebrates pastoralism, transhumance, and Provençal traditions. For its 50th edition, taking place from November 8 to 29, the festival features events centered on the culture and heritage of La Crau.

For the past 50 years, the Shepherds and Traditions Festival has brought Provençal customs and the pastoral heritage of La Crau to life in Istres. Every November, this event brings together residents and visitors for a variety of activities celebrating shepherds, their flocks, traditional crafts, and Provençal folklore.

On the program for this anniversary edition: lectures, tours, demonstrations, performances, music, and gatherings centered on local traditions.

Highlights of the 2026 edition:

- The Grand Shepherds’ Bingo, Sunday, November 8, in Entressen.

- Pastoral Day, Sunday, November 22, at Le Deven Equestrian Center: sheep, goats, geese, farm animals, sheepdog demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage and pony rides, games, a farmers’ and artisans’ market, entertainment by the gardians, and on-site dining.

- The Shepherds’ Grand Feast, on Saturday, November 28, at the Multipurpose Hall, followed by a Balèti and folk entertainment.

- The Provençal Mass, Sunday, November 29, at the Domaine de Sulauze, followed by a procession to the Sainte-Madeleine Chapel, featuring traditional songs and a blessing of the animals.

- The Artisans’ Market, new for 2026, on Sunday, November 29, in downtown Istres, featuring an educational farm.

- The Grand Transhumance Parade, on Sunday, November 29, at 2:15 p.m. in downtown Istres. The highlight of the festival, this free parade brings together nearly 2,500 animals: sheep, Rove goats, and Provençal donkeys. The herd winds its way through the streets accompanied by shepherds from La Crau, the Carreto Ramado of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, gardians, folk groups, stilt walkers from the Landes region, and numerous participants in traditional costumes.

- The closing ceremony, on Sunday, November 29, at 4:00 p.m. at the Halle Polyvalente, will bring together the participating folk groups to conclude this anniversary edition to the tune of “La Coupo Santo,” the anthem of Provence.

A popular, family-friendly festival that keeps Provençal traditions alive and passes on the history and pastoral culture of La Crau to new generations. Discover the full program.

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