Carna — Pentecost Festivals of Parthenay

Nearly a century of popular celebration

The Pentecost Festivals of Parthenay have their roots in the inter-war period. Created in 1927, they have spanned the decades, adapting to each era, only being interrupted during the six years of World War II from 1940 onwards, and then during the pandemic in 2020-2021. In total, nearly 90 editions have marked Parthenay's history.

As early as the 1930s, even in the midst of an economic crisis, the parades maintained their dynamism and humor, with floats on the theme of "Flowers and fantasy." One of them, titled "There is no crisis," already illustrated the ability of the people of Parthenay to celebrate life despite difficulties.

Spectacular parades

The heart of the Pentecost Festivals lies in the parades — two grand float processions that wind through the streets of Parthenay during the weekend. Built by dozens of passionate volunteers who work for months in their workshops, the floats compete in inventiveness, color, and humor. Each year, a unifying theme is chosen: in 2025, builders worked on the theme "Draw me a float," with creations inspired by drawings made by children during open days organized by the collective.

The parades attract tens of thousands of spectators along the route, in an atmosphere of popular revelry punctuated by brass bands, musical groups, and confetti throws.

Much more than a float parade

La Carna is a multifaceted event offering four days of continuous festivities. The funfair, with its approximately 80 attractions, plays a central role and delights families. Free concerts are scheduled throughout the weekend, featuring variety artists, rock, and festive music. The exhibitors' fair, located on Place du Drapeau, brings together about 100 exhibitors offering local produce, local crafts, and entertainment.

The "Bienvenue à la Ferme" (Welcome to the Farm) network of Deux-Sèvres is present to offer tastings and quality farm products. Since 1992, the festivals have been named Carna Fiesta, with a greater emphasis on local gastronomy and meat from the Parthenaise breed, the pride of the Gâtine region.

A living heritage carried by volunteers

La Carna is above all a human adventure. The Parthenay-Gâtine Festival Committee, the association that organizes the event, relies on a community of dedicated volunteers — about twenty permanent members and numerous occasional contributors — who devote their free time to building floats, logistical organization, and festival animation. Open days at the construction workshops, held before the festival, allow the public to discover the colossal work of the builders.

This participatory and popular dimension, where everyone can contribute to the celebration, makes La Carna a living heritage of the Gâtine region, passed down from generation to generation for nearly a century.