Easter Fair and Lorraine Pate of Châtenois

The Châtenois Easter Fair: An Almost Millennial Tradition

Stemming from a fairground tradition documented for several centuries, the Châtenois Easter Fair is one of the oldest commercial events in Western Vosges. Held on Easter Sunday and Monday, this fair once brought together breeders, merchants, and artisans from all over the valley. Over the decades, it has evolved while retaining its popular roots, becoming the famous Lorraine Pate Fair in the 1990s, a gourmet showcase of centuries-old Lorraine culinary know-how.

Lorraine Pate: A Gastronomic Jewel of Regional Heritage

A specialty whose first recipe appears in Le Viandier by Taillevent as early as 1396, Lorraine pate is made from a mixture of pork loin and veal loin finely hand-cut, wrapped in golden puff pastry. Without eggs, breadcrumbs, or milk in its filling, it is distinguished by the nobility of its ingredients and the delicacy of its white wine marinade. Duke Stanislas himself savored it at his table. In Châtenois, this specialty has long been a source of pride, defended and promoted by the local brotherhood.

The Brotherhood of Lorraine Pate of Châtenois

Founded in 1990 by members of the Festival Committee associated with former merchants, the Brotherhood of Lorraine Pate of Châtenois was established on an Easter Sunday, sponsored by the Brotherhood of Frog Thigh Tasters of Vittel. As a guardian of traditions, it organizes the competition for the best Lorraine pate every year on Sunday at noon, awarding the best producers in the amateur and professional categories. The brotherhood also participates in the Pumpkin Fair of Courcelles-sous-Châtenois and represents Châtenois know-how at chapters in France and Belgium.

A Weekend of Festivities for the Whole Family

The program runs from Easter Saturday to Monday. Saturday begins with an Easter egg hunt on the Moïse grounds and a fireworks display in the evening. On Sunday, the official inauguration with the Municipal Harmony Band kicks off the festivities: a street market with over 150 vendors and exhibitors, a vehicle exhibition, an artisan market bringing together about twenty local merchants and Vosges regional products. The highlight remains the award ceremony for the Lorraine pate competition at 11:30 AM, followed by a popular ball in the evening. On Easter Monday, the funfair and street market continue all day in a friendly atmosphere.

Over 5 Tons of Pate and 20,000 Visitors

The scale of the event reflects its popular appeal: over 5 tons of Lorraine pate are prepared each year to satisfy the taste buds of around 20,000 visitors. With its 50 fairground attractions, 150 street vendors, and about twenty artisan-merchants, the Lorraine Pate Fair has become a major tourist driver for the inter-municipal community of Western Vosges and an ambassador of Lorraine's gastronomic heritage far beyond regional borders.