Carnaval de Montfort-en-Chalosse

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.