Festival of the Thresher and Crafts

A Journey Through Berry's Agricultural Past

The Festival of the Thresher and Crafts takes place every year in Chamorin, a picturesque hamlet in the commune of Baraize, in the heart of the Indre department. Since its creation in 1988, this event has become a must-attend gathering for all lovers of rural heritage and Berry traditions.

Authentic Agricultural Demonstrations

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the traditional wheat threshing demonstration, carried out with period agricultural machinery carefully restored and maintained by enthusiasts. Visitors can witness reenactments of field work from the last century: scything, sheaf stacking, belt thresher threshing, straw pressing, and stooking. These demonstrations help to understand the hard work of farmers of the past and to measure the progress made by agricultural mechanization.

Craftsmanship and Traditional Know-How

Alongside the agricultural activities, the festival hosts numerous art craftsmen and traditional artisans who showcase their skills: basket weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, woodworking, leatherworking, wool spinning, and many other trades. Visitors can observe ancestral gestures, interact with the artisans, and purchase unique pieces directly from the creators.

Folk Entertainment and Conviviality

Folk groups liven up the day with traditional dances and music from Berry and neighboring regions. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, reflecting the spirit of this small hamlet in the Creuse valley. Country meals prepared with local products are served at lunch and in the evening, allowing visitors to taste the specialties of the Berry region in a convivial atmosphere.

An Event Driven by Passionate Volunteers

The Festival of the Thresher and Crafts is entirely organized by the Baraize Festival Committee, composed of passionate volunteers who work throughout the year to prepare this event. Their commitment helps to preserve the memory of the agricultural world of yesteryear and to pass on to younger generations the knowledge of the gestures and tools that shaped our countryside.