Carnaval de Montfort-en-Chalosse
Traditional carnival in the heart of Chalosse
About Carnaval de Montfort
The Carnaval de Montfort-en-Chalosse is an emblematic festive event in Chalosse, organized every year in March in this village perched on the hills of the Landes. Led by the Festival Committee, this carnival features a grand parade of decorated floats, costumed groups accompanied by bands, a creative workshop for children, a fair, and the traditional judgment of San Pansar. Free and family-friendly, this event perpetuates Gascon carnival traditions and brings together residents from all over Chalosse.
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The Carnaval de Montfort-en-Chalosse: Festival on the Chalosse Hills
Montfort-en-Chalosse, a picturesque medieval village perched on the hills of Chalosse, celebrates its traditional carnival every March. This festive event, driven by a dynamic festival committee and passionate volunteers, perpetuates the Gascon carnival tradition in a bucolic and authentic setting.
The Float Parade
The heart of the Montfort carnival is the grand parade of decorated floats that winds through the village streets starting at 3:30 PM. These floats, built over weeks by village volunteers, are accompanied by costumed groups and bands that ensure a lively musical atmosphere. The colorful procession passes through the picturesque alleys of this charming village, offering a joyful spectacle to the crowds lining the route.
Children's Workshop
For the younger ones, a creative workshop is organized from 2:00 PM, before the parade. Children can make their masks, get their faces painted, and prepare their costumes before joining the procession. This attention to families makes the Montfort carnival a popular multigenerational event.
The Judgment of San Pansar
As in all Gascon carnivals, the day concludes with the judgment of San Pansar, a straw figure accused of all the year's troubles. Judged and then condemned to the pyre in a burlesque trial, San Pansar symbolically carries away the worries of the past year, representing renewal and hope for a better spring.
The Fair and Festivities
In addition to the parade, a fair is set up in the village with rides, game stalls, and refreshment stands offering local Chalosse specialties. The friendly atmosphere continues into the evening with festive meals and music.
Montfort-en-Chalosse: A Heritage Village
Montfort-en-Chalosse is a characterful village renowned for its Musée de la Chalosse, its medieval bastide, and its panoramic views of the Pyrenees. The carnival is part of the rich cultural life of this commune, which values both its historical heritage and its living traditions. The bastide, founded in the 13th century, offers an exceptional setting for the carnival procession, blending ancient architecture with popular celebration.
Practical information — Carnaval de Montfort
Practical Information — Carnaval de Montfort-en-Chalosse
Access
By car: Montfort-en-Chalosse is located 20 km southeast of Dax, accessible via the D32 from Dax or from Gamarde-les-Bains. Free parking is available at the entrance to the village and along adjacent streets. Access to the town center may be restricted during the parade; it is advisable to arrive before 2:00 PM.
By transport: From Dax, connection is possible via departmental road D32 (20 minutes). There is no train station in Montfort; the nearest station is in Dax.
Location
Town center of Montfort-en-Chalosse, in the heart of the medieval bastide. The parade follows the picturesque streets of the village, passing by half-timbered houses and shaded squares. The remarkable architectural setting of this 13th-century bastide offers a unique backdrop for the carnival procession.
Typical Program
- 2:00 PM: Creative workshop for children with mask making, face painting, and costume preparation
- 3:30 PM: Departure of the decorated float parade with bands, costumed groups, and musical entertainment in the village streets
- 5:00 PM: Judgment of San Pansar in the village square, burlesque trial, and cremation of the effigy
- Ongoing: Fair with rides and carnival games, refreshment stands offering hot and cold drinks, food stalls
Prices
Free admission for the entire carnival. Access to rides is charged according to the attractions offered.
Nearby
Take advantage of your visit to discover the Musée de la Chalosse, located in Montfort-en-Chalosse, which retraces daily life in Chalosse in the 19th century on an authentic farm estate. The Chalosse hills also offer beautiful walks with views of the Pyrenees.
Food and Drink
Refreshment stands and food stalls are available at the carnival site. Restaurants in Montfort-en-Chalosse offer Chalosse specialties: foie gras, confit, sheep cheese, and local wines.
Contact
Comité des Fêtes de Montfort-en-Chalosse
Mairie de Montfort-en-Chalosse, 40380 Montfort-en-Chalosse
Office de tourisme Terres de Chalosse: www.chalosse.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Carnaval de Montfort at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Carnaval de Montfort
Centre-bourg de Montfort-en-Chalosse
Centre-bourg, 40380 Montfort-en-Chalosse